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Spotlight Search Essentials

Spotlight is the system-wide search feature on macOS. It indexes all your files, apps, emails, and even metadata to help you find what you need instantly.

Accessing Spotlight

  • Shortcut: Press Command + Space.
  • Icon: Click the magnifying glass icon in the Menu Bar.

What Can It Do?

1. Launch Apps

Type the first few letters of an app (e.g., "saf" for Safari) and press Enter. This is often faster than using the Dock or Launchpad.

2. Find Files

Type the name of a file. You can also search by file type or date:

  • "kind:image sunset"
  • "modified:today"

3. Math and Conversions

Spotlight works as a calculator and converter.

  • Math: Type 120 * 4 or sqrt(95).
  • Currency: Type 50 USD to EUR.
  • Units: Type 100 lbs to kg.

4. Definitions

Type a word to see its dictionary definition.

Advanced Usage

You can drag a file directly from the Spotlight search results list into an email, document, or onto the Desktop.

For a deep dive into search operators and advanced features, see the master guide below.

  • Mastering Spotlight Search on macOS Tahoe
  • Launching Apps and Files with Open
Created: March 17, 2026 • Last Modified: February 24, 2026