How to Open Library on Mac

What is Library folder on Mac

Your Mac’s Library folder contains crucial data that supports system functions and apps. It includes settings, preferences, caches, and support files. macOS hides the Library folder by default to prevent accidental changes that could affect app functionality and macOS' smooth performance. Open Finder and click Go while holding the Option key to access it.

A note from our experts: 

 

If you’re afraid of the notification that there isn’t enough disk space on your laptop, use MacKeeper’s Duplicates Finder to manage files on your Mac’s Library by deleting any redundant copies. Our professional tool scans your Library for identical files you might not even realise exist and take up storage space. This ensures you get rid of such items without risking deleting something essential.

 

Learn the best ways to use MacKeeper’s Duplicates Finder to remove any unnecessary duplicates from the Library folder:

1. Download, install, and open the MacKeeper app.
2. In the left sidebar, find and choose the Duplicates Finder.
3. Click the Start Scan button to explore your Mac for any duplicates.
4. When the scan is completed, select the files you want to delete and click Remove Selected to complete it.

How to find Library on Mac

Though Apple hides the Library by default to protect important data, it might not bother you, as there are common ways to show hidden files on Mac. In this guide, we’ll share some of the easiest and safest ways to access the Library folder if you need to troubleshoot or set up your Mac.

1. Open Library folder via Finder's 'Go to Folder' option

The most simple and popular way to open the library on Mac is to use the Go to folder option in Finder.

Do the following to open the Library via Finder’s Go to Folder:

1. Launch Finder by clicking on its icon in your Dock.
2. Click Go in the menu bar ➙ select Go to Folder feature from the dropdown menu. Or you can press the Shift + Command + G combination on your keyboard.
3. Type ~/Library in the text box that appears ➙ click Go or Return.

The benefits of using the Go to Folder method:

• Accessibility—it works on any user account.
• Time-saving—no need to navigate through an overwhelming number of hidden directories.
• Keyboard friendly—it helps you get exactly what you need in no time.
• Availability-use across all macOS versions.

2. Show Library via Finder

If you often go to the Library and need quick and easy access to the Library on Mac, you can add this option to your Finder’s sidebar.

Follow the instructions on how to make the Library visible in the Finder’s sidebar:

1. Launch Finder ➙ select the Go tab from the menu > Go to Folder > ~/Library.
2. Then, you’ll see Library open in Finder.
3. Manually drag the Library to the Finder’s sidebar.

An important word of warning from us: 

 

As the Library contains sensitive and extremely crucial data for your Mac’s performance, it’s useful to learn the best ways to organize files on Mac before undertaking any modifications. Besides, if you aren’t sure about the role of an appropriate item, don’t delete it. Also, don’t forget to make a backup before making major changes, so as not to accidentally remove an essential file. You can always move data to another folder instead of immediately deleting it.  

3. Access Library via Terminal

Another way to get to the Library on Mac is to use Terminal. It’s especially useful for those users who want to avoid command-line interfaces.

Follow these steps to open the Library on your Macbook via Terminal:

1. Use Spotlight search to open Terminal, or go to the Finder ➙ open Applications ➙ select Utilities.
2. Insert the command ~/Library ➙ press Return.

Accessing the Library via Terminal is a quick and powerful method. However, it’s more suitable for advanced users for several reasons:

• It doesn’t have the undo button. The Command + Z combination won’t save the situation if you accidentally remove an important file.
• It provides advanced system access. Even protected files are available via Terminal. This is why you need to be completely sure which items you can delete; otherwise, there is a risk of damaging apps, your data, or even negatively affecting the overall macOS system.
• It requires some knowledge of the file system structure, like the difference between the user files and system files organization, and more. If you know how group containers folder on Mac work, you’ll easily cope with accessing the Library via Terminal.
• It doesn’t allow visual feedback. This method gives text output only, which complicates the modification process for beginners.  

Conclusion

Now you know that accessing the hidden Library folder on your Mac isn’t as difficult as it seems at first sight,you can choose one of the ways available, according to your needs and preferences. You can permanently unhide the Library through the Finder’s Go menu or get straight and quick entry by the Go to Folder option. If you’re a confident and advanced user, don’t hesitate to get to the Library via Terminal.

As you’re a clued-up user, don’t forget to permanently free up space on your Mac, removing repetitive items that quickly clutter your storage. We highly recommend using MacKeeper’s Duplicates Finder, which is a handy tool for such a critical process. It finds and removes duplicates safely without putting any essential system data at risk.