Speed is everything in today’s realities, so MacBook users often find themselves needing to find files and other information as fast as possible. And since our lives are filled with tons of different types of information, finding something quickly can be a challenge. But thanks to modern tools, Mac users have a solution to this problem as well. So, if your desktop is overcrowded and your folders are scattered chaotically, a certain feature will become an indispensable tool for you. This search engine built into macOS will allow you to find any object on your computer in seconds. Let’s find out what this tool is and how to work with it to make it effective.
Spotlight: Why is it Convenient?
Spotlight is a universal search tool on Mac. With it, you can find any file and search the web. For many users, Spotlight is analogous to a universal search bar, but local at the same time. To launch Spotlight, just use the Mac spotlight shortcut. This is a combination of Command + Space. After pressing it, a search bar will open. Here you can enter queries.
But as we have already mentioned, over time, files or duplicates of files accumulate on your Mac. Not only do they take up valuable space, but they also make it harder to find them. So, you should definitely know how to find duplicate files on Mac. To do this, you can use an online resource that will provide step-by-step recommendations on how to delete duplicate photos on Mac and offer the best duplicate file finder Mac. This way, you’ll gain both knowledge and be able to easily cope with freeing up a lot of storage space and better organize your device.
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The Main Features of Spotlight
Search for apps
If you can’t find an app icon, just type its name into Spotlight. It’s faster than manually searching for apps in the Finder or Dock.
Advanced file search
In addition to entering a keyword, Spotlight lets you use filters. If you don’t remember the name of a file, but you know its creation date, you can use “date:today” or “date:last week”. This feature is very convenient for searching in the Mac file explorer system.
Calculations
In addition to searching, Spotlight can perform calculations. You can enter a simple query with a complex calculation, such as “487*4”, and you will instantly get the answer. This feature is useful for those who regularly work with numbers.
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How to customize Spotlight to your needs
By opening System Preferences and selecting Spotlight, you can choose the categories you want to include or exclude from your search to optimize Spotlight’s performance.
You can also customize the indexing for folders. If you have a folder that frequently contains information you need, you can add it to the priority list. This will significantly improve search results in files on MacBook.
Tips to Speed Up Your Work
- Use the right keywords
The more precisely you formulate your query, the faster you’ll find the information you need.
- Clear your cache
Spotlight can be slower when temporary files accumulate. Use Terminal to clear them.
- Reindex your search
If Spotlight doesn’t find the files you’re looking for, you can reindex the search. You can do this in System Preferences or Terminal.
How to search with your voice
If you’re using Siri, it’s great that it also integrates with Spotlight. Just dictate the query and Siri will fulfill it.
Final Thoughts
Spotlight is a powerful tool that makes working on a Mac much more convenient. With the right settings, advanced features, and additional applications, you can quickly find files, free up space, and optimize your system. So, the next time you’re wondering how to search on Mac, don’t forget about Spotlight. This versatile assistant will become your go-to tool for searching on your MacBook.