The Spotlight alternative
Spotlight finds apps.
This finds your files.
Spotlight is great for launching apps — but file search is limited, filters are shallow, and you can't choose which folders to index deeply. Fast Search Everything builds a fast in-memory index of folders you pick, with rich filters and content search.
$0.99 once·Choose your folders·On-device
Why switch
File search, not just app launch
Search as you type
Results update instantly from an in-memory index — no waiting for Spotlight to catch up on external drives.
Deep filters
Filter by file type, size, and date. Use query syntax like ext:pdf, size:>10mb, or dm:7d for files modified in the last week.
Search inside files
Find text inside documents with content: queries — something Spotlight does inconsistently across file types.
Spotlight vs Fast Search Everything
Side by side
| Fast Search Everything | Spotlight | |
|---|---|---|
| Choose indexed folders | Yes | System-wide only |
| Search-as-you-type index | Yes | Limited |
| Filter by type / size / date | Yes | Basic |
| Search file contents | Yes | Inconsistent |
| Query syntax (ext:, size:) | Yes | No |
| Global hotkey | Yes | Yes (⌘Space) |
| On-device & private | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $0.99 once | Free (built-in) |
Try a Spotlight alternative that focuses on files.
Fast Search Everything — $0.99 once. No subscription, no account.
Download on theMac App Store