When it comes to finding files on Mac, users typically utilize Spotlight to search for documents or anything else in an instant. The content index of the Mac hard drive helps you find documents, emails, applications, music, contacts, and other useful information.
Additionally, Spotlight also supports searching for information on the web, performing calculations. On macOS High Sierra, Spotlight can even search for flight information for you.
Mastering Spotlight Usage on Mac
Accessing and Utilizing Spotlight on macOS
Step 1: Click on the Spotlight icon in the menu bar, resembling a magnifying glass. Alternatively, use the shortcut Command + Space. The Spotlight search box will appear in the middle of the screen.
Step 2: Enter your search query there, and Spotlight will display search results as soon as you start typing.
If Spotlight fails to find what you need, you can adjust the search results to optimize for your needs. Additionally, you can exclude specific locations on your hard drive to prevent Spotlight from searching for information, data you want to keep private.
Customize Search Results with Spotlight on Mac
Step 1: Click on the Menu button at the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Click on System Preferences.
Step 3: Click on Spotlight.
Step 4: Check the boxes next to the items you want Spotlight to display search results for. Items that are not checked will not be displayed in Spotlight search results.
How to Hide Content in Spotlight Search
If you store 'sensitive' documents in a specific location and you don't want Spotlight to search for and display those documents in search results, you can configure Spotlight to search in that location.
Step 1: Click on the Menu button at the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Click on System Preferences.
Step 3: Click on Spotlight.
Step 4: Click on the Privacy tab.
Step 5: Click on the plus icon button at the bottom-left corner of the window.
Step 6: Select the items, documents you do not want Spotlight to search for.
Step 7: Click on Choose.
Here is a guide on how to use Spotlight on Mac for you to search for files, documents on your Mac computer more quickly. Additionally, refer to 10 keyboard shortcuts on Mac OS will significantly improve your work operations on your Mac, using keyboard shortcuts on Mac helps you save time to do many other things.