Extras

Viewing Hidden Files in Finder or Windows Explorer

Operating systems do not always display all of the files in the File Explorer/Finder window. Some files are hidden to prevent the average user accidentally deleting or editing them.

For example, the .htaccess file is not shown by default. To see these hidden files in your Finder/Explorer window, use the instructions below.

Mac OSX  

  • Open Finder
  • Press CMD + SHIFT + .
  • The same shortcut hides files
Animation of pressing command shift and the period key at the same time to show hidden files.

Windows 10  

  • In the Windows search box, type File Explorer Options
  • In the search results, click on File Explorer Options to open the control panel
  • Select the View tab
  • Click on the option to Show hidden files, folders and drives
  • Click the Apply button
File Explorer Settings window with option to show hidden files higlighted.

If you are working with an FTP program, you may also need to change its settings to view hidden files in that program.

The instructions will vary for different FTP programs and they should be in their help files.