Houdini: Reveal Hidden Files Like Magic

One of the nice things about Macs is how OS X hides ugly system configuration files and miscellaneous temporary folders from the average user. However, for the advanced user (craving to delete those pesky .DS_Store files for example), Mac OS X offers no easy way to to view hidden files or folders, short of cryptic terminal commands. Enter Houdini, an application which allows users to easily create, access, move and delete hidden files and folders.

When you open Houdini you’re presented with a simple interface which guides you step-by-step through the parameters. Once parameters are chosen, users are presented with the standard OS X open/save dialog window with one key difference: hidden files and folders are temporally revealed. The application then allows you to create, access, move or delete files and folders through this dialog window.

If you’re just looking for a way to quickly hide a file or folder, Houdini also has a drag and drop feature. Simply drag and drop any folder or file onto the application icon, and like a good magic trick Houdini will instantly hide the item (albeit without a poof of smoke).

For those who use hidden files and folders regularly, Houdini can also permanently enable or disable hidden files throughout the entire file system with a click, allowing you to interact with hidden files and folders with the Finder.

Houdini is free and is available from MacUpdate.