In Ubuntu Linux (and Unix-like systems in general), any file or folder name that begins with a period (e.g., .bashrc or .config) is considered a “hidden” file. The GNOME Nautilus file manager is designed to hide these files by default, keeping your directories looking clean and uncluttered.
However, it is very easy to accidentally trigger a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+H) that commands Nautilus to instantly reveal every single hidden file. Once triggered, this setting is persistent. The next time you open your Home directory, you will be overwhelmed by a massive list of dozens of obscure configuration files and system folders mixed in with your personal Documents and Downloads, making it incredibly difficult to find what you are actually looking for.
You can force Nautilus to revert to its default behavior, permanently hiding these system files from your view.
How to Hide System Files in Ubuntu Nautilus
You can toggle the visibility setting using a keyboard shortcut or the graphical menu.
Method 1: The Keyboard Shortcut
- Open the Files (Nautilus) application.
- Ensure the window is active and in focus.
- Simply press Ctrl + H on your keyboard. This is a universal toggle switch in GNOME. Pressing it once reveals the files; pressing it again hides them.
Method 2: The Graphical Menu
If you prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts:
- Open the Files application.
- Look at the top-right corner of the window for the Hamburger menu (three horizontal lines).
- Click the menu icon to open the drop-down list.
- Locate the checkbox labeled Show Hidden Files.
- Uncheck this box.
Nautilus will instantly refresh the view, sweeping all the dotfiles and system configurations back out of sight, leaving you with a clean, organized view of your personal directories.