MacOS – Spotlight Recursive Search in Finder

findermacossearchspotlight

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)

Best Answer

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)

    Finder Image Search

  • 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 even locate 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
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