Sonoma download files are all hidden

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...

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Sep 28, 2023 12:41 PM

Reply
68 replies

Oct 9, 2023 12:58 PM in response to Lea0909

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.

Oct 16, 2023 1:42 PM in response to Lea0909

It is an issue for files (.pdf) downloaded with Chrome. Safari works; the downloaded files appear on the desktop.

Apple needs to figure this out. It's not about restarting, etc. etc. It's all about Sonoma and Chrome. I know people are trying to help with their suggestions but unfortunately many suggestions go into the weeds. It's a simple problem that requires help from no one but APPLE.

Oct 17, 2023 10:19 AM in response to Lea0909

Hi All,

I found on Reddit that it's possibly an issue with Google Chrome and the default download setting. I updated all of my Google Chrome profile download settings and switched them to save the files in my Downloads folder, and the files are no longer hidden.


Go to Google Chrome -> Settings -> Downloads.


I also reactivated my iCloud Drive Sync this Mac and Desktop & Documents Folders settings because I like sharing files between my devices.


Go to System Settings -> Click on your Apple ID name -> iCloud -> iCloud Drive.

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.

Sonoma download files are all hidden

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.