When should I update the Mac index?

Update the index after adding, deleting, moving, or renaming many files in indexed folders.

Can the Mac app and command line interface (CLI) share the same index?

Yes. The macOS app and Command Line Interface (CLI) use the same shared local index after CLI support is enabled. Add folders and build the index in the Mac app, then use the CLI for update, search, and status.

macOS guide

How to search large folders on Mac with Quick Search

When a folder has thousands of PDFs, invoices, contracts, images, and archived files, filename search is often the fastest path to the right document.

1. Add the folders you work with most

Start with folders that contain documents you search repeatedly: project archives, Downloads, invoices, contracts, client folders, and cloud-synced work folders. Folder authorization is handled in the Mac app.

2. Build the local index in the app

After adding folders, build the local index in Quick Search. This keeps folder access aligned with macOS permissions and lets both the app and CLI use the same shared index.

3. Search with terms and extensions

Use filename terms to describe the document, then add an extension filter when you know the format. For example, a multi-term search with default AND matching plus a PDF filter narrows a large folder set quickly.

4. Refresh the index when the folder changes

Quick Search does not need to scan folders before every search. Update the index after large batches of file changes, enable automatic refresh when available, or use the CLI update command after CLI access is enabled.

FAQ

Is this the same as full-text search?

No. Quick Search focuses on filenames, extensions, and paths, which keeps the workflow simple and fast for document retrieval.

Can I search cloud-synced folders?

Yes, when those folders are available locally in Finder and explicitly authorized. Provider sync state and local availability can affect behavior.

Can the CLI add folders?

No. Add folders and build the initial index in the Mac app. The CLI is designed for update, search, and status against the shared app-authorized index.