Dotfiles Browser

Last updated: 2026-08-05

Overview

Quick access to your dotfiles and configuration files, right from the sidebar. No more pressing ⌘+⇧+. in Finder to show hidden files.

What Are Dotfiles?

Dotfiles are configuration files that start with a dot (.), which makes them hidden in Finder. They control how your tools and system behave.

Common examples:

  • .zshrc / .bashrc — shell configuration
  • .gitconfig — Git settings
  • .vimrc / .config/nvim/ — editor config
  • .ssh/config — SSH configuration
  • *.json — various app configs

How It Works

The Dotfiles section in the sidebar gives you quick access to common configuration files and directories.

File Preview

Click any config file to preview it in the detail view:

  • Text files — full preview with syntax highlighting
  • JSON files — formatted and readable
  • Large files — optimized preview, no freezing

Common Use Cases

Quick .gitconfig Check

Need to check your Git email or alias?

  1. Click Dotfiles → .gitconfig
  2. Read it in the preview
  3. Done. 2 seconds.

Shell Config Reference

Forgot what that alias was?

  1. Click Dotfiles → .zshrc
  2. Search or scroll
  3. Found it.

Config Comparison

Comparing two config files?

  • Preview them side by side (two projects open)
  • Or just quickly check one

Features

Text Preview

  • Fast, even for large files
  • Syntax highlighting for common formats
  • Scroll through the entire file

JSON Formatting

  • JSON files are automatically formatted
  • Easy to read nested structures
  • No more minified JSON headaches

Large File Optimization

  • Files are loaded efficiently
  • No app freezing on big files
  • Responsive scrolling

Tips

1. Quick Reference, Not Editing

Dotfiles browser is for viewing configs, not editing them. To edit:

  1. Right-click the file
  2. Choose “Open in Editor” or “Show in Finder”
  3. Edit in your preferred editor

2. New to Dotfiles?

If you’re new to dotfiles, here are the essentials:

  • .zshrc — Your Zsh shell config (aliases, PATH, etc.)
  • .gitconfig — Git settings (name, email, aliases)
  • .vimrc — Vim/Neovim configuration
  • .ssh/config — SSH host configurations

3. Project Configs vs Global Configs

Don’t confuse:

  • Dotfiles section — global system configs (~/.zshrc, etc.)
  • Project files — project-specific configs (package.json, etc.)

Both are accessible, but in different places.

Your configs, one click away.