The Top Spotlight Tips to Search More Efficiently in macOS
Searching for files on any operating system can feel like a daunting task at times, especially if you have an extensive collection of files. However, fear not, as macOS comes fully loaded with a powerful search function that can help you find files with ease.
In this article, we’ll look at the top spotlight tips that will help you search more efficiently in macOS.
1. Access Spotlight with Keyboard Shortcuts
Spotlight is the search feature in macOS that allows you to easily locate and open files, applications, and other items on your computer. The fastest way to access Spotlight is by using the keyboard shortcut: Command + Spacebar. This hotkey will bring up the Spotlight search field, and you can start typing to search for whatever it is that you need.
2. Master the Advanced Search Syntax
Spotlight is more than just a simple search engine; it is a powerful tool that allows users to refine their search results with advanced syntax. You can use advanced syntax to search for specific file types, dates, and even exclude specific keywords.
For example, to search for all PDF files in a specific folder, you can type:
kind:pdf folder:[folder path]
Or to narrow down your search and exclude a specific term, you can use the minus sign, for example:
[Search term] -[Excluded term]
3. Customize Spotlight Preferences
Customizing your spotlight preferences will help you get the most out of it. To access the Spotlight preferences, click on the Apple () icon in the menu bar, select System Preferences, then click on Spotlight.
Here, you can customize your search results by selecting the categories you want to search or exclude from your search, such as applications, contacts, documents, folders, and so on.
4. Use Natural Language Search
Spotlight supports natural language search, meaning you can type in a request like “Emails from [Contact’s name]” or “Meeting files from last week,” and it will understand your request and provide you with the relevant files.
5. Use Siri Suggestions
If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, you can take advantage of the Siri Suggestions feature. This feature uses machine learning to suggest relevant files, applications, contacts, and websites based on your past activity.
To access Siri Suggestions, click on the Spotlight icon, and a list of suggested files, applications, contacts, and websites will appear.
In conclusion, by implementing these top spotlight tips, you will be able to search for files and associated items more efficiently in macOS. Whether you’re looking for that important document or locating an old email, you can now do it with ease. With these tips, you’ll be a spotlight power user in no time!