The Finder’s hidden search criteria

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Level 1

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The Finder’s hidden search criteria

First I'll awkwardly show how two slightly different interface actions reveal (what seems to me to be) a hidden "Show Search Criteria" Finder option. Then I'll ask my question. Here's how I currently reveal the option.

Starting in Finder

Pressing Option-Command-F to open Finder's Search field:

then clicking the double chevron to its left (how long have I *not* been seeing that…)

and clicking Action > in the menu, you'll see this submenu:[1]

However, if you display the search options bar

Search:   This Mac   “Mac HD”                                          Save +

which in this particular example was done by typing <spacebar> then delete[2]) and then clicking Action >, a different submenu displays, now revealing a “Show Search Criteria” option[1]:

Now I can perform searches using a full compliment of search criteria tools. Here's all the zero length files.

Here's where I set up to ask my question.

I wanted to find all zero length files in a subdirectory branch. Stumbling around, I found this way to reveal the Finder's “Show Search Criteria” option in a submenu, but it's a convoluted path to get there.

So finally, here's my question: how do I get to this spot more quickly?[2]

Thanks.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 13.6

Posted on Apr 11, 2024 9:30 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,120 points

Apr 11, 2024 7:43 PM in response to d0ugparker

The >> menu is actually just an indication that there are hidden toolbar items because the window is too narrow to show them all. The missing item is the Action menu which is an ellipsis in a circle when you expand the window.

Cmd-Opt-F just puts the cursor in the search field. Yours isn't "revealed" because it has ben shrunk down due to the narrow window and number of tools in the toolbar.

Cmd-F will open a search window with the criteria revealed. Or, you can start entering text in the search field and click the + button as already mentioned.

The Show Search Criteria is for Smart Folders which you save after entering various criteria and saving it. When you open a saved search, you don't see the criteria. You use Show Search Criteria to show the search criteria for the search folder.

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Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,212 points

Apr 11, 2024 12:55 PM in response to d0ugparker

One doesn't need the option+cmd+F shortcut. One can just directly enter Spotlight search commands in that Search field that is on the default open Finder Window. It does pay to have Finder : Settings : Advanced set to the following when performing the search in the current folder:

For instance:

kind:audio +.mp3 size:0

The measurement (e.g. KB, etc) won't matter when zero.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

215,286 points

Apr 11, 2024 2:08 PM in response to d0ugparker

d0ugparker wrote:

So finally, here's my question: how do I get to this spot more quickly?[2]

Thanks.

Try using Find Any File to search. It can only search for file names but has many options, including looking for and displaying the invisible files/folders:

FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.

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Answer 4

d0ugparker Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 11, 2024 7:10 PM in response to HWTech

Clicking the "+" in the first screenshot

adds a directory tab, not any search tools or search fields.

Clicking the "+" in the fifth screenshot (next to the "Save" button in its search bar)

opens up the search tool spillways

but that's the same result as having typed something in the Search field and selecting the now visible "Show Search Options" option from the menu under the ">>". Two different procedures accomplish the same thing.

I'm still wondering if there's a slick way to get to where I want to be. I'm not there yet, and figuring that out while learning new stuff adds to the difficulty.

"Being minimal" begs for its own thread. I too welcome the minimalism. I expect it, frankly, since MacOS more accurately represents reality (I too use the option key's toggling of options in the Apple menu as proof). Watch for a separate thread on the topic to keep from hijacking this one.

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Answer 5

HWTech

Level 9

68,606 points

Apr 11, 2024 9:52 AM in response to d0ugparker

Try clicking the "+" just down & to the right of your first screenshot.

Also, Apple loves hiding things from view. Pressing the "Option" key can reveal hidden menu options when a menu is displayed (just press & release Option to see it toggle them in view & out), or even by displaying a new button on some screens. It annoys me because I never know where I may find something useful. It is fine to be minimalistic, but it also requires the user to know those hidden options even exist. Sometimes you won't see some options until you are at a certain location within an app with something particular highlighted.

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The Finder’s hidden search criteria

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