Matt Cone January 3, 2021 TutorialsMac
Your Mac contains thousands of hidden files and folders that you’ll probably never need to access. We explained how to access all hidden files and folders in another tutorial, but there’s an easier way to access one of most important hidden folders on your Mac, called the Library folder.
The user’s Library folder, which is different than the root Library folder at the top-level of the hard drive, contains hundreds files that store important preferences and settings for many of the applications on your Mac. It’s a good idea to learn how to access this folder, even if you don’t need to open it right now.
Here’s how to access the Library folder in macOS:
Switch to the Finder.
Press and hold down the Option key on the keyboard.
From the Go menu, select Library, as shown below. The Library folder will open.
Tip:It doesn’t hurt to explore the Library folder and see where some of the most essential files on your Mac are stored, but you should use caution when editing the files in the Library folder on your Mac. These files are used by the applications on your Mac, and modifying them could change how the applications work.
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FAQs
Tip: To go to your Library folder, press and hold the Option key, then choose Library.
How do I open the Library folder on my Mac? ›
Tip: To go to your Library folder, press and hold the Option key, then choose Library.
How do I open the Library app on my Macbook? ›
Open Finder. Click Go in the menu bar. Hold the Option key to reveal the Library option in the drop-down list. Select Library.
Why is the Library folder hidden on a Mac? ›
The Library folder is hidden by default. Just like other systems folders, it is to avoid tampering or accidentally deleting important files. If you need to see the Library folder, it is as simple as switching on the option in the Finder.
How do I access the system Library on my Mac? ›
To access it, please follow these steps: Select Go to Folder... option in the Go menu of the Finder. Type /Library in the window that pops up then press enter.
How do I open a folder on my Mac? ›
Open a single folder
In the Finder on your Mac, press the Command key while you double-click the folder. The folder opens in a new tab or window, depending on your Finder settings.
How do I open a folder in the app Library? ›
How to Open the App Library. To access your App Library, open to the Home screen and swipe to the left until you see a screen with apps that have been automatically organized into folders.
How do I open Apple Library? ›
Go to the Home Screen, then swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to get to App Library. Tap the search field at the top of the screen, then enter the name of the app you're looking for. Or scroll up and down to browse the alphabetical list.
How do I open Library preferences on Mac? ›
How do I navigate to the Preferences folder?
- Open the "Go to Folder" menu. Open the Finder. Go to the Menu Bar and open the "Go" menu. Select the entry: "Go to Folder…"
- Enter the path of the preferences folder. Copy the following path and paste it into the "Go to Folder" input field. ~/Library/Preferences.
Open the Finder and click Go from the menu bar. Choose Go to Folder. Scroll down and click Applications. This should open a folder containing the files and shortcuts of every app you've ever downloaded or own/use by default.
While the folder is hidden by Apple, you can follow the instructions below to unhide Macintosh HD/Users/[Your_Username]/Library/ folder. Within the Finder menu bar, select Go > Home. With the user folder selected, click View > Show View Options. Select the Show Library Folder checkbox to unhide the folder.
What happens if you delete the Library folder on Mac? ›
The System Library folder is where all the data that your macOS needs to operate can be found. It's not possible to modify this folder and its content. Even if you tried to delete this folder, your Mac wouldn't allow it — it's protected by SIP. You'll only have read access.
How do I find hidden folders on my Mac? ›
View Hidden Files in Finder
In Finder, click your hard drive under Locations, then open your Macintosh HD folder. Press Command + Shift + . (period) to make the hidden files appear.
How do I access my Apple Library on my computer? ›
In the iTunes app on your PC, choose an option (Music or Movies, for example) from the pop-up menu at the top left, then click Library.
What is the Library on my Mac? ›
Library. This folder contains fonts and other items used by apps that are available to all users of your Mac. Don't use the Library folder to store files and folders you create.
Where is Library Mail folder on Mac? ›
To get to the Mail folder on a Mac, click the desktop to make sure you're in the Finder, press and hold the Option key, choose Go > Library, then select the Mail folder. If you're importing messages from a Windows or UNIX computer, select “Files in mbox format,” then locate the folder containing the files.
How to get to Library preferences on Mac? ›
How do I navigate to the Preferences folder?
- Open the "Go to Folder" menu. Open the Finder. Go to the Menu Bar and open the "Go" menu. Select the entry: "Go to Folder…"
- Enter the path of the preferences folder. Copy the following path and paste it into the "Go to Folder" input field. ~/Library/Preferences.
How to remove files manually
- Reveal your hidden Library folder once again using the instructions above.
- In the search bar top right, insert the application name you just removed. And choose the Library folder as the search location.
- Find all the app-related files and drag them to your Trash. Empty it when finished.
In Finder, click your hard drive under Locations, then open your Macintosh HD folder. Press Command + Shift + . (period) to make the hidden files appear. You can also do the same from inside the Documents, Applications, and Desktop folders.
