PDF file downloads being saved as hidden files

I am having the same issue, unchecking icloud desktop solves the problem. However, once you return to a "normal desktop" you can no longer empty your trash (error code -43). I am very disappointed by the latest sonoma update, downvote apple

Dear msiladi,

I've looked into your query regarding the issue where PDF files are being saved as hidden on your MacBook running macOS Sonoma 14.0, while using Chrome and I did come across some suggestions that may be helpful, as well as some avenues for further investigation.

1. Change Default Download Folder: One suggestion from the Apple Community was to try changing the default download folder to see if the new location would have the same issue. This was suggested as a test to ascertain whether the issue is tied to your usual download folder.
2. Use a Different Browser: Another user recommended testing the downloads using Safari instead of Chrome to check if the issue persists across different browsers.
3. Check System Settings: Although not directly related to your issue, you may want to check the download settings in Safari or Chrome. In Safari, for example, you can specify the download location by clicking Safari in the menu bar, choosing Preferences, and then selecting the General tab. There, you can expand the File download location dropdown box, select Other, and choose your preferred folder.
4. Reveal Hidden Files: As a workaround, you could use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + . (period) to toggle the visibility of hidden files. This isn’t a permanent solution but can help in the interim.
5. General macOS Troubleshooting: There were some general macOS troubleshooting steps found which might help resolve unusual system behavior. These include checking for system updates, restarting your Mac, and repairing disk permissions.

It might also be beneficial to reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional assistance, as they may have additional insights on this issue.

I understand that these solutions may not directly resolve your issue, but I hope they provide some steps towards troubleshooting the problem.

I have the same issue you do. I figured out a way to make them visible has been to use the following command on the terminal:

chflags nohidden <directory>

That seems to make the files visible again. This is not a permanent solution though, since whenever I download files again, they still are saved as hidden, so I'm not sure why this happens. Probably due to macOS Sonoma...

I am getting the same issue - pretty much whenever I try to save PDF files (in particular) to desktop they are doing so but hidden; the only way I can get around it is to save them to a different folder and then move to my desktop where they become 'unhidden'... very annying and hope that a permanent solution is found for this soon.

Agreed! I'm having the same issue.

If the file is downloaded with Safari it is not hidden.

If it is downloaded using Edge/Chrome and even the newish Arc browser it is hidden.

I wonder if it might be because those browsers use a common PDF renderer/viewer plugin perhaps?

I am experiencing an issue where downloaded JPGs, PDFs, and Word documents are hidden. I am only able to view and access them when I show hidden files. However, if I make any changes to the files, they become visible. This issue is happening on Dropbox and not on my desktop. Interestingly, my team can see the files without any issues, despite us all using the same systems.

Same issue. Files downloaded with Chrome are automatically hidden. VERY ANNOYING!