Show Hidden Finder Link

The View > Show Path Bar method is great, but it has a limitation. It shows the path graphically. What if you need to copy the actual text of the path to paste into an email, a script, or a Terminal command?

macOS hides the text-based path by default. Here is how to force the Finder to display the actual text link in the title bar and the Path Bar.

When you use Terminal commands (like defaults write), the Finder does not update immediately. You must restart the Finder. show hidden finder link

Understanding the why helps you choose the right method.

Common scenarios:

Whatever your reason, showing those links gives you back control.

Prevention is better than repeated “show hidden Finder link” searches. The View > Show Path Bar method is

✅ Always name symlinks without a leading dot – Use linkName not .linkName.
✅ Avoid creating links inside hidden folders – Finder won’t show links locates inside ~/.Trash or ~/.cache.
✅ Use Aliases (Cmd+L) instead of symlinks – Alias visibility is less affected by system protections.
✅ Add links to Finder’s Sidebar – Sidebar links stay visible even if the original symlink is hidden.
✅ Run a monthly cleanup:

find ~ -type l -flags hidden -exec chflags nohidden {} \;

(This toggles hidden flag on all symlinks in your home folder.) Whatever your reason, showing those links gives you