HoudahSpot is a fast and easy-to-use desktop search tool for Mac. It enables users to find specific files such as documents, music, photos, or videos by utilizing flexible search criteria, customizable result displays, and instant file previews.

One of the standout features of this software is its immense range of search criteria options. You can search by name, text, content kind, author, pixel count, and various other variables. Furthermore, HoudahSpot allows you to combine multiple criteria to create a more refined search. You also have the ability to specify which folders to search within and which ones to exclude. Moreover, you can add any of the hundreds of available columns to further customize your search parameters.
Another noteworthy feature is the filter function offered by HoudahSpot, which enables you to reduce search results to only the relevant items. This helps in weeding out unnecessary clutter and saves you precious time. Additionally, the software allows you to preview both files and text matches, providing a comprehensive overview of the search results. If supported by the application, you can continue searching for text matches by simply pressing command-G (Find Next).
Users will find HoudahSpot to be incredibly invaluable in locating hard-to-find files that may have otherwise remained elusive. Many users have also adopted HoudahSpot as a replacement for the default Spotlight interface due to its enhanced functionality and ease of use.
If you have ever struggled to find a file on your Mac, HoudahSpot is the ultimate solution that you have long been waiting for. It revolutionizes the way you search for files, saving you time and eliminating frustration.
Version 6.5:
* Addresses a change in macOS Sonoma where HoudahSpot fails to load file tag colors
* Updated ForkLift integration to work with the latest version of ForkLift
* Fixes a bug displaying files with multiple tag colors
* Fixes a problem where Text Preview failed to show .eml mail message files
Version 6.4.1:
* Updated for macOS 14 Sonoma
* Caveat: Apple Mail on macOS 14 no longer accepts plug-ins. HoudahSpot will not be able to search your Apple Mail messages
* Improves performance when selecting a large number of files
* HoudahSpot can now edit Finder comments
Version 6.3.2:
* Compatibility Mail on macOS 13.6 Ventura
* Note: macOS 14 Sonoma will no longer allow Mail plug-ins
Version 6.3:
* Some of the sample search templates now auto-start upon opening
* HoudahSpot now translates Mail flags to color names
* New sample template: "Name Does Not Contain"
* Adding double quotes to search text in the main search field has HoudahSpot search for an exact match
Version 6.2.5:
* Works around a macOS Ventura bug where previewing address book cards can crash
* Fixes an unexpected slowdown when switching between windows
* Fixes a bug when re-saving a recently renamed template