.DS_Store explained: what it is and how to handle it

What is .DS_Store

The .DS_Store file (short for Desktop Services Store) is a hidden metadata file that macOS Finder creates in folders to remember how you like them displayed. It stores information such as icon positions, window size, toolbar layout, and the chosen folder background.

Why Finder creates it

Finder uses .DS_Store to restore your preferred viewing settings when you open a folder again. It is intended to improve your Finder experience on macOS.

Where you might see it

In Finder it’s hidden by default. If you enable viewing hidden files or if you share a folder with others, the file may appear as ".DS_Store" in that directory.

Why it can be a nuisance

When folders are shared, moved, or uploaded to cross-platform systems, .DS_Store files can clutter directories, bloat archives, and trigger unnecessary changes in version control. They do not contain user data from files themselves, just display metadata.

How to manage and remove .DS_Store

Removing

You can safely delete .DSStore files; Finder will recreate them as needed. In Terminal: find . -name ".DSStore" -type f -delete Or delete in a specific folder: rm /path/to/folder/.DS_Store

On macOS

To stop macOS from creating .DS_Store on network shares, you can use: defaults write com.apple.desktopservices DSDontWriteNetworkStores true Note: This affects network volumes and may not apply to local folders.

On Windows and Linux

Windows and Linux don’t use macOS Finder metadata, but .DS_Store can appear if you copy from a Mac. You can safely delete it, or exclude it from archives.

Global cleanup and automation

To prevent tracking in Git, add .DSStore to your global or per-repo ignore lists: git config --global core.excludesfile ~/.gitignoreglobal echo ".DSStore" >> ~/.gitignoreglobal You can also set up a recurring cleanup task or script to remove .DS_Store from projects.

Preventing future creation

Git and version control practices

Keep .DS_Store out of repositories with ignore rules; consider a per-repo .gitignore or a global excludes file.

Working with cross-platform directories

If you frequently move folders between macOS and other systems, maintain a standard cleanup protocol to keep the tree clean.

Quick tips for teams

• Treat .DS_Store as metadata only; it’s not part of your actual files.
• Include a clear policy for avoiding committing .DS_Store in shared repos.
• Consider automated checks during CI or pre-commit hooks to warn about or remove them.