How To Open User Library Folder On Mac

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What is the usr folder?

Apple operating systems are constructed using a Linux file system hierarchy, which means that traditional UNIX system directories hide certain files and directories. Unlike Applications or Documents or Downloads, some files and folders are hidden by default by the Mac operating system (macOS).

MacOS hides these for good reason. When buildings are constructed, wiring and plumbing is hidden behind walls. As a general rule, exposing anything that could have a serious negative impact on a building if it was accidentally damaged or tampered with is considered a good idea. The same is true of usr and var and other folders and directories.

Some troubleshooting procedures require you to navigate to and view a hidden folder on Mac. You can access the Library folder with the Go To Folder command or from the Terminal app. Access the Library folder in Finder: In Finder, choose Go Go To Folder In the Go To The Folder field, enter /library/ Click Go. Access the Library folder directly through the Terminal: Click the Spotlight Search.

  • Jul 25, 2011  18 ways to view the /Library folder in Lion and Mountain Lion. Given that the first user account on a Mac is always set up as an admin account. You can now open your Library folder at any.
  • Before going ahead with the steps to Access the Hidden Library Folder on your Mac, you need to be aware that /Library Folder contains important Data and Files related to Mac User Accounts. Hence, make sure that you are accessing the Library Folder for a good reason and you do know as to what you are trying to achieve.
  • May 01, 2019  In macOS, the library folder is used to store user account settings, preference files, app support files, caches, and other important data that allows your Mac to function as it should.
  • Prior to Mac OS X Lion's release back in 2011, if you wanted to access the Library folder you could just open your Home folder and view the Library folder there. That folder is still located in.
  • With your Home folder open, go to View Show View Options from the menu bar, or use the keyboard shortcut Command-J. At the bottom of the View Options window, check the box labeled Show Library Folder and then close the window with the red close button in the upper-left.

Usr used to mean “everything user related”, but over time this has evolved into “user usable programs and data.” What this means is, the usr contains shareable, read-only data, and often contains the largest share of behind-the-scenes data on any operating system. Within the usr is user-land programs and data is contained, such as user binaries, their documentation, libraries, header files, and other read-only programs and associated data.

Generally speaking, because these folders and directories are behind the scenes, most users - even Mac power users - don't need to know about them or gain access. Similar to plumbing and wiring, it is enough to know they're running smoothly and only to gain access if you know what you’re doing, or let an Apple trained expert take a look using diagnostic software to see if there are any problems within the usr files and directories.

Another way to make sure everything is working smoothly under the hood is to download a Mac performance improvement app, such as CleanMyMac X. It can take a quick look at what is taking up too much space on your hard drive, with its Space Lens feature. Once CleanMyMac X has analysed your files and directories, including those that are hidden from view, you can delete what it recommends and regain the space you need for your Mac to run smoothly and quickly.

With the Space Lens tool, you can also access the usr folder and see how much space it takes on your Mac and what files it includes. First, you have download and install CleanMyMac X and then follow such steps:

  1. Launch the app.
  2. Go to the Space Lens tab.
  3. Click Scan.
  4. Find usr folder in the list.
  5. Double click to review the files.

However, if you prefer the manual way of looking behind-the-scenes, here is how you can access the usr folder on a Mac.

How to access the usr folder: The manual way

If you want to access the usr folder, there are a couple of ways you can do that.

1. Navigate to the usr through the Finder

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Press Command+Shift+G to open the dialogue box.
  3. Enter what you want to search for, e.g. /usr or /usr/discreet.
  4. Now you should have temporary access, and this means that you should be able to drag the folder into the Finder favourites bar for easier access in the future.

Another way to gain access is through Terminal.

2. Finding usr in Terminal

  1. Launch Terminal; which you can find in /Applications/Utilities
  2. Enter this command in Terminal: chflags nohidden ~/usr
  3. (If nothing shows up under that name, try /Library as an alternative)
  4. Click Return. Make sure the command is executed.
  5. Quit Terminal. The usr folder should be visible in the Finder.
  6. If you ever want to restore this to how it was before enter the following command in Terminal: chflags hidden ~/usr
  7. Click Return again and it should be back to how it was.

Only attempt this method if you are comfortable using Terminal. Remember, using Terminal can make significant changes to your macOS systems and files, so only make changes this way if you consider yourself a Mac power users. This method should temporarily uncover the usr folder.

Accessing the usr folder is often only necessary if you are looking for ways to improve the performance or speed of your Mac. Thankfully, there is an easier way. Downloading CleanMyMac X can solve a lot of problems, quickly and safely, without any risk of causing accidental damage. It comes with a useful Space Lens feature, since one reason a Mac doesn't perform as well as it once did is a result of files taking up too much space, or duplicate files, folders or apps. And identifying what is causing space issues is the job that CleanMyMac X does so well. See for yourself!

The Library Menu item is hidden by default on Macs, to prevent the possibility of inexperienced users deleting important files in the Library Folder. In this article, you will find different methods to reveal the hidden Library Menu and access the Library Folder on your Mac.

Access Library Folder On Mac

The Library Folder on your Mac contains Preference Files, Caches, and Application Support Data.

While regular Mac users may not find the need to access the Hidden Library Folder, advanced Mac users will at times come across the need to access files inside the Library Folder for troubleshooting and other purposes.

One example of the need to access the Library Folder on Mac would be to rebuild the Database Files in the Library Folder, in order to fix Launchpad related issues like Apps Missing From Launchpad or deleted Apps showing up in the Launchpad.

How To Open User Library Folder On Mac Download

Before going ahead with the steps to Access the Hidden Library Folder on your Mac, you need to be aware that ~/Library Folder contains important Data and Files related to Mac User Accounts.

Hence, make sure that you are accessing the Library Folder for a good reason and you do know as to what you are trying to achieve.

Access Hidden Library Menu Option On Mac

Follow the steps below to access the Hidden Library Menu option on your Mac.

1. Left-click your mouse anywhere on the screen of your Mac. This will reveal the Go Option in the top menu bar of your Mac. You can also click on the Finder Icon in the Dock of your Mac to activate the Go Option.

2. Next, click on the Go option in the top menu-bar of your Mac.

3. While you are still on the Go option, press and hold the Option key on your Mac and then click on the Library option that appears when you press down the Option Key.

Note: Press the Alt Key in case you are using a Windows keyboard with your Mac.

How To Open User Library Folder On Mac

4. Clicking on the Library Menu option will take you straight to the Library Folder on your Mac.

Access Library Folder On Mac Using “Go to Folder” Option

Another way to access the Library Folder on your Mac is by using the Folder Option on your Mac.

1. Left-click your mouse anywhere on the screen of your Mac to reveal the Go Option in the top menu bar. You can also click on the Finder Icon in the Dock of your Mac to activate the Go option.

2. Next, click on the Go option from the top menu-bar on your Mac and then click on Go to Folder… option in the drop-down menu (See image below).

3. In the search window that appears, type ~/Library, and click on the Go button.

This will immediately take you to the Library Folder on your Mac.

Permanently Unhide the Library Menu Option On Mac

You can permanently unhide the Library Menu Option in the top-menu bar on your Mac by using the Terminal Command. The process is reversible and you can easily go back to the default hidden Library Menu Setting by using the Terminal command once again.

1. Click on the Finder icon in the dock of your Mac to activate the Go option in the top Menu bar of your Mac.

2. Next, click on the Go option in the top menu-bar and then click on the Utilities option in the drop-down menu.

Delete both the files from the iTunes folder.Once this is done, open iTunes on your Mac and create your own music library.If you are using Windows PC, follow the steps mentioned below:Step #1. How to delete itunes library.

3. On the Utilities window, open the Terminal App by clicking on it.

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4. Next, type chflags nohidden ~/Library/ and Press the Enter key to submit your command for execution.

How

Once the command is executed, you will see the Library Option clearly visible and permanently unhidden in the top menu-bar of your Mac.

As mentioned above, you can always go back to the default hidden Library option on your Mac by executing a simple command in the Command Prompt Window.

1. To hide the Library option, type chflags hidden ~/Library/ in the Command prompt window (See image below)

How To Open Library In Mac

2. After typing the Command, hit the Enter key on the Keyboard of your Mac to execute this Command.

User Library Folder Mac

Once the Command is executed, you will see the Library Menu option becoming hidden.