Show and Hide Hidden Files in Ubuntu Linux
You show and hide hidden files in Ubuntu Linux by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+H within the File Manager.
Hidden files, commonly prefixed with a period (e.g., `.config`), are normally invisible to keep your file system tidy and prevent accidental changes to system or personal configuration files.
Pressing Ctrl+H in any Ubuntu File Manager window instantly toggles the display of these hidden items. This action reveals or conceals all files and folders that begin with a dot.
This simple keyboard shortcut is your go-to for accessing configuration files or making sensitive items less visible on your Ubuntu desktop.
You can show and hide hidden files in Ubuntu’s File Manager by pressing Ctrl+H. This keyboard shortcut toggles the visibility of all hidden files, including those starting with a period. Alternatively, click the view options button in the toolbar and select “Show Hidden Files.
How to show hidden files in Ubuntu Linux
You can easily show hidden files in Ubuntu Linux using the File Manager. Simply open the folder you’re interested in, then either click the view options button in the toolbar and choose ‘Show Hidden Files’, or use the handy Ctrl+H keyboard shortcut.
If you want to see all hidden files in a folder, go to that folder. You can then either click the view options button in the toolbar and select Show Hidden Files, or press the Ctrl + H keyboard shortcut.
To show hidden files, open the File Manager and click the view options button in the toolbar.

Then, pick Show Hidden Files on the context menu, as highlighted below.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + H to show all hidden files.

You will then see all files, both hidden and visible.

How to hide files in Ubuntu Linux
Hiding files in Ubuntu Linux is simple and can be done right from the File Manager. To make a file disappear from view, just rename it so that its name starts with a period (dot). For example, changing ‘example.txt’ to ‘.example.txt’ will hide it.
For example, to hide a file named example.txt, you should rename it to
.example.txt
The file will then become hidden in the File Manager’s standard view within its folder.
That should do it!
To wrap up:
- Showing hidden files in Ubuntu Linux is a simple process that can be done through the view options button or the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+H.
- Similarly, hiding files in Ubuntu Linux involves renaming the file with a dot at the beginning of its name.
- These steps provide a convenient way to manage file visibility in the File Manager, ensuring that important files can be kept out of plain sight when necessary.
How do I show hidden files in Ubuntu 25?
Press Ctrl+H. Boom—hidden stuff shows up. Press Ctrl+H again to hide them.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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