Spotlight is one of those Mac features that really makes a difference. Its simplicity and speed mean we use it almost without thinking whenever we need to locate a file, but this small search tool is capable of much more than just finding things on our Mac.
1. Do calculations and conversions without opening other apps
While the Calculator app is useful, it’s not always necessary to open it for simple operations. With Spotlight, we can instantly solve math problems directly from the search bar. Just type the operation, like “525 * 4” or “2023 / 15”, and the result appears immediately.
If we need to convert currencies, we can type something like “100 dollars to euros” and get a result based on current exchange rates. We can also convert temperatures (“25 degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit”), lengths (“5 miles to kilometers”), or even time zones (“time in Tokyo”). All this without opening any apps or searching the web.
2. Manage files and view their locations
Another very useful Spotlight feature is its ability to help us manage files on our system. When we select a file from Spotlight results, we can hold down the Command (⌘) key to see its exact location in Finder.
Once located, we can drag files directly from Spotlight to the desktop or any folder. This allows us to move documents, organize our work, or even attach files to emails really quickly.
3. Customize searches for better accuracy
When it comes to finding files, Spotlight gives us the option to customize what kinds of information we want included in the results. From System Settings, we can tap on Spotlight and enable or disable sources like Siri Suggestions, the dictionary, or Maps, for example.
If we frequently work with certain types of files, like PDFs or presentations, we can also prioritize those results in our searches.
4. Quick Actions from the search car
Spotlight lets us perform direct actions without opening apps. For example, if we type a phone number or an email address, Spotlight will offer to call via FaceTime or send an email—right from the search bar.
Similarly, if we type something like “meeting tomorrow at 10”, we can create a reminder or add an event to the calendar without opening those apps.
5. Smart searches and contextual suggestions
To finish, let’s return to searches, because Spotlight has the ability to offer smart suggestions related to what we’re looking for. For instance, if we don’t remember the exact name of a file or app, Spotlight will show similar or related results that might match our query.
It also lets us explore the results in Finder, if we need more options. By scrolling to the bottom of the list and selecting “Search in Finder,” we can refine the search using filters like file type or modification date. This way, we’re guaranteed to find exactly what we need.
Spotlight is much more than a file search tool: it’s a shortcut to our productivity, a file manager, a unit converter, and an assistant—all in one. Next time we open Spotlight, let’s remember everything it can do.
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