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After the Sonoma update, downloaded files are hidden on MacBook Pro

When I download files in Sonoma, all files are hidden, I have to use command+shift+. to make those files unhidden, any idea about how to fix this issue? Every file(including regular image and google doc) downloaded is hidden, which makes no sense...



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Sep 28, 2023 12:41 PM

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Posted on Oct 9, 2023 12:58 PM

Same issue. All downloaded folders and files from all browsers are invisible. Opening in Safe Mode did not help so it is not likely an issue with an addon. It is more likely an issue in the OS.


I can make them visible for a session by using the commands noted in this thread but some applications still won't see them (especially anything running in and emulation like Parallels.)


Started after upgrading to Sonoma and have not been able to fix.

74 replies

Oct 21, 2023 10:51 PM in response to Lea0909

I've been having this problem as well. All files downloaded are hidden including .jpg, .png, .pdf. .docx, .xlsx, etc., this includes files exported from Illustrator or Photoshop and downloaded from Chrome.


I tried all the suggestions in this thread but nothing worked. However I found a solution on Reddit that seems to be working. I've tried downloading a few files from different applications and so far none of them are hidden.

Oct 28, 2023 1:25 AM in response to Lea0909

I have not thought this out about if Sonoma hides certain files. I wish that Apple Developers would tell Advisors about this if it is yet another feature which provides additional security and privacy to the operating system. I only know for a fact that when I installed Ventura in my iMac and used Migration Assistant to bring my data into my upgrade of Sonoma that all of my collection of .dmg files seemed to be gone! I used a good Time Machine backup but when I browsed Time Machine... every .dmg was also gone. At that point, I postulated that they are not gone nor are their registration in the library gone. I thought "maybe they are not gone, just hidden, including in Time Machine. I called AppleCare and I asked if certain file types are intentionally hidden in Sonoma? Advisor after advisor had the same response "I don't know" If there is an attempt to provide security and privacy features to protect against 3rd party malware in the form of such file types as .dmg, then I might speculate that part of the motivation of Apple is to hide .dmg app files so that you buy their App Store offerings instead of 3rd Party equivalents.

Nov 22, 2023 4:10 PM in response to Lea0909

Unfortunately, here's the easiest workaround I've found, at least with Edge and Chrome:

1. Click the Downloads toolbar button in your browser window.

2. Click Show in Finder button (usually a folder icon next to the downloaded file's name).

A finder window opens with the invisible file selected.

3. Drag the file to any other folder.

The file is now visible from this point forward. You can even drag it back to the desktop if that's where you want it.

Mar 2, 2024 1:47 AM in response to Lea0909

I found the solution, I think. Check this post from Reddit and hopefully it helps you! :)


(17) Arc (reddit.com)


Basically, if the browser in question is using Chromium (Firefox, Chrome, Edge, etc.) behind the scenes, and the default location for downloads is somewhere in your iCloud drive (Mine was in edge), then the files will download invisibly even if you do not ultimately save the file in the iCloud drive.

After the Sonoma update, downloaded files are hidden on MacBook Pro

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