Cataloging drives and folders
The best catalog name answers ‘which physical source?’ before you open a result.
Combine a human label with purpose and time: Photo Archive — 2024, Client Backup — North, or Research — Field Season 3. Keep the same label on the physical drive and in your archive notes. Avoid names like Untitled and Archive 2 unless they are physically labelled that way too.
Open Catalog… from Everywhere’s menu bar item and add the drive or folder that matters. Let the first catalogue finish, then search by filename and browse the recorded folder tree. When the source is disconnected, the catalogue remains available and results are labelled offline so you know why opening the file requires reconnecting the drive.
Keep the original drive unchanged, use a clear catalogue name, and rescan after a large round of changes. Catalogues are for the places you choose; they do not silently turn a whole-Mac search into a second scan.
Use the Catalog management UI to keep the display name aligned with the physical source.
No. The display name is for people; matching uses the recorded source identity and path.
Everywhere keeps track of every file on your Mac — including the folders Spotlight hides and drives you have unplugged. Free for a day, then $19 once.
Version 2.20.2 · macOS 13+ · 4.7 MB · notarised