Mac – Finder: How to make default search in folder the current folder

I'm afraid this isn't possible. It is just all or nothing. Here are a few alternatives to make it a bit smoother:

1. The Apple Hidden Files Widget. Toggle the hidden files with one click, works for me. Widget
2. Use a third party app for finding hidden files. For example, Path Finder from Cacao Tech. It makes it possible to view hidden files without your finder being messed up with all those files.

Hope this helps..

On 10.6 you can either add <key>SearchNameOnly</key><true/> to the SearchCriteria dictionary in /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app/Contents/Resources/default_smart.plist or replace default_smart.plist with a normal saved search file. (And reopen Finder.) Neither option seems to work on Lion though.

You can also press ⌃⌘F (or ⇧⌘F on 10.6) to open a Spotlight window that is set to search by name by default.