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Search in Finder by file name

When I use the regular command F in the finder to search for files, wouldn't it be nice if it automatically searched for file names? Is there any way to set this preference anywhere? I wonder how many people actually prefer to search the entire content rather than files names?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 15, 2024 8:01 AM

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4 replies

Nov 15, 2024 9:29 AM in response to Mad Nico

You can narrow your search in Finder, which uses Spotlight, by telling Spotlight what kind of file and a partial case-insensitive name string of the filename. Let's say you have a file named offtune_singing_ardvaark.pdf. In the Finder Window search field, or the Finder menu bar 🔍 Spotlight tool, you can enter:

kind:pdf name:ard


Of course, Spotlight is at your mercy to select the appropriate categories to index and match against. These are in System Settings > Spotlight panel.

Nov 19, 2024 9:00 AM in response to leroydouglas

Thanks for the reply but this does not address my issue which is that when I do:

1- cmd- F

2- type name of file

3- Every time, I have to take my mouse and select "name contains" in the drag down menu to get a file name selection and not a search of content, which will turn up half the files on my computer.

My point is that I assume most people use the cmd-F to look for file names and it would be nice if I did not have to perform step 3 a hundred times a day.

Search in Finder by file name

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