Spotlight opens from anywhere on the Mac and searches apps, files, contacts, messages, mail, notes, definitions, calculations, conversions, and web results from one search bar.
Spotlight is built into every Mac and needs no setup for basic searches.
Does This Affect You?
Use Spotlight if you want a faster way to open apps, find documents, run quick math, convert units, or search information without opening a separate app first.
Open Spotlight and Search
- Press Command + Space.
- Type an app name, document name, contact, or keyword.
- Use the arrow keys to move through results.
- Press Return to open the selected result.
- Press Escape to close Spotlight without opening anything.
Use Spotlight for Quick Answers
- Math: type an expression such as 24 * 1.08 or (150 + 40) / 2.
- Conversions: type 10 km in miles, 500 grams in ounces, or 50 usd in eur.
- Definitions: type a word or type define followed by the word.
- Weather and time: type weather or a city name to see quick information.
- Web results: use the web or Siri options when local results are not enough.
- App content: search keywords from Mail, Messages, Notes, and other Apple apps.
- App launching: type the first letters of an app and press Return.
Spotlight Tips and Fixes
If a File Is Missing
Open System Settings > Siri & Spotlight > Spotlight Privacy and make sure the folder or drive was not excluded. Removing and re-adding a drive can force reindexing.
Limit What Spotlight Shows
Siri & Spotlight settings let you disable categories such as contacts, mail, messages, or other result types if you want narrower searches.
Use Finder for Precise File Hunting
Spotlight is best for quick ranked results. Finder search with filters is better for exact file type, date modified, or size searches.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Spotlight on Mac
- Apple Support: Spotlight search tips on Mac
- Apple Support: Change Spotlight search results and privacy on Mac