How to Access Usr Folder on Mac [Guide in 2022]

Macs have an awesome filing system. It makes use of the Linux file structure. What that means is that there is a general hierarchy for all your folders and directories inside of Linux. Hence, some folders may be hard to find and cause it hard to free up purgeable space by cleaning some unnecessary files. One such folder that’s hard to find is the usr folder. Although it’s not recommended that you dig deep into your Mac to find it, it still wouldn’t hurt to see exactly where it is.

By knowing how to access usr folder on Mac, you’ll have a pretty good idea as to how the file structure goes. Keep on reading this article to have a good idea to locate usr folder on Mac. It’s also recommended that you read until the end of the article to learn of a program that can help your Mac run smoothly.

Part 1. What Is the USR Folder on Mac?

What is Usr local Mac? Usr is not an acronym. The three letters are used to refer to the phrase “user usable programs and data”. Before, they were used to refer to “everything user related”. By default, the USR folder is hidden on your Mac. The reason for that is to protect it. That way, it won’t accidentally be deleted or tampered with.

What’s Inside the Usr Folder on Mac?

Listed below are the kinds of files to find inside the usr folder on Mac. You’ll notice that the files look pretty unfamiliar to you. Hence, is the reason why you shouldn’t even tamper with them. Just take a good look at the files to become familiar with them.

• Read-only data
• Shareable data
• User-land programs
• User-land data containing libraries, documentation, header files, and user binaries
• Other associated data and read-only programs

Part 2. How to Find Usr Folder on Mac?

How do I navigate to Usr folder on Mac? There are two ways on how to access usr folder on Mac. To have a glimpse of the files inside the usr folder, take a look at the two options below.

Option #1. How to Go to /usr/local/bin on Mac via Terminal

You might be wondering where is Usr located. Well, you can get to the usr folder on your Mac by typing in a couple of commands on the Terminal. Keep in mind that this option will allow you to have the Library option on a permanent basis. The steps below will show you how to do it.

Step 1. Open Terminal

You can use the Spotlight search by typing in Terminal. You can also click on the Launchpad on the Dock. Then click on the folder named Other. Once that folder is launched, you will see Terminal. Click on it.

Step 2. Type in the Following Command

Once you have the Terminal on your screen, type in the command: chflags nohidden ~/Library/. That command will tell your Mac not to hide the Library folder. Hit Enter on your keyboard to execute the command.

Step 3. Hide Window Again

If you change your mind and you want to hide the Library window again, type in the same command line but this time change the word nohidden to hidden.

Option #2. Access Usr Folder Using the Finder

If you are not comfortable using the Terminal to access the usr folder, you can use the Finder. Follow the steps below to learn how to access Usr folder on Mac using the Finder.

1. Open Finder and then take your cursor to the top menu and click on Go.
2. Press and hold the Option or Alt key to get the Library to appear on the drop-down list.
3. Select Library to launch it. Then type in usr on the search box on the top, right-hand side of the corner
4. You can also use the dialogue box. Launch it by pressing Command + Shift + G. Then type in usr to access it on Mac.