Tech Tip: Spotlight

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A Quick Lesson on the Benefits of Spotlight on the Mac

What is Spotlight?

Spotlight is a fast, system-wide search tool on the Mac that helps you find and launch anything on your computer and the web. Instead of using your mouse to click through folders and menus, you can use the keyboard to find files, open applications, and get information instantly.

How to use Spotlight

  • Press Command-Space bar to open the Spotlight search bar.
  • Start typing your query. Spotlight will show results as you type.
  • Use the arrow keys to navigate through the results.
  • Press Return to open the highlighted item.

Key benefits of using Spotlight

1. Launch applications quickly

Stop cluttering your dock with icons. With Spotlight, you can launch any application with just a few keystrokes.

  • Example: To open Safari, press Command-Space, type Saf, and hit Return.

2. Find files and folders instantly

Spotlight indexes all your files and folders, allowing you to search not just by name but also by content.

  • Find a file: Type a document’s name or a unique keyword from its content. To see the file’s location in Finder, hold down the Command key while it is selected.
  • Filter results: Refine your search by adding terms like "kind:pdf" to find all PDFs, or "kind:image" to find images.
  • Preview files: Select a file and press the Space bar to get a quick preview without opening the application.

3. Perform quick calculations and conversions

Spotlight includes a built-in calculator and unit converter that works right in the search bar.

  • Calculations: Type a math problem like 50 * 1.08 to get an instant answer.
  • Unit conversion: Type 50 F in C for a temperature conversion or 100 USD in EUR for a currency conversion.

4. Access system settings

Need to change a setting but can’t remember where it is? Just search for it.

  • Example: Type "dark mode" or "display" to get a direct link to the correct System Settings menu.

5. Search the web and get real-time information

Spotlight integrates with the web to provide information on a variety of topics.

  • Lookup: Enter a word to get its dictionary definition.
  • Weather and more: Type "weather Honolulu" to get the current forecast, or a sports team’s name for recent scores.

6. Take quick actions

In modern macOS versions like Sequoia, Spotlight has become a command center for taking quick actions directly from the search bar.

  • Examples: Create a note, set a timer, or run a custom Shortcut just by typing a command.

Make it a habit

The true benefit of Spotlight comes from making it a habit. By learning the Command-Space shortcut, you can centralize most of your Mac interactions through a single, powerful search bar, saving you countless clicks and navigating countless windows.