MacOS – “slash trick” Accessing arbitrary paths in open dialogs in Sierra

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In previous versions of mac/os/x you could type a slash in a open dialog, and the dialog would then let you enter an arbitrary path, such as /tmp. In Sierra, the slash key does nothing in open dialogs. Is there a way to re-enable that feature, or another way to get to an arbitrary path (preferably with the keyboard) in an open dialog?

Best Answer

Pressing Command-Shift-G in a standard open (or save) dialog will open a "Go to the folder" dialog that accepts unix-style paths (and does tab-completion). If you want to open a hidden file, pressing Command-Shift-Period in the open/save dialog will show hidden items.

(BTW, the Command-Shift-G shortcut also works in the Finder, and is equivalent to choosing Go menu > Go to Folder. Unfortunately, Command-Shift-Period doesn't work in Finder, only in open/save dialogs.)

You have several options:

Make the ~/Library directory permanently visible in Finder and add it to your favorites in the sidebar. Then you can simply click on it in the Open/Save dialog. To make the Library folder visible, type the following commands in the Terminal.
```
 chflags nohidden ~/Library
```
You can navigate in a bash-like manner with tab completion. In the Open/Save dialog invoke Go to Folder... using:

⌘+⇧+G.
You can show hidden files in the Open/Save dialog. This way you can navigate to your Library via a parent directory which is in your sidebar. To toggle hidden files press:

⌘+⇧+.

Best Answer

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