- File System Fat16
- Computer File System
- Macbook File System
- Macbook Pro System Recovery
- Macbook System Update
Hydra453. In this article, we look at how to access the System folder and what you can modify within System Preferences, which is not hidden and contains valuable tools and ways to make changes within your Mac.
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How to access the System folder
Apple prefers to hide folders that could be at risk from viruses and cyber-attacks. Not only that but if an inexperienced Mac user were to make a mistake — or delete something important — native or downloaded (third-party) applications could stop working. Therefore, it is safer if certain folders, such as the Library and/or System folder, remain hidden.
However, there are times when you need to access these folders. Maybe an app is misbehaving, so one way to solve this problem is to “Delete the application's plist,” which is only possible with access to the System folder or Library. Within these folders, you benefit from complete control and can modify settings or clear out cache files.
Access the System folder using Terminal
However, if you would prefer doing this the manual way, here is how you can access the System folder:
- Launch Terminal; which you can find in /Applications/Utilities
- Enter this command in Terminal:
chflags nohidden ~/System
- (If nothing shows up under that name, try /Library as an alternative)
- Click Return. Make sure the command is executed.
- Quit Terminal. The System folder should be visible in the Finder.
- If you ever want to restore this to how it was before, enter the following command in Terminal:
chflags hidden ~/System
- Click Return again, and it should be back to how it was.
How to see Mac system files in Finder
Only attempt this method if you are comfortable using Terminal and have used it before. This method will make the folder permanently visible, so if you’d prefer it was only temporary, there is another way - for those using Mac OS X (or macOS) Mavericks and later.
- Open a Finder window and go to your Home folder.
- Within the Finder menu, click View > Show View Options.
- Place a checkmark next to Show System or Library Folder.
And that should give you quick temporary access to the System folder. However, you may need to do that again after accessing it as Apple prefers to keep this hidden.
Pro Tip: If you’ve previously used iPhoto — but are now using Photos on your Mac — you could have duplicate iPhoto libraries. You could be amazed at how much space you could save.
How to access System Preferences?
Now, if you aren't looking for complete control of the apps on your Mac, there is another way to modify how everything operates.
- Go to the Apple Menu.
- Find System Preferences. Or you can access this through Siri, Finder, or the Applications Folder.
- Within System Preferences, you can make a wide range of top-level system changes without needing to access anything hidden through Terminal or the Finder.
With this level of behind-the-scenes access, you can make improvements to the performance of your Mac. Delete apps that take up too much space. Customize how your macOS looks. If your Mac isn’t performing as well as you would like, gaining access to System and Library folders is one of the best ways to regain the speed and efficiency you once enjoyed.
Two more tricks to unlock Mac system folders
There's a special keyboard shortcut that displays the protected folders in Finder. All you need to do is to press:
Shift + Command + Period character
Shift + Command + Period character
This immediately reveals the semi-transparent folders that are normally restricted for access. Repeat the combination to undo the operation.
View Mac System folder with CleanMyMac X
Another way to unlock the hidden space is to download the tool I often recommend, CleanMyMac X. It has the so-called Space Lens feature that builds the interactive map of your storage. You will see lots of folders you rarely get to visit, like Movies, Application cache, etc.
Download the app's free edition here.
Now you can explore the space 'bubbles,' zoom on hidden files and folders, and delete them right on the spot. A good way to free up space when you need it. Here is the System Folder as viewed from the Space Lens:
Download the app's free edition here.
Now you can explore the space 'bubbles,' zoom on hidden files and folders, and delete them right on the spot. A good way to free up space when you need it. Here is the System Folder as viewed from the Space Lens:
Now you know everything about finding the System folder on a Mac. I hope you'll find this article helpful.
Disk Utility User Guide
Disk Utility on Mac supports several file system formats:
- Apple File System (APFS): The file system used by macOS 10.13 or later.
- Mac OS Extended: The file system used by macOS 10.12 or earlier.
- MS-DOS (FAT) and ExFAT: File systems that are compatible with Windows.
![File File](https://www.disk-partition.com/articles/images/file-system-for-mac-and-windows-0310/file-system-for-mac-and-pc.jpg)
Apple File System (APFS)
Apple File System (APFS), the default file system for Mac computers using macOS 10.13 or later, features strong encryption, space sharing, snapshots, fast directory sizing, and improved file system fundamentals. While APFS is optimized for the Flash/SSD storage used in recent Mac computers, it can also be used with older systems with traditional hard disk drives (HDD) and external, direct-attached storage. macOS 10.13 or later supports APFS for both bootable and data volumes.
File System Fat16
APFS allocates disk space within a container on demand. The disk’s free space is shared and can be allocated to any of the individual volumes in the container as needed. If desired, you can specify reserve and quota sizes for each volume. Each volume uses only part of the overall container, so the available space is the total size of the container, minus the size of all the volumes in the container.
Choose one of the following APFS formats for Mac computers using macOS 10.13 or later.
- APFS: Uses the APFS format.
- APFS (Encrypted): Uses the APFS format and encrypts the volume.
- APFS (Case-sensitive): Uses the APFS format and is case-sensitive to file and folder names. For example, folders named “Homework” and “HOMEWORK” are two different folders.
- APFS (Case-sensitive, Encrypted): Uses the APFS format, is case-sensitive to file and folder names, and encrypts the volume. For example, folders named “Homework” and “HOMEWORK” are two different folders.
You can easily add or delete volumes in APFS containers. Each volume within an APFS container can have its own APFS format—APFS, APFS (Encrypted), APFS (Case-sensitive), or APFS (Case-sensitive, Encrypted). Linux coding software.
Mac OS Extended
Computer File System
Choose one of the following Mac OS Extended file system formats for compatibility with Mac computers using macOS 10.12 or earlier.
- Mac OS Extended (Journaled): Uses the Mac format (Journaled HFS Plus) to protect the integrity of the hierarchical file system.
- Mac OS Extended (Journaled, Encrypted): Uses the Mac format, requires a password, and encrypts the partition.
- Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled): Uses the Mac format and is case-sensitive to folder names. For example, folders named “Homework” and “HOMEWORK” are two different folders.
- Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted): Uses the Mac format, is case-sensitive to folder names, requires a password, and encrypts the partition.
Macbook File System
Windows-compatible formats
Choose one of the following Windows-compatible file system formats if you are formatting a disk to use with Windows.
Macbook Pro System Recovery
- MS-DOS (FAT): Infographics lab 3 4 8 qt. Use for Windows volumes that are 32 GB or less.
- ExFAT: Use for Windows volumes that are over 32 GB.
Macbook System Update
See alsoPartition schemes available in Disk Utility on MacAbout Disk Utility on Mac