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If you’re someone who likes to keep their desktop clean and organized, you may want to hide your desktop icons on your Mac. This can help reduce visual clutter and make it easier to find the files and folders you need. In this guide, we’ll discuss three quick and easy ways to hide desktop icons on your Mac. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Mac user, these methods are simple and effective. So let’s get started and learn how to hide desktop icons on Mac.
Using the Hide Desktop Icons feature in Finder
Are you tired of cluttered desktops on your Mac? Do you find yourself constantly searching for a specific file or application amidst a sea of icons? Well, you’re not alone. Many Mac users struggle with a cluttered desktop, making it difficult to stay organized and find what they need quickly. But fear not, because there is a simple solution – hiding desktop icons. In this article, we’ll show you three quick ways to hide desktop icons on your Mac using the Hide Desktop Icons feature in Finder.
First, let’s start with a brief overview of what this feature is and how it works. The Hide Desktop Icons feature in Finder allows you to hide all the icons on your desktop with just a few clicks. This means that you can still access all your files and applications through Finder, but they won’t clutter your desktop. It’s a great way to keep your desktop clean and organized, and it’s especially useful if you have a lot of icons or if you use your desktop as a temporary storage space.
Now, let’s get into the three quick ways to hide desktop icons on your Mac using this feature.
1. Using the keyboard shortcut.
The first and quickest way to hide desktop icons is by using a keyboard shortcut. Simply press the Command + Option + H keys on your keyboard, and all the icons on your desktop will disappear. This shortcut works in any application, so you don’t even have to be in Finder to use it. It’s a great option if you want to quickly hide your desktop icons without having to open Finder.
2. Using the menu bar.
If you prefer using your mouse or trackpad, you can also access the Hide Desktop Icons feature through the menu bar. Open Finder and click on the “View” tab in the menu bar. Then, select “Hide Desktop Icons” from the drop-down menu. This will instantly hide all the icons on your desktop. To bring them back, simply follow the same steps and click on “Show Desktop Icons” instead.
3. Using a smart folder.
The third way to hide desktop icons is by creating a smart folder. This is a more permanent solution, as it allows you to automatically hide certain types of files or applications on your desktop. To create a smart folder, open Finder and click on “File” in the menu bar. Then, select “New Smart Folder” from the drop-down menu. In the window that appears, click on the “+” button in the top right corner and select the criteria for the files or applications you want to hide. For example, you can choose to hide all files with a specific name or extension. Once you’ve set your criteria, click on “Save” and give your smart folder a name. Now, whenever you add a file or application that meets the criteria to your desktop, it will automatically be hidden.
In addition to these three quick ways, there are also some third-party applications that offer more advanced features for hiding desktop icons. However, for most users, the built-in Hide Desktop Icons feature in Finder is more than enough to keep their desktops clutter-free.
In conclusion, hiding desktop icons on your Mac is a simple and effective way to keep your desktop clean and organized. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, the menu bar, or creating a smart folder, there’s a method that will work for you. So, go ahead and give it a try – your desktop will thank you.
Creating a Smart Folder to hide specific icons
Are you tired of cluttered desktops on your Mac? Do you find yourself constantly searching for a specific file or application among the sea of icons? Well, you’re not alone. Many Mac users struggle with desktop organization, but luckily, there are some quick and easy ways to hide those pesky icons. In this article, we’ll show you how to create a Smart Folder to hide specific icons on your Mac.
First, let’s clarify what a Smart Folder is. It’s essentially a virtual folder that automatically collects files based on specific criteria. This means you can create a Smart Folder that will only display certain types of files, such as images or documents. Now, let’s get started on creating a Smart Folder to hide those desktop icons.
Step 1: Open Finder and click on “File” in the menu bar. Then, select “New Smart Folder” from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut “Command + Option + N” to create a new Smart Folder.
Step 2: A new window will open, and you’ll see a search bar at the top. Click on the “+” button on the right side of the search bar to add a search criterion.
Step 3: In the first drop-down menu, select “Kind” and then choose “Other” from the second drop-down menu.
Step 4: A new window will pop up with a list of attributes. Scroll down and check the box next to “File invisible.” Then, click “OK.”
Step 5: Back in the search bar, select “are included” from the third drop-down menu. This will ensure that the Smart Folder only displays files that are invisible.
Step 6: Now, click on the “Save” button in the top right corner of the window. Give your Smart Folder a name, such as “Hidden Icons,” and choose a location to save it. We recommend saving it on your desktop for easy access.
Step 7: Your Smart Folder will now appear on your desktop. You can open it to see all the invisible files on your desktop. To hide specific icons, simply drag and drop them into the Smart Folder.
Step 8: Once you’ve added all the icons you want to hide, click on the “File” menu again and select “New Smart Folder.” This time, we’ll create a Smart Folder to display only the visible icons.
Step 9: Follow the same steps as before, but this time, instead of selecting “File invisible,” select “File visible” in the attribute list. Then, save the Smart Folder with a different name, such as “Visible Icons.”
Step 10: Now, you can easily switch between the two Smart Folders to hide or display your desktop icons. You can also add these Smart Folders to your dock for even quicker access.
Creating a Smart Folder is a great way to hide specific icons on your desktop without having to manually move them to a different location. It’s also a useful tool for organizing your files and keeping your desktop clutter-free.
But what if you want to hide all your desktop icons at once? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Go to your desktop and press “Command + A” to select all the icons.
Step 2: Right-click on any of the selected icons and choose “New Folder with Selection” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: This will create a new folder on your desktop with all your icons inside. You can then rename the folder and move it to a different location, such as your documents folder.
Step 4: To access your hidden icons, simply open the folder and drag and drop them back onto your desktop.
In conclusion, creating a Smart Folder is a quick and easy way to hide specific icons on your Mac. It’s also a useful tool for organizing your files and keeping your desktop clutter-free. And if you want to hide all your icons at once, simply create a new folder and move them inside. With these tips, you can say goodbye to a cluttered desktop and hello to a more organized and efficient workspace.
Using a third-party app like HiddenMe or Desktop Ghost Pro
Are you tired of cluttered desktops on your Mac? Do you find yourself constantly searching for a specific file or application among the sea of icons? Well, you’re not alone. Many Mac users struggle with desktop organization, and it can be a frustrating experience. But fear not, because there are quick and easy ways to hide those pesky desktop icons and achieve a clean and organized desktop. In this article, we’ll explore three quick ways to hide desktop icons on Mac using third-party apps like HiddenMe or Desktop Ghost Pro.
Firstly, let’s talk about HiddenMe. This app is a popular choice among Mac users for hiding desktop icons. It’s a lightweight and user-friendly app that allows you to hide all the icons on your desktop with just one click. To get started, simply download HiddenMe from the App Store and install it on your Mac. Once installed, you’ll see a small icon in your menu bar. Click on it, and a drop-down menu will appear. From there, you can choose to hide all the icons on your desktop or show them again. It’s that simple!
But what if you only want to hide certain icons and not all of them? That’s where Desktop Ghost Pro comes in. This app gives you more control over which icons you want to hide and which ones you want to keep visible. It also has additional features like the ability to hide icons based on specific criteria, such as file type or name. To use Desktop Ghost Pro, download it from the App Store and install it on your Mac. Once installed, you can customize the app’s settings to your liking. You can choose to hide all icons, specific icons, or even set up rules for when icons should be hidden. For example, you can set a rule to hide all icons when you’re using a specific application, and they will automatically reappear when you close that application.
Another great feature of Desktop Ghost Pro is the ability to create custom hotkeys. This means you can assign a specific key combination to hide or show your desktop icons. This is especially useful if you want to quickly hide your icons when someone walks by your computer or if you’re giving a presentation. With just a press of a button, your desktop will be clutter-free, and you can focus on what’s important.
Now, you might be wondering, why use a third-party app when Mac already has a built-in feature to hide desktop icons? While it’s true that Mac has a built-in feature, it’s not as customizable as the third-party apps we’ve mentioned. The built-in feature only allows you to hide all icons, and you have to go through a series of steps to do so. With HiddenMe and Desktop Ghost Pro, you can hide your icons with just one click or a simple key combination. It’s a much more efficient and convenient way to keep your desktop organized.
In conclusion, if you’re tired of a cluttered desktop on your Mac, consider using a third-party app like HiddenMe or Desktop Ghost Pro. These apps offer more control and customization options for hiding your desktop icons. With just a few clicks or key presses, you can achieve a clean and organized desktop, making your Mac experience more enjoyable. So why wait? Give these apps a try and say goodbye to cluttered desktops for good!
Utilizing Terminal commands to hide icons
Are you tired of cluttered desktops on your Mac? Do you wish there was a way to hide those pesky icons that seem to multiply every time you save a file? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll be discussing three quick and easy ways to hide desktop icons on your Mac using Terminal commands.
First, let’s talk about what Terminal is. Terminal is a command-line interface that allows you to interact with your Mac’s operating system. It may seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize how powerful and useful it can be.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – hiding those icons. The first method we’ll be discussing is using the “chflags” command. This command allows you to change the attributes of a file or folder, including the “hidden” attribute. To use this command, follow these steps:
1. Open Terminal by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Type in “chflags hidden” (without the quotes) followed by a space.
3. Drag and drop the icon you want to hide onto the Terminal window.
4. Press Enter.
And just like that, the icon will disappear from your desktop! Don’t worry; the file is still there; it’s just hidden from view. If you want to unhide the icon, follow the same steps, but instead of “hidden,” use “nohidden” in the command.
The second method we’ll be discussing is using the “SetFile” command. This command is similar to “chflags,” but it allows you to change the attributes of multiple files at once. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open Terminal.
2. Type in “SetFile -a V” (without the quotes) followed by a space.
3. Drag and drop the icons you want to hide onto the Terminal window.
4. Press Enter.
Just like that, all the selected icons will disappear from your desktop. To unhide them, follow the same steps, but instead of “V,” use “v” in the command.
The third and final method we’ll be discussing is using the “defaults” command. This command allows you to change the default settings of your Mac’s operating system. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open Terminal.
2. Type in “defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop -bool false” (without the quotes).
3. Press Enter.
4. Type in “killall Finder” (without the quotes).
5. Press Enter.
And just like that, all the icons on your desktop will disappear. To bring them back, follow the same steps, but instead of “false,” use “true” in the command.
Now, you may be wondering, “Why would I want to use these commands instead of just dragging the icons to the trash?” Well, for one, it’s a lot quicker and more efficient, especially if you have a lot of icons to hide. Additionally, using these commands allows you to hide specific icons without deleting them, which can be useful if you need to access them later.
But what if you want to hide all the icons on your desktop at once? Well, there’s a command for that too! Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Terminal.
2. Type in “defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop -bool false” (without the quotes).
3. Press Enter.
4. Type in “killall Finder” (without the quotes).
5. Press Enter.
6. Type in “defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop -bool true” (without the quotes).
7. Press Enter.
8. Type in “killall Finder” (without the quotes).
9. Press Enter.
And just like that, all the icons on your desktop will be hidden. To bring them back, follow the same steps, but instead of “false,” use “true” in the commands.
In conclusion, using Terminal commands is a quick and efficient way to hide desktop icons on your Mac. Whether you want to hide specific icons or all of them at once, these commands will make your desktop look clean and organized. So go ahead and give them a try – your cluttered desktop will thank you!
Creating a new user account with a clean desktop to switch to when needed
Are you tired of cluttered desktops on your Mac? Do you find yourself constantly searching for a specific file or application among the sea of icons? Well, you’re not alone. Many Mac users struggle with desktop organization, and it can be a frustrating experience. But fear not, there are ways to hide those pesky desktop icons and create a clean and clutter-free workspace. In this article, we’ll explore three quick and easy ways to hide desktop icons on your Mac.
One effective way to hide desktop icons is by creating a new user account with a clean desktop. This method allows you to switch to a new user account whenever you need a clutter-free workspace. To create a new user account, go to System Preferences and click on Users & Groups. Then, click on the lock icon at the bottom left corner and enter your password to make changes. Next, click on the “+” button to add a new user account. You can choose to make it a standard or administrator account, depending on your needs. Once the account is created, log out of your current account and log in to the new one.
Now, you’ll notice that the new user account has a clean desktop with no icons. You can customize this account by adding your preferred wallpaper and organizing the dock with frequently used applications. Whenever you need a clutter-free workspace, simply switch to this account, and all your desktop icons will be hidden. This method is especially useful for those who work on multiple projects and need a clean desktop for each one.
Another way to hide desktop icons is by using the Stacks feature on your Mac. Stacks automatically organizes your desktop icons into neat piles based on file type, date, or tags. To enable Stacks, right-click on your desktop and select “Use Stacks.” You can also go to View in the menu bar and click on “Use Stacks.” Once enabled, all your desktop icons will be organized into stacks, making it easier to find what you need. You can also customize the sorting options by right-clicking on a stack and selecting “Group Stacks By.” This method is great for those who prefer to keep their desktop icons visible but organized.
Lastly, you can use a third-party application called HiddenMe to hide desktop icons on your Mac. HiddenMe is a simple and lightweight app that allows you to hide all desktop icons with just one click. To use HiddenMe, download and install the app from the App Store. Once installed, click on the HiddenMe icon in your menu bar, and all your desktop icons will disappear. You can also set a keyboard shortcut for quick access to the app. This method is perfect for those who want a quick and easy solution to hide desktop icons without creating a new user account.
In conclusion, having a clutter-free desktop can greatly improve your productivity and make your Mac experience more enjoyable. Whether you prefer to create a new user account, use Stacks, or a third-party app like HiddenMe, there are multiple ways to hide desktop icons on your Mac. So, say goodbye to a cluttered desktop and hello to a clean and organized workspace. Give these methods a try and see which one works best for you. Happy hiding!
Q&A
1. How can I hide desktop icons on Mac using the Terminal?
To hide desktop icons using the Terminal, follow these steps:
– Open the Terminal application on your Mac.
– Type in the command “defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop false” and press Enter.
– Next, type in the command “killall Finder” and press Enter.
– This will restart the Finder and hide all the desktop icons.
2. Is there a way to hide desktop icons on Mac using a keyboard shortcut?
Yes, you can use a keyboard shortcut to hide desktop icons on Mac. Follow these steps:
– Press the Command + Option + H keys on your keyboard.
– This will hide all the open windows and show the desktop.
– To bring back the windows, simply press the same keyboard shortcut again.
3. Can I hide specific desktop icons on Mac?
Yes, you can hide specific desktop icons on Mac by following these steps:
– Right-click on the icon you want to hide.
– Select “Get Info” from the drop-down menu.
– In the Info window, check the box next to “Hide” under the General section.
– The icon will now be hidden from your desktop.
4. How can I hide desktop icons on Mac using a third-party app?
There are several third-party apps available that can help you hide desktop icons on Mac. Some popular options include HiddenMe, Desktop Ghost, and Hidden Bar. Simply download and install the app of your choice, and follow the instructions to hide your desktop icons.
5. Can I hide desktop icons on Mac without using any third-party apps or commands?
Yes, you can hide desktop icons on Mac without using any third-party apps or commands. Follow these steps:
– Click on the desktop to make sure you are in the Finder.
– From the menu bar, go to View > Hide Desktop Icons.
– This will hide all the desktop icons.
– To bring them back, simply go to View > Show Desktop Icons.In conclusion, there are three quick and easy ways to hide desktop icons on a Mac. These include using the “Hide Desktop Icons” option in the View menu, creating a Smart Folder to store the icons, or using a third-party app like HiddenMe. By following these methods, users can keep their desktop clutter-free and organized, making it easier to find and access important files and applications. Whether for personal preference or to improve productivity, hiding desktop icons on a Mac is a simple task that can greatly enhance the user experience.
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