iShow Invisible

I am curious . . . Why don't you just use the "Show System Files" option that is found under the Finder's "View" menu in Lion. It makes the user's Library visible, which obviously includes the enclosed prefs folder as well.

WordWeaver: thanks for the tip and the specific directions however my LION is missing that "Show System Files" choice/selection.

Hello Wts. You know, after I posted that comment, it occurred to me that perhaps that option under the Finder's View menu is not actually a part of Lion, but may in fact be placed there by TotalFinder, which does in fact contain a "Show System Files" option on its "Tweaks" pane. I am wondering if in addition to having the option on the Tweaks pane, TotalFinder also adds the option to the View menu as well. The only way to find out for certain would be by uninstalling TotalFinder, which I am not about to do. If you are not familiar with TotalFinder, you may want to have a look at it here on MU. It is a very cheap, worthy investment in my view. The multi-paned Finder window is a real convenience for someone like me who always has different folders and volumes open at the same time.

WordWeaver: thanks for the clarification. If TotalFinder has a trybefore you buy version then I will give it a go.

You're welcome. BTW, I do use iShow Invisible on my Tiger machine, because TotalFinder only works on Intel machines, and on Snow Leopard or above.

There are several ways to see the Library folder without this. Hold the option key and use the Go menu. Also, you can type this in Terminal to see Library all the time: chflags nohidden ~/Library.

Thanks Macguruguy. That is a very useful tip for folks who aren't using iShow Invisible, TotalFinder or a similar app to show invisible files, and who want to display the Library folder temporarily or permanently.

Terminal type: chflags nohidden ~/Library/