Using Spotlight Search to Quickly Launch Mac Applications

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Level 4

3,774 points

Using Spotlight Search to Quickly Launch Mac Applications

I would like to suggest the following as a user tip. There is absolutely no need for 3rd-party applications to quickly launch applications on macOS. Spotlight Search can launch any installed mac application within seconds using only a few keyboard keystrokes:

Type the keyboard shortcut: ⌘+[spacebar]
Type a few characters of the applications name in the Spotlight Search field
Hit the [return] key to launch the application

Unfortunately, Apple's insistence in including online content in Spotlight's search capabilities can severely slow the display of results. For those mac users that would like to optimize Spotlight Search for launching applications and finding local files:

In macOS open: "System Settings" > "Spotlight"
Deselect all of the following: Calculator, Contacts, Conversion, Definition, Events & Reminders, Fonts, Mail & Messages, Siri Suggestions, Tips, Websites

Mac mini

Posted on Dec 31, 2024 2:52 PM

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Answer 1

FishingAddict Author

Level 4

3,774 points

Jan 1, 2025 11:04 AM in response to Barney-15E

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll give it a try with some of the additional options selected. I am a creature of habit, but always willing to reevaluate based on suggestions from knowledgeable folks.

I don't remember which OS that it was years ago but at one point I was quite dismayed when what had worked for years (launching applications) had slowed to a crawl for me after an OS upgrade. At that time, it was something real because it affected multiple macs that I used both at home and at work. After experimentation at the time, I realized that I could completely resolve the issue by reducing the scope of Spotlight search. I guess improvements in Spotlight, faster hardware, and faster Internet have eliminated whatever the issues were that I had in the distant past.

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Answer 2

Dec 31, 2024 4:02 PM in response to FishingAddict

FishingAddict wrote:

1. I would like to suggest the following as a user tip.

In macOS open: "System Settings" > "Spotlight"

5. Deselect all of the following: Calculator, Contacts, Conversion, Definition, Events & Reminders, Fonts, Mail & Messages, Siri Suggestions, Tips, Websites

I never had a call to Deselect the all those options to function efficiently...(?)

it should search more than just Apple installed application without hesitation.

if you have an issue with Spotlight try rebuilding the database and compare your results:

Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

135,527 points

Jan 1, 2025 7:31 AM in response to FishingAddict

FishingAddict wrote:

Spotlight Search can launch any installed mac application within seconds using only a few keyboard keystrokes:

I just say "Siri, run <some app>".

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Answer 4

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,048 points

Jan 1, 2025 2:58 PM in response to FishingAddict

I guess improvements in Spotlight, faster hardware, and faster Internet have eliminated whatever the issues were that I had in the distant past.

Or, you had the same system modifications installed on your Mac which slowed Spotlight and now they are either updated to work or you've removed them.

I had many of them disabled, not for that reason, but because I have no desire to find a Font or search the Internet from Spotlight. I turned them all on and it actually seemed more responsive.

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Answer 5

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,048 points

Jan 1, 2025 7:21 AM in response to FishingAddict

In macOS open: "System Settings" > "Spotlight"

5. Deselect all of the following: Calculator, Contacts, Conversion, Definition, Events & Reminders, Fonts, Mail & Messages, Siri Suggestions, Tips, Websites

Whatever is slowing your Spotlight search is not caused by those selections.

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