Skip to content

xattr MacOS command

The MacOS xattr command allows users to manage extended attributes for files and directories, providing a way to store metadata alongside the file system. With xattr, you can view, add, modify, and remove extended attributes, providing additional context and information to files. This command is particularly useful for developers and system administrators looking to organize and categorize files, ensuring efficient information management. By using the xattr command effectively, users can enhance file organization, streamline workflows, and improve overall productivity on MacOS.

Terminal window
xattr [option] [parameter]
OptionDescription
-lList all extended attributes
-rRecursively remove extended attributes from directories
-cRemove all extended attributes from the specified files
-dRemove the given extended attribute from a file or directory
-wWrite the given extended attribute value to the file or directory
-hDisplay help information
ParameterDescription
filenameThe name of the file to work with extended attributes
attributeThe specific attribute name to manipulate
Terminal window
xattr -w com.example.metadata "important info" file.txt

Sets an extended attribute named “com.example.metadata” with the value “important info” on the “file.txt”.

Terminal window
xattr -l file.txt

Lists all extended attributes associated with the “file.txt”.

Terminal window
xattr -d com.example.metadata file.txt

Removes the extended attribute named “com.example.metadata” from the “file.txt”.

Terminal window
xattr -wx com.example.metadata $(xattr -px com.example.metadata file.txt) file_copy.txt

Copies the extended attribute “com.example.metadata” from “file.txt” to “file_copy.txt”.

Terminal window
xattr -px com.apple.FinderInfo file.txt

Displays the binary data stored in the extended attribute “com.apple.FinderInfo” of the “file.txt”.

Terminal window
xattr -c file.txt

Removes all extended attributes associated with the “file.txt”.

To use the xattr command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
xattr --option <value>

How can I list all extended attributes of a file in MacOS using xattr?

Section titled “How can I list all extended attributes of a file in MacOS using xattr?”

To list all extended attributes of a file in MacOS with the xattr command, use the following command:

Terminal window
xattr -l <filename>

How can I add an extended attribute to a file in MacOS with xattr?

Section titled “How can I add an extended attribute to a file in MacOS with xattr?”

To add an extended attribute to a file in MacOS using xattr, use the following command:

Terminal window
xattr -w <attribute_name> <attribute_value> <filename>

How can I remove a specific extended attribute from a file in MacOS using xattr?

Section titled “How can I remove a specific extended attribute from a file in MacOS using xattr?”

To remove a specific extended attribute from a file in MacOS using xattr, you can use the following command:

Terminal window
xattr -d <attribute_name> <filename>

Can I remove all extended attributes from a file in MacOS with xattr?

Section titled “Can I remove all extended attributes from a file in MacOS with xattr?”

Yes, you can remove all extended attributes from a file in MacOS using xattr. Use the following command to achieve this:

Terminal window
xattr -c <filename>

How can I view the value of a specific extended attribute of a file in MacOS using xattr?

Section titled “How can I view the value of a specific extended attribute of a file in MacOS using xattr?”

To view the value of a specific extended attribute of a file in MacOS with the xattr command, use this command:

Terminal window
xattr -p <attribute_name> <filename>

Is it possible to remove all extended attributes recursively from a directory in MacOS using xattr?

Section titled “Is it possible to remove all extended attributes recursively from a directory in MacOS using xattr?”

Yes, it is possible to remove all extended attributes recursively from a directory in MacOS with xattr. Use the following command:

Terminal window
xattr -rc <directory_path>

How can I check if a specific extended attribute exists for a file in MacOS with xattr?

Section titled “How can I check if a specific extended attribute exists for a file in MacOS with xattr?”

To check if a specific extended attribute exists for a file in MacOS using xattr, you can use the following command:

Terminal window
xattr -x <attribute_name> <filename>
  • Add extended attributes to files
  • View extended attributes of files
  • Remove extended attributes from files
  • Manipulate extended attributes for file metadata管理