How to Hide Desktop Icons on Mac and Customize Your Workspace Efficiently

August 12, 2025 by Andrew Smith

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Your Mac desktop can go from spotless to cluttered faster than you can say “macOS Ventura!” If your screen is covered with icons, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news — hiding your desktop icons is super easy. Let’s walk through this simple task and explore a few tricks to customize your workspace for ultimate productivity.

Why Hide Desktop Icons?

Sometimes, less is more. Hiding those icons can help you:

  • Stay focused and reduce distractions
  • Take cleaner screenshots
  • Make your desktop wallpaper shine through

Let’s dive into how to do it the fun and easy way!

Method 1: Use Finder Settings

This is the simplest way to hide things like external drives, hard disks, and servers.

  1. Click on Finder in your dock.
  2. Go to the Finder menu in the top left corner.
  3. Choose Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions).
  4. Under the General tab, deselect everything under “Show these items on the desktop.”

This hides mounted drives but not other files or folders.

Method 2: Use Terminal (For the Brave!)

This method feels fancy but is super effective. You’ll be using a command prompt — but don’t worry, it’s just copy-paste magic:

  1. Open the Terminal app (find it using Spotlight with Cmd + Space).
  2. Copy and paste this command:
    3. defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop false; killall Finder
  3. Hit Return.

And boom! Your icons disappear. Don’t worry, they’re still there — just hidden.

To bring them back, use this command:

defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop true; killall Finder

You can use this toggle anytime you want a fresh-looking desktop.

Make It a Toggle Shortcut

Want to hide or show the icons with a single click? Create a simple Mac app to do it!

  1. Open the Script Editor app.
  2. Paste this code:
    3. 
set currentState to do shell script "defaults read com.apple.finder CreateDesktop"
if currentState is "true" then
    do shell script "defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop false; killall Finder"
else
    do shell script "defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop true; killall Finder"
end if
  3. Save it as an Application, name it “Hide Icons” or anything fun!
  4. Double-click it whenever you want to toggle icon visibility.

Now you’re a Mac magician 🧙.

Extra Touches to Customize Your Workspace

Here are other cool ways to boost your Mac mojo:

  • Use Hot Corners to activate your screensaver or desktop with a flick of the mouse
  • Add widgets with the iPhone-style Notification Center
  • Clean up Launchpad by removing or organizing apps

Want an inspiring wallpaper?

Choose something relaxing or motivating. Nature scenes, minimal patterns, or even funny memes. Whatever gives your eyes a little joy.

Image not found in postmeta

Pro Apps That Help Keep Things Neat

If you want automation and even more control, check out these apps:

  • CleanShot X – Take screenshots without clutter
  • Bartender – Organize your menu bar icons
  • Hazel – Automatically move files off your desktop

With a tidy desktop and sleek setup, your brain can focus better. Nothing like a clean slate to spark creativity!

The Final Swipe

Hiding your desktop icons on Mac is not just about looking tidy — it’s about working smarter. Whether you’re organizing your space for clarity or just want to show off that stunning wallpaper, turning off those icons is a power move that takes just seconds.

Make it a habit, automate with a script, or explore cool apps to keep the neatness going. Happy Mac-ing!

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