How to view hidden files on a mac

Question

I have certain hidden files on my mac that i know are there because they are taking up file space i was wondering how i can make them unhidden thanks

Answer 1

One of those multi-purpose gizmos is overkill for this simple task (unless you already have one – I personally don't use them). Save (to any location you like) Gnarlodious's script as an app, and then slide that app into the sidebar of any Finder window. From then on one click on that sidebar alias toggles 'see invisibles' on and off. My script is virtually the same:
set {currentSetting, toggle} to {do shell script ¬
    "defaults read com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles", "ON"}
if currentSetting is in "ONO" then set toggle to "OFF"
try
    -- If you know how to, optionally insert a 'whoosh' sound here.
    tell application "Finder" to quit
    do shell script "defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles " & toggle
    delay 0.25 -- Alter this value by trial & error to suit your Mac.
    tell application "Finder" to launch
on error errTxt
    display dialog errTxt
end try
Paste that block of green text (or Gnarlodious's) into Script Editor, hit your <enter> key and the text should now display in pretty colors with no error message. You can click on "Run" to test it. Save as an application with all the Options UNchecked.
If you know how to, give it a suitable icon – mine is a "switch".
Heed the warnings about interfering with 'invisible' items. Looking is fine, altering is only for those who know what they are doing – that's why they're invisible!
G5 2.1GHz     Mac OS X (10.4.8)