How To Find a File on a Mac

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Apple computers are renowned for being simple to use, as this exercise in searching for a lost file demonstrates.

To complete this How-To you will need:

An Apple computer
A Mac OS X operating system

Step 1: Click the magnifying glass

Click on the magnifying glass icon found along the top strip in the upper right hand corner of your screen.

Step 2: Open the Spotlight window

Open the Spotlight window and type the file name or some part of it there.

Step 3: Read the drop down menu

Read the drop down menu that appears. Categories such as "Definition," "Documents," "Folders," and "Messages" on the left list their contents on the right.

Tip: Spotlight is not case sensitive and will instantly attempt to connect anything in your computer that might contain a clue.

Step 4: Pass cursor over "Top Hit"

Pass your cursor over "Top Hit" or any files on the list. When the yellow dialogue box appears, it displays the path back to the file you need.

Step 5: Click on file

Click on the file you're searching for, which opens up on the desktop, or scan the folders, which reveal their paths. Click and a finder box locating the folder and file will open on the desktop.

Tip: You can make files easier to find by marking them with a project name or tag.

Step 6: Use the hard drive

Highlight the hard drive icon for your files or your assigned category under "Places," if you're unable to find them any other way. Open folders and files here one by one.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HotHowTos
• finding
• files
• locating
• macintosh
• mac
• apple
• searching
• computers
• technology
• hard
• drive

[manuelito1233]

*facepalm*

*goes to APPLE WEBSITE*

you know if you own a mac you SHOULD OBVIOUSLY know this. If you don't YOU FAIL.

[Wakka12321]

This is obvious to any mac owner today.

[lavaxtris1]

spotlight sucks. fuck this.

[Thenicereviewguy]

and to find a file on a pc all you have to do is go to start and type in part of the file name and it pops up, macs are retarded hunks of shit

[benjo456]

dammit! i need a mac to find a file!

[lbonini1]

@spideyrockz4ever then you better enjoy that super old OS

[ExplodingPopsicle]

how do u get the hard drive on screen

[adriank9]

in my Spotlight I can see only Windows XP Home Edition, can't chane it on mac, help!!!

[TreeRash]

1. Don't lose the file.

2. THAT SHIT'S DONE!

[tropicalease]

Many Thx !!!

[spideyrockz4ever]

how do you find files if your mac doesn't have spotlight?