Tech-Ease: Files and Sharing Questions and Answers

Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.

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What is Spotlight, and how do I use it to search for files on my computer?

If you have the Tiger version (10.4) of OS X, you will be able to take advantage of Spotlight, an advanced search technology. Spotlight can search not only your documents, but also your emails, calendars, and more for the search terms you enter in its search box.

To begin a search with Spotlight, click on the blue magnifying glass icon in the menu bar.

You can also hold down the Command key and press the space bar to activate Spotlight. When the search box is displayed, begin typing your search term and Spotlight will begin listing the results below the search box. If there are two many results for the search terms you selected, you can click on the Show All link to display them in a larger window (you can also open Spotlight to this window by using the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Spacebar).

Spotlight Bar

In the Spotlight window, you will see links on the right that allow you to group and sort your search results. You can also tell Spotlight to limit the search to specific part of your system, such as the Home folder (the location where all files for an individual user are saved).

Spotlight Window, Sidebar

If you have a Finder window open, you can use Spotlight to search your computer by using the search box in the upper right corner of the Finder window.

Finder Window, Search Box

When begin typing your search terms in the search box, the results will be displayed in the pane on the right side of the Finder window. A new toolbar will also appear below the search box. You can click on the different links on this toolbar to limit your search to specific parts of your computer.

Finder Window, Search Buttons

By clicking on the plus button all the way on the right, you can specify different criteria for your search.

Finder Window, Search Criteria

Once you have specified all the criteria for your search, click on the Save button to save it.

Finder Window, Save Search Button

This will open up a dialog box where you can provide a name for your saved search. If you check the box next to Add to Sidebar, an icon for the saved search criteria will be added to your Sidebar.

Save Search Window, Add to Sidebar

You can use this icon to quickly perform a search with the same criteria at a later time.

If you have not updated your operating system to Tiger, you can still perform a search by selecting File, Find (or using the shortcut Command + F) while you have a Finder window open.

See It In Action

Spotlight (2m25s, 9.6 MB)
This movie shows you how to use Spotlight to find files and folders on your computer.

Additional Websites

Mac 101: The Grand Tour

Mac OS X Hints

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Basics of Working with OS X

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Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.

			Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	FILES FAQ	SEARCH
What is Spotlight, and how do I use it to search for files on my computer? If you have the Tiger version (10.4) of OS X, you will be able to take advantage of Spotlight, an advanced search technology. Spotlight can search not only your documents, but also your emails, calendars, and more for the search terms you enter in its search box. To begin a search with Spotlight, click on the blue magnifying glass icon in the menu bar. You can also hold down the Command key and press the space bar to activate Spotlight. When the search box is displayed, begin typing your search term and Spotlight will begin listing the results below the search box. If there are two many results for the search terms you selected, you can click on the Show All link to display them in a larger window (you can also open Spotlight to this window by using the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Spacebar). In the Spotlight window, you will see links on the right that allow you to group and sort your search results. You can also tell Spotlight to limit the search to specific part of your system, such as the Home folder (the location where all files for an individual user are saved). If you have a Finder window open, you can use Spotlight to search your computer by using the search box in the upper right corner of the Finder window. When begin typing your search terms in the search box, the results will be displayed in the pane on the right side of the Finder window. A new toolbar will also appear below the search box. You can click on the different links on this toolbar to limit your search to specific parts of your computer. By clicking on the plus button all the way on the right, you can specify different criteria for your search. Once you have specified all the criteria for your search, click on the Save button to save it. This will open up a dialog box where you can provide a name for your saved search. If you check the box next to Add to Sidebar, an icon for the saved search criteria will be added to your Sidebar. You can use this icon to quickly perform a search with the same criteria at a later time. If you have not updated your operating system to Tiger, you can still perform a search by selecting File, Find (or using the shortcut Command + F) while you have a Finder window open. See It In Action Spotlight (2m25s, 9.6 MB) This movie shows you how to use Spotlight to find files and folders on your computer.			Additional Websites Mac 101: The Grand Tour Mac OS X Hints University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Basics of Working with OS X
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Site Map \| Submit a Question \| About Tech-Ease \| Privacy Policy \| ETC Home Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.