Vorta: How to add hidden files on macOS

[d5ve]

Describe the bug
I can see hidden files in the "Add File" sources browser (by hitting Cmd-shift-.), however they are not selectable, and appeared greyed-out. This means I can't easily backup files like .bashrc etc.

I can add hidden directories like .ssh or .vim using the "Add Folder" sources browser.

Is there a way to add dotfiles to the backup sources? I'm happy to manually edit a config file if necessary, though I don't know where they are for Vorta.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Launch 'Vorta for Borg Backup' from the macOS Status menu.
2. Click on 'Sources'
3. Click on 'Add File'
4. Hit Cmd-shift-. to have the file browser show hidden files.
5. See .bashrc in the list, but it's not able to be selected.

Desktop (please complete the following information):

• OS: macOS Catalina
• Vorta version 0.6.23
• Borg version 1.1.10

[rbange]

@d5ve I experienced the same bug today, but was not able to quick-fix it in the code :/

Nevertheless, you can work around this by modifying settings.db in ~/Library/ApplicationSupport/Vorta/. It is a sqlite db so get a browser and add a new entry to the table sourcedirmodel.

Just make sure that Vorta is not running while doing this.

[jchhenderson]

Hi - just tried Vorta for the first time and love it!

...but immediately saw this same issue. Will try the workaround - thanks!

[m3nu]

Qt probably has an option to show hidden files.

Still not sure this is needed, since hidden files will be included in the backup, if you select the parent folder.

[jchhenderson]

...I don't want to select the parent folder as that is my user folder containing too many things I do not wish to backup.

[m3nu]

In that case we would need a switch to show hidden files in the selector.

Would this work as checkbox in the Misc options?

[jchhenderson]

that would be fine - thanks!

[m3nu]

I can confirm that it's possible to add hidden folders, but not hidden files. Let's see if there is an option for that.

[mcha-dev]

Hello,
Any updates on this one?
I have the same scenario (I have a .folder that I want to backup and cannot include its parent since it's too big)

[samuel-w]

As a workaround, we could override the native file dialog and replace it with the Qt dialog. https://doc.qt.io/qt-5/qfiledialog.html#Option-enum

Also, I found this: https://www.howtogeek.com/211496/how-to-hide-files-and-view-hidden-files-on-mac-os-x/. Seems to just be Command+Shift+Period to show files.

[mcha-dev]

Command + Shift + . works (displays hidden folders/files) in the finder with _Adding File(s)_ option but not with _Adding Folder(s)_

Thanks @rbange the workaround worked.

[jchhenderson]

Also, I found this: https://www.howtogeek.com/211496/how-to-hide-files-and-view-hidden-files-on-mac-os-x/. Seems to just be Command+Shift+Period to show files.

This does allow you to see .files and .folders, but it does not allow you to select the .files.