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I want to view the all (sub-)directories on my Mac partition in Finder. Both hidden and unhidden directories.

How can I do this?

2 Answers 2

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  1. Navigate to / (e.g. use ++G.)
  2. Then, in list view hold while clicking the triangle. This will show all subdirectories of a certain folder.

By default, you'll don't see hidden files/directories. To show hidden files type the following commands in the Terminal.app:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE
killall Finder

You can use the value FALSE in the defaults write command to unto this action.

enter image description here

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  • How do I get to /? When I open new Finder Window I can only see Favourites which are the following directories: Dropbox, All My Files, AirDrop, Applications, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, Pictures
    – Anonymous
    Commented Jul 26, 2012 at 12:11
  • @Anonymous The root directory is partition where you installed OS X. By default is has the name Macintosh HD. I've added a picture.
    – gentmatt
    Commented Jul 26, 2012 at 12:12
  • I don't see Macintosh HD in Finder.
    – Anonymous
    Commented Jul 26, 2012 at 12:13
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    @Anonymous You can manually navigate to the / directory this way: 1) Open a finder window 2) hit CMD+Shift+G 3) enter /
    – gentmatt
    Commented Jul 26, 2012 at 12:14
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    neat I've managed to see the hidden files too now :) Thanks a lot!
    – Anonymous
    Commented Jul 26, 2012 at 12:40
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Finder - Preferences. Check the box to show your Mac there, and you will be able to easily navigate wherever you want.

1
  • 1
    Welcome to AskDifferent. While it's never wrong to add a new answer to old questions, please provide a bit more details to distinct your answer from others.
    – nohillside
    Commented Oct 14, 2012 at 12:15

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