Finding Files

Question

Level 1

12 points

Finding Files

As a new Mac user, I sometimes have trouble finding files. Here's an example: I downloaded an eBook from my library, and an app I use put the epub file somewhere. I figure I'll use Spotlight and I search for the name of the file. The result looks like this:

Now, what I want to know is where the file is so I can load it into Calibre. I hoped I could right click on the file name and put the full path on the clipboard or choose "Open With ...," but there's no option for that. I click "Show all in Finder ..." and I get this and nothing else:

Can someone tell me what I should be doing?

Thanks!

iMac, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6), 21.5

Posted on Aug 23, 2018 8:47 AM

Reply

Answer 1

TromboneAl Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 23, 2018 11:13 AM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks, guys.

I have to say I'm still missing the wildcard search that was available in Windows.

Here's a followup question:

If I search for

name:lent

I get no results, even though there's that file called "Violent Crimes.epub"

However, I search for

name:looks

I get this result:

If I search for

name:ooks

I get no results.

Is there some way to search for a part of a filename that doesn't include an uppercase letter?

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,778 points

Aug 23, 2018 8:58 AM in response to TromboneAl

The most simple method is to download the app Find Any File. You can search your entire system, a specific drive or even a folder for files. It is very simple to use.

However if you are looking to use what is pre-installed, then learn to use Finder which is always running on your Mac. Get to know the Finder on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Aug 23, 2018 10:25 AM in response to TromboneAl

When searching for a file by name, use the Spotlight name operator, which will find files based on partial or full matches:

name:Violent
name:Crimes
name:.epub
name:"Violent Crimes"

Any variation of these will refine the search results. When you just enter the string:

violent Crimes.epub

Spotlight will search for filenames and any indexed document contents that have occurrences of that string. Had you enclosed that string in quotes, it probably would have just returned that epub file.

When you have Spotlight results, you have keyboard shortcut options:

Pressing Return will open the file in its default application
Selecting the found filename, and pressing the following keys:
1. Command-key will show the path location of the file [macjack]
2. Return will open a new Finder window with the found file selected

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Answer 4

TromboneAl Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 23, 2018 1:28 PM in response to macjack

I've wanted to learn the Mac way of doing things (since I've committed to "moving to Rome"), but EasyFind sure does exactly what I want. If I have trouble with Spotlight, I'll use EF.

Thanks.