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hidden files in the item chooser

Using terminal, I got hidden files to show in a Finder window.


Now, how do I get them to show in the Chooser window? Hopefully, the right name for the window, not all that conversant with Apple terminology.

Posted on Jan 21, 2013 11:15 AM

Reply
31 replies

Jan 21, 2013 11:57 AM in response to snowshed

This is one of those very strange almost unknown OS X 'features'


While doing the chflags or defaults write commands will get the hidden files in a Finder window those don't affect the open or save dialogs that applications put up


In order to see hidden files in open and save dialogs, once the dialog is open press command-shift-. (that is the period key). That will set the dialog to show the hidden files. It you want to turn it off press command-shift-. again, it acts as a toggle.


regards

Jan 21, 2013 3:48 PM in response to Frank Caggiano

Frank Caggiano wrote:


This is one of those very strange almost unknown OS X 'features'


While doing the chflags or defaults write commands will get the hidden files in a Finder window those don't affect the open or save dialogs that applications put up


In order to see hidden files in open and save dialogs, once the dialog is open press command-shift-. (that is the period key). That will set the dialog to show the hidden files. It you want to turn it off press command-shift-. again, it acts as a toggle.

Perfect!!!! Exactly what I wanted to know.


Why this isn't in documentation I don't know. It's just too bad, like someone just can't be bothered to provide it to the ordinary user. 😟

Jan 21, 2013 4:05 PM in response to macjack

macjack wrote:


Actually it was Frank who identified it and named it correctly...

I knew that from the email notifications. I just wrote the reply to you first.

macjack wrote:


EDIT: I never did Windows so I don't fear being windowy 😎

Didn't want to irritate those who believe OS X or any other OS is the be all end all of operating systems. I really get tired of that attitude.

Jan 21, 2013 11:19 PM in response to Frank Caggiano

While doing the chflags or defaults write commands will get the hidden files in a Finder window those don't affect the open or save dialogs that applications put up


In order to see hidden files in open and save dialogs, once the dialog is open press command-shift-. (that is the period key). That will set the dialog to show the hidden files. It you want to turn it off press command-shift-. again, it acts as a toggle.

User uploaded fileVery nice find. That's one that eluded my ken.

Jan 21, 2013 11:31 PM in response to snowshed

snowshed wrote:


Perfect!!!! Exactly what I wanted to know.


Why this isn't in documentation I don't know. It's just too bad, like someone just can't be bothered to provide it to the ordinary user. 😟

Not a bit of it. There are lots of hidden tricks that you'll not find in the help viewer on a Mac. They I think are omitted by design.

It's almost like they want you to have fun finding them.

Jan 21, 2013 11:48 PM in response to gumsie

gumsie wrote:

It's almost like they want you to have fun finding them.

Hah! They don't want you, the uninitiated and unlearned user, to muck things up by customizing what they think is the perfect design (or Mommy Apple knows best). That's why they hid the user's Library folder. They spent too much support time fixing things when users bolloxed their machines by deleting something useful. Next will be the root-level /Library and /System folders, making their computers just like their other iOS device, locking everyone out. For newcomers. see these:


Common OS X Keyboard Shortcuts

System Preferences->Keyboard->Keyboard Shortcuts (allows adding and changing current default ones)

Safari Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts (requires enabling the Debug menu)

Secrets (download and install the prefPane)


Those should get you and the OP started with doing useful things.

Jan 22, 2013 12:44 AM in response to baltwo

I'm good. I've had loads of that stuff for ages. It's great at the start exploring and what not but sometimes you think, 'Why didn't they just document it?'.

I think you're right about the hidden stuff.

They should push backups more than they currently do.

I've accidentally removed all my user permissions before but my up to date bootable clone fixed that for me.

Jan 22, 2013 6:28 AM in response to baltwo

baltwo wrote:


While doing the chflags or defaults write commands will get the hidden files in a Finder window those don't affect the open or save dialogs that applications put up


In order to see hidden files in open and save dialogs, once the dialog is open press command-shift-. (that is the period key). That will set the dialog to show the hidden files. It you want to turn it off press command-shift-. again, it acts as a toggle.

User uploaded fileVery nice find. That's one that eluded my ken.

Can't take the credit for this, it was Frank Caggiano that posted that.

hidden files in the item chooser

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