How to add hidden files on macOS

[d5ve]

Describe the bug
I can see hidden files in the "Add File" sources browser (by hitting Cmd-shift-.), however they are not selectable, and appeared greyed-out. This means I can't easily backup files like .bashrc etc.

I can add hidden directories like .ssh or .vim using the "Add Folder" sources browser.

Is there a way to add dotfiles to the backup sources? I'm happy to manually edit a config file if necessary, though I don't know where they are for Vorta.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Launch 'Vorta for Borg Backup' from the macOS Status menu.
2. Click on 'Sources'
3. Click on 'Add File'
4. Hit Cmd-shift-. to have the file browser show hidden files.
5. See .bashrc in the list, but it's not able to be selected.

Desktop (please complete the following information):

• OS: macOS Catalina
• Vorta version 0.6.23
• Borg version 1.1.10

[rbange]

@d5ve I experienced the same bug today, but was not able to quick-fix it in the code :/

Nevertheless, you can work around this by modifying settings.db in ~/Library/ApplicationSupport/Vorta/. It is a sqlite db so get a browser and add a new entry to the table sourcedirmodel.

Just make sure that Vorta is not running while doing this.

[ghost]

Hi - just tried Vorta for the first time and love it!

...but immediately saw this same issue. Will try the workaround - thanks!

[m3nu]

Qt probably has an option to show hidden files.

Still not sure this is needed, since hidden files will be included in the backup, if you select the parent folder.

[ghost]

...I don't want to select the parent folder as that is my user folder containing too many things I do not wish to backup.

[m3nu]

In that case we would need a switch to show hidden files in the selector.

Would this work as checkbox in the Misc options?

[ghost]

that would be fine - thanks!

[m3nu]

I can confirm that it's possible to add hidden folders, but not hidden files. Let's see if there is an option for that.

[mwmcode]

Hello,
Any updates on this one?
I have the same scenario (I have a .folder that I want to backup and cannot include its parent since it's too big)

[samuel-w]

As a workaround, we could override the native file dialog and replace it with the Qt dialog. https://doc.qt.io/qt-5/qfiledialog.html#Option-enum

Also, I found this: https://www.howtogeek.com/211496/how-to-hide-files-and-view-hidden-files-on-mac-os-x/. Seems to just be Command+Shift+Period to show files.

[mwmcode]

Command + Shift + . works (displays hidden folders/files) in the finder with Adding File(s) option but not with Adding Folder(s)

Thanks @rbange the workaround worked.

[ghost]

Hi @m3nu , Have you selected this as the answer? It does not allow you to select hidden files, only see them.

[m3nu]

Right. It allows to select hidden folders, but not files.

Still a good workaround, but doesn't answer the original question. That's true.

[ghost]

Why did you close the associated bug report? ...are you not intending on fixing it anymore?

[m3nu]

I moved older issues that weren't related to things we can fix in Vorta to the discussion part. The connected issue is closed automatically and all comments are copied over.

I don't really know what could be changed to address the issue and lack the time to investigate. But if you can open a pull request to address the problem, I'll be happy to review it.

[ghost]

Also, I found this: https://www.howtogeek.com/211496/how-to-hide-files-and-view-hidden-files-on-mac-os-x/. Seems to just be Command+Shift+Period to show files.

This does allow you to see .files and .folders, but it does not allow you to select the .files.

[alysson-souza]

A workaround is to Ctrl+Click the dot file you want to backup in Finder, press Option and then select the Copy ".dotfile" as Pathname menu item. Now go to Vorta and click on the button Paste Folders/files button. You will then see that the dotfile was added as a source file.

[ghost]

Brilliant - thanks so much for that tip! 👍