Access Downloaded Files On Mac Using the Finder. Another quick way of accessing the Downloaded Files on your Mac is to make use of the Finder. Click on the Finder Menu icon, this is conveniently located in the Dock near the bottom left corner of your screen. Next, click on the Downloads Folder in the sidebar Menu to access Files that you. On your Mac, click the Finder icon in the Dock to open a Finder window. Do any of the following: Put an item in a folder: Drag it to the folder. Put several items in a folder: Select the items, then drag one of the items to the folder. All selected items move to the folder.
What is the bin folder?
Although it might sound like it, this is not the Trash. Bin is another hidden folder.
Mac Go To Folder Library
When operating systems, such as macOS — and Mac OS X before that — are constructed using a Linux system directory, certain files and folders are hidden on purpose. Almost every operating system will hide things that the majority of users don't need. It is the same as an architect and builder placing plumbing and wiring behind a wall: it looks better and the last thing you want is to accidentally damage the operating system that keeps your house functioning smoothly.
For most people, it is enough to know that the plumbing and wiring is working smoothly and that they can call a professional should something go wrong. With an Apple operating system, hidden folders and files are routes that power users take to tweak and modify a Mac, to improve how it performs, and solve any problems should anything go wrong.
Accessing the bin folder is another way to take a look at potentially make changes to license and configuration files. Now, if you ever want to make changes to hidden files and folders without digging around in system directories, there is an easier and quicker way. Download an app like CleanMyMac X to uncover space within hard drives. Using its Space Lens feature, This program can show you what is taking up space and help you delete anything you don't need.
However, if you are keen to take a look under the hood manually, here is how to access the bin folder.
Ways to access the bin folder?
Method 1: Find the bin folder through the Finder
- Open Finder
- Press Command+Shift+G to open the dialogue box
- Input the following search:
/usr/local/bin - Now you should have temporary access, so you should be able to drag it into the Finder favorites if you want to access it again.
Another way to find the bin folder is through Terminal.
Method 2: Finding the bin in Terminal
- Launch Terminal; which you can find in /Applications/Utilities
- Enter this command in Terminal:
chflags nohidden ~/usr/local/bin - Click Return. Make sure the command is executed.
- Quit Terminal. The bin folder should be visible in the Finder.
- If you ever want to restore this to how it was before enter the following command in Terminal:
chflags hidden ~/usr/local/bin - 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 these sort of changes if you’re confident in the instructions you are inputting. This way, you should have temporary access to the bin folder to make any changes that are needed.
Pro Tip: If you find yourself running short of storage on your Mac, clear out your downloads folder. Everything you’ve ever downloaded, that you’ve not moved somewhere else, or copied, is sitting in that folder. Going right back to when you got your Mac. Imagine how much room that is taking up! Especially when it contains zip folders, videos, images and app downloads.
Another way to access hidden directories
There are many apps that allow you to gain access to hidden files, folders and directories. One of such is Daisy Disk, another CleanMyMac X. I prefer CleanMyMac better because of nice visualizations. You can click the 'Space Lens' tool and see the entire folder tree of your Mac. This reveals many hidden folders and things you may have long forgotten.
I downloaded the free version of CleanMyMac X here.
After you get the app you need to click the 'Space Lens' tab.
From there, just click on bubbles to dive deeper into folders that are sorted by colors and categories. Quite exciting, really.
Go To Downloads Mac
That's all you need to know about finding the Bin folder on Mac. Stay tuned for more Mac tips!