Hidden file and hidden directory

Object in a filesystem marked to not be displayed by default

In computing, a hidden folder or hidden file is a folder or file which filesystem utilities do not display by default when showing a directory listing. They are commonly used for storing user preferences or preserving the state of a utility and are frequently created implicitly by using various utilities. They are not a security mechanism because access is not restricted – usually the intent is simply to not "clutter" the display of the contents of a directory listing with files the user did not directly create.

This keyword could refer to multiple things. Here are some suggestions: