How to View/Remove ._ File?

[PsychoCenobite]

I received a EPS graphic file with a prefix of ._ via email but when I dragged it to my desktop it wasn't showing. I tried again and it asked it I wanted to replace it, so the file is on my desktop but I just can't see it.

I've tried Command + Shift + . to view hidden files but it still isn't showing.

Is there anyway I can view and remove this file from my desktop?

Also, does anyone know what a ._ file is?

Rather than a standard EPS graphic file, is the ._ version a system file with no graphic data?

Many thanks.

 

[MacGizmo]

This happens a LOT when a file gets transferred (at any point) through a Windows-based server or computer. Windows doesn't understand data forks (If I understand correctly) and creates this file.

I run into this when I zip a folder on my Mac and place it on a Windows-based server. Then someone unzips the zip file ON THE SERVER and it creates this ._ file.

I always just throw the file away, as it isn't invisible to me. I'm not sure why it's not showing up for you. I'm sorry I can't be of more help in that regard.

 

[Boyd01]

If you open the Terminal program (it's in the Utilities folder inside the Applications folder), it will default to your home folder. Type the following command and press the return key:

cd Desktop

Now type this command and press return

ls -al

That should give you a complete listing of everything in the desktop folder, including hidden files. It will probably scroll up out of view. If so, just scroll the window up to the point where you entered that command. The invisible files should all be at the top of the list and you should see the ._ file there (if it actually exists).

It should also show the size of the file there. My guess is that this is just a bogus file, created in the way that @MacGizmo said. The size of the file should be displayed next to the date in the listing. Assuming that the name is acutally ._ as you posted, you should be able to delete it by typing:

rm ._

If you are worried about deleting something important, you could change the name to something that is visible in the Finder, this will change the name to "whatever" - note there is a blank space before and after ._

mv ._ whatever

When you do that, a file named "whatever" should appear on your desktop.

 

[PsychoCenobite]

If you open the Terminal program (it's in the Utilities folder inside the Applications folder), it will default to your home folder. Type the following command and press the return key:

cd Desktop

Now type this command and press return

ls -al

That should give you a complete listing of everything in the desktop folder, including hidden files. It will probably scroll up out of view. If so, just scroll the window up to the point where you entered that command. The invisible files should all be at the top of the list and you should see the ._ file there (if it actually exists).

It should also show the size of the file there. My guess is that this is just a bogus file, created in the way that @MacGizmo said. The size of the file should be displayed next to the date in the listing. Assuming that the name is acutally ._ as you posted, you should be able to delete it by typing:

rm ._

If you are worried about deleting something important, you could change the name to something that is visible in the Finder, this will change the name to "whatever" - note there is a blank space before and after ._

mv ._ whatever

When you do that, a file named "whatever" should appear on your desktop.

Thanks for the reply.

I can see the file listed:

-rw-r--r--@ 1 XXXX staff 280 13 Jul 10:19 ._XXXX logo (Black).eps

I've XXXX out the company name.

If I want to rename the file should I do use the following:

mv ._XXXX logo (Black) 2.eps whatever.eps

mv = the change name command
._XXXX logo (Black).eps = the original file name (inc. file extension)
whatever.eps = the new file name (inc. file extension)

Many thanks.

 

[NoBoMac]

Yes, the mv should do it, but will need to put the name(s) in quotes due to spaces.

So: mv "._XXXX logo (Black).eps" "whatever.eps"

 

[Boyd01]

Yes, using quotes is a good solution for filenames with blanks. FWIW, the other approach is to "escape" the space characters by preceding them with a slash character. That tells the shell to ignore the special meaning that a blank space normally would have. For example:

mv ._XXXX\ logo\ (Black).eps whatever.eps

I would probably do it with quotes in this case, but the escape character approach can have advantages in some situations.

 

[PsychoCenobite]

Perfect. That did the trick! 👍

Many thanks.

 

[rudo.ba]

I run into this when I zip a folder on my Mac and place it on a Windows-based server. Then someone unzips the zip file ON THE SERVER and it creates this ._ file.

No, Mac created this file (is just invisible on Mac, as all with dot on filename start, not so on Windows). I use Keka for creating ZIP archives with "Exclude Mac resource forks" option to not confuse Windows users after unzipping...