How to Hide Files / Folders (Without Renaming) in Ubuntu 18.04

Last updated: September 13, 2019

gnome shell

This quick tip shows beginners how to hide files or folders, without renaming them, in Ubuntu’s default Nautilus file browser.

In Ubuntu Linux, a file (or folder) with a name starts by a dot (.) is considered a hidden file. Filename ends with a tilde (~) is considered backup file which is also hidden.

You can press Ctrl+H on keyboard to show or hide hidden files / folders in file browser.

To hide files and/or folders, without renaming them by prefixing dots (.) or suffixing tildes (~), you can use an extension called nautilus-hide.

NOTE following steps works for all current Ubuntu releases, though the title says for Ubuntu 18.04.

1.) Open terminal either by searching for “terminal” from application menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard.

When terminal opens, run command to install the extension:

sudo apt install nautilus-hide

2.) Then restart Nautilus either via reboot or by running command:

nautilus -q

Finally in Nautilus file browser, select ‘Hide Files’ in files’ context menu (right-click menu).

To un-hide them, press Ctrl+H to show hidden files, then either select “Unhide Files” in hidden files’ context menu or remove the .hidden file.

NOTE: The extension works by adding file or folder names, that you choose to hide, into .hidden file (auto-create if not exist). Nautilus reads that file to hide the listed files the next time you open or refresh the folder.

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I'm a freelance blogger who started using Ubuntu in 2007 and wishes to share my experiences and some useful tips with Ubuntu beginners and lovers. Please comment to let me know if the tutorial is outdated! And, notify me if you find any typo/grammar/language mistakes. English is not my native language. Contact me via ubuntuhandbook1@gmail.com Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/ubuntuhandbook1

2 responses to How to Hide Files / Folders (Without Renaming) in Ubuntu 18.04

  1. Does work but not for files on the desktop
    big big bruh

    • Yes, I have the same problem since upgrading to Ubuntu 20.04. Have all the subfolders in my Home directory showing. Gnome Tweaks only gets rid of the Wastebasket and “Personal” folders but not the rest. There must be some central place where one can direct to either have or not have folders on the desktop?