What is the bin folder?

Although it might sound like it, this is not the Trash. Bin is another hidden folder.

Deleting Mail Download files from a Mac One way to save space and stop mail download overload is to use an email client that makes it easier to find, organize and delete attachments. Take Unibox, for example, which groups emails by sender, making it far more intuitive and easy-to-use compared to Mail or other email services. A Downloads Stack is included as a part of the Dock unless you have disabled it and displays the contents of the Downloads folder. If you click on the Downloads Stack, it expands to show you individual file thumbnails. If you have many files stored in your Downloads folder, the Stack shows a handful of your most recently downloaded files with.

When operating systems, such as macOS — and Mac OS X before that — are constructed using a Linux system directory, certain files and folders are hidden on purpose. Almost every operating system will hide things that the majority of users don't need. It is the same as an architect and builder placing plumbing and wiring behind a wall: it looks better, and the last thing you want is to accidentally damage the operating system that keeps your house functioning smoothly.

It is enough for most people to know that the plumbing and wiring are working smoothly and that they can call a professional should something go wrong. With an Apple operating system, hidden folders and files are routes that power users take to tweak and modify a Mac, to improve how it performs, and solve any problems should anything go wrong.

Accessing the bin folder is another way to take a look at potentially make changes to license and configuration files. Now, if you ever want to make changes to hidden files and folders without digging around in system directories, there is an easier and quicker way. Download an app like CleanMyMac X to uncover space within hard drives. Using its Space Lens feature, This program can show you what is taking up space and help you delete anything you don't need.

However, if you are keen to look under the hood manually, here is how to access the bin folder.

Ways to access the bin folder?

Method 1: Find the bin folder through the Finder

1. Open Finder
2. Press Command+Shift+G to open the dialogue box
3. Input the following search: /usr/local/bin
4. Now you should have temporary access, so you should be able to drag it into the Finder favorites if you want to access it again.

Another way to find the bin folder is through Terminal.

Method 2: Finding the bin in Terminal

1. Launch Terminal; which you can find in /Applications/Utilities
2. Enter this command in Terminal: chflags nohidden ~/usr/local/bin
3. Click Return. Make sure the command is executed.
4. Quit Terminal. The bin folder should be visible in the Finder.
5. If you ever want to restore this to how it was before, enter the following command in Terminal: chflags hidden ~/usr/local/bin
6. Click Return again, and it should be back to how it was.

Only attempt this method if you are comfortable using the Terminal. Remember, using Terminal can make significant changes to your macOS systems and files, so only make these sorts of changes if you’re confident in the inputting instructions. This way, you should have temporary access to the bin folder to make any needed changes.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself running short of storage on your Mac, clear out your downloads folder. Everything you’ve ever downloaded that you’ve not moved somewhere else or copied is sitting in that folder. Going right back to when you got your Mac. Imagine how much room that is taking up! Especially when it contains zip folders, videos, images, and app downloads.

Another way to access hidden directories

Where To Find Download Folder On Mac

There are many apps that allow you to gain access to hidden files, folders, and directories. One such is Daisy Disk, another CleanMyMac X. I prefer CleanMyMac better because of nice visualizations. You can click the 'Space Lens' tool and see the entire folder tree of your Mac. This reveals many hidden folders and things you may have long forgotten.
I downloaded the free version of CleanMyMac X here.
After you get the app, you need to click the 'Space Lens' tab.

From there, click on bubbles to dive deeper into folders that are sorted by colors and categories. Quite exciting, really.

That's all you need to know about finding the Bin folder on Mac. Stay tuned for more Mac tips!

What is the usr folder?

Apple operating systems are constructed using a Linux file system hierarchy, which means that traditional UNIX system directories hide certain files and directories. Unlike Applications or Documents or Downloads, some files and folders are hidden by default by the Mac operating system (macOS).

macOS hides these for a good reason. When buildings are constructed, wiring and plumbing are hidden behind walls. As a general rule, exposing anything that could negatively impact a building if it was accidentally damaged or tampered with is considered a good idea. The same is true of usr and var and other folders and directories.

Usr used to mean “everything user-related,” but this has evolved into “user usable programs and data over time.” This means that the usr contains shareable, read-only data, and often contains the largest share of behind-the-scenes data on any operating system. Within the usr is user-land programs, and data is contained, such as user binaries, their documentation, libraries, header files, and other read-only programs and associated data.

Accidentally Deleted Downloads Folder Mac

Generally speaking, because these folders and directories are behind the scenes, most users - even Mac power users - don't need to know about them or gain access. Similar to plumbing and wiring, it is enough to know they're running smoothly and only to gain access if you know what you’re doing or let an Apple trained expert take a look using diagnostic software to see if there are any problems within the usr files and directories.

Another way to make sure everything is working smoothly under the hood is to download a Mac performance improvement app, such as CleanMyMac X. It can take a quick look at what is taking up too much space on your hard drive, with its Space Lens feature. Once CleanMyMac X has analyzed your files and directories, including those hidden from view, you can delete what it recommends and regain the space you need for your Mac to run smoothly and quickly.

With the Space Lens tool, you can also access the usr folder and see how much space it takes on your Mac and what files it includes. First, you have to download and install CleanMyMac X and then follow such steps:

1. Launch the app.
2. Go to the Space Lens tab.
3. Click Scan.
4. Find usr folder in the list.
5. Double click to review the files.

However, if you prefer the manual way of looking behind-the-scenes, here is how you can access the usr folder on a Mac.

How to access the usr folder: The manual way

If you want to access the usr folder, there are a couple of ways you can do that.

1. Navigate to the usr through the Finder

1. Open Finder.
   
2. Press Command+Shift+G to open the dialogue box.
3. Enter what you want to search for, e.g.,/usr or /usr/discreet.
4. Now you should have temporary access, and this means that you should be able to drag the folder into the Finder favorites bar for easier access in the future.

Another way to gain access is through Terminal.

2. Finding usr in Terminal

1. Launch Terminal; which you can find in /Applications/Utilities
2. Enter this command in Terminal: chflags nohidden ~/usr
3. (If nothing shows up under that name, try /Library as an alternative)
4. Click Return. Make sure the command is executed.
5. Quit Terminal. The usr folder should be visible in the Finder.
6. If you ever want to restore this to how it was before, enter the following command in Terminal: chflags hidden ~/usr
7. Click Return again, and it should be back to how it was.

Only attempt this method if you are comfortable using the Terminal. Remember, using Terminal can make significant changes to your macOS systems and files, so only make changes this way if you consider yourself a Mac power user. This method should temporarily uncover the usr folder.

Accessing the usr folder is often only necessary if you are looking for ways to improve your Mac's performance or speed. Thankfully, there is an easier way. Downloading CleanMyMac X can solve many problems quickly and safely, without any risk of causing accidental damage. It comes with a useful Space Lens feature since one reason a Mac doesn't perform as well as it once did is a result of files taking up too much space or duplicate files, folders, or apps. And identifying what is causing space issues is the job that CleanMyMac X does so well. See for yourself!