Spotlight Recursive Search in Finder
How do I have a recursive search for filetypes in a Finder folder?
- no AppleScript
- no Terminal
- 100% Spotlight
Is this possible? Looking for mp3
and jpg
file types. I am using El Capitan (macOS 10.10)
Spotlight Search
Use the kind
attribute in your Spotlight search. For example, in the search dialog, type
kind:mp3
to find all MP3 files. I have a listing of all the relevant attributes in this answer.
So, for a more relevant example, you would issue a Spotlight search with your search term in double quotes and specify the attribute as follows:
"search term" kind:mp3
Not indexed by Spotlight
If you have a location not indexed by Spotlight, the most efficient tool for doing this is the built in tool find
, however, since "Terminal" is off the table, you're options are limited.
-
Use Finder Search ⌘ CommandF and create a query for that specific location. Here's an example of a Finder search for images in my "Backgrounds" folder (and below)
-
Use a 3rd party tool. Disclaimer: There are many tools out there, but the good ones will usually have a cost. These are the ones I'm familiar with however, they are not what I use as I prefer to utilize built in tools like
find
,mdfind
and evenlocate
via the command line.- HoudahSpot 5 ($35USD) Allows you to create and save complex search queries on macOS.
- Alfred (Free, but Powerpack is about $40USD). This is more of a productivity and workflow tool, but it does have excellent search capabilities. The Powerpak can greatly enhance all of the functions.
- Find Any File ($8USD). A search utility that goes beyond Spotlight.
- EasyFind ($0). File search utility that helps organize your searching. Recommended by user Tetsujin