Smart folders aren't searching specific locations

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Level 1

15 points

Smart folders aren't searching specific locations

I'm baffled. If I create a Smart Folder to search for say PDF files, it works fine if I select "This Mac", but as soon as I select a specific location such as my Documents folder (which absolutely contains PDF files), nothing shows up. What's going on? I've tried this with various locations and am absolutely certain the search criteria should be fulfilled. See screenshots attached.

Here it is working fine when searching "This Mac":

... and here I've selected my Documents folder not showing results:

Posted on Sep 19, 2023 8:27 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,042 points

Sep 20, 2023 4:45 AM in response to Toph-

Try re-indexing Spotlight.

Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support

If that doesn’t work, try deleting the hidden .Spotlight-v100 folder.

Fix for Finder Not Showing Folder Search … - Apple Community

There is no need to use Recovery. Just follow the Without Recovery instructions.

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Answer 2

Sep 20, 2023 4:54 AM in response to Toph-

If reindexing does not fix it, you may have to manually delete a specific hidden .Spotlight-V100 file. I am away from my mac now but can look for the specific instructions later if necessary.

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Answer 3

3ddi

Level 1

8 points

Feb 23, 2024 10:30 AM in response to Toph-

I have this issue as well. I can compare the differences since I have another Mac M1 Macbook and my MacStudio is acting differently when creating saved searches. I cannot figure out why.. initially I thought it was a perferences for finder but it is not.

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Answer 4

3ddi

Level 1

8 points

Feb 23, 2024 10:32 AM in response to 3ddi

I cannot delete this post....

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Smart folders aren't searching specific locations

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