MacBook Pro Greyed Out Files

Suddenly random files and documents are greyed out. All file extensions, and for all apps I've tried (Preview, excel, finder). How do I regain access to these files?

Posted on Nov 14, 2022 01:12 PM

Similar questions

Cannot open files using finder - in some folders only Hi - thanks for the help. Here is the situation, i could not find the solution. Ventura 13.3.1, macbook pro In some folders only, files can no longer be opened using double click or even right click open / file / with app. The app actually starts but nothing else happens, there is no error message. This happens with all files, regardless of file type This event was sudden, not linked to system update or migration These files are still accessible using the apps directly though open / file. They are not corrupted. Permissions have been checked at file or folder level, no issue there System restarted a coupe of times, no change
1120 3
Files greyed out in selection windows of apps I have a Mac Studio M1 Ultra running Ventura 13.2.1. Problem is that when I go to File/Open (or other commands that bring up a file selection window in my apps) eg. Acrobat, Word, etc the files in the list are all greyed out - yet I can still select them and they open fine. Same problem was happening on my previous Mac Pro and I hoped it would be fixed with newer Mac, but no. I did a clean install of all software on the Mac Studio, so not a problem that has been transferred from old computer to new. Given the files open, it is not a critical problem, but it is a very annoying one! It also makes the file names in the list hard to read. Have searched online for answers, but all solutions I've seen relate to files that are not available within the particular app and/or therefore won't open - not the case here.
453 4
Disappearing folder contents in home folder (directory) A folder called Documents in my home folder is visible from the Finder and correctly shows its size, but cannot be opened when navigated to from the Finder. When saving files (PDFs, images, etc) from other programs – Firefox, Photoshop, etc. – the folder is visible and can be navigated. If I search via Finder for a file that I know is in that folder I can see the file, but only if I search for that file specifically. I can also view the contents of the folder using Terminal. The permissions are the same for me (Read and Write) as for other files and folders. This is irritating since I use this folder quite a lot. Any ideas why I can access this folder via other programs, Terminal (and even Finder but only if I search specifically)? Thanks MacBook Pro Ventura 13.2
1123 2

1 reply

Nov 14, 2022 09:58 PM in response to robin833

robin833 wrote:

Suddenly random files and documents are greyed out. All file extensions, and for all apps I've tried (Preview, excel, finder). How do I regain access to these files?

random files..like what for example?

Maybe a screen shot would help elucidate the issue and where.

If "hidden files" got turned on—these you would expect to see as greyed out(?)

The key board short cut for hidden files is the 3 keys combo: Shift Command . (period)

Have you tried rebooting the machine?

Log out, sleep, wake, restart or shut down your Mac

Shut down or restart your Mac - Apple Support

if no resolve try a SafeBoot How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

MacBook Pro Greyed Out Files

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up