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Using Apple’s Spotlight search feature, you can easily locate anything on your Mac. Spotlight search differs from Finder search in that, In addition to searching your computer for saved files and downloads, How to Use Mac Spotlight the internet for relevant news, weather, and content.
Spotlight allows you to locate virtually anything on your Mac. It indexes the contents of your Mac’s hard drive to make it easier to locate documents, emails, applications, music, contacts, and other files. It can also help you find information on the Internet, solve equations, and as of High Sierra, find flight information.
Using the Spotlight Search Shortcut
- Press the Command key and tap the space bar. The Spotlight Search bar pops up ready for action.
- Type a search term into the Spotlight Search field. The search results populate as you type.
- Tap any of the search results for a preview. When you find what you are looking for, double-click to open it.
Use Spotlight Search Through Its Icon
- Click the Spotlight magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner of the menu bar to display the Spotlight search bar.
- Type your search item.
- Double-click one of the search results to open it. That’s it!
How to Customise Spotlight Search results
- Choose the Apple menu button on the top left of your screen.
- Select System Preferences.
- Click on Spotlight.
- Click the Checkbox beside the category to change what Spotlight will show you. If it has a checkmark, those results will be displayed; if it doesn’t, those results will not be displayed.
FAQ
What is the shortcut to spotlight search on Mac?
To search Spotlight from within a Finder window, press Command–Option–Space bar. (If you use multiple input sources to type in different languages, these shortcuts will switch input sources rather than displaying Spotlight.
How do you click on Spotlight?
Select Keyboard Shortcuts within System Settings > Keyboard. Click Spotlight in the sidebar on the left. On the right, you’ll find shortcuts for Spotlight search and a Finder search window. I’ve assigned the Command and space bar as my keyboard shortcut for the Spotlight search box.
How do I turn on my Mac search?
- On your Mac, in an app or webpage, or in a photo or image, Control-click a word or phrase (in some apps you may need to select it first). …
- Choose Look Up from the shortcut menu
How do I get started on Spotlight?
To become a member of Spotlight, you must have at least one featured role with an Equity or equivalent union contract, two professional performance credits, or have completed at least one year of full-time professional performance training equivalent to an RQF level 5 or two years.