Cataloging drives and folders

File counts in a drive catalog

Updated 2026-10-01 · 3 min read

A catalog can tell you what an archive contains before you decide where to store it next.

The useful distinction

Each catalog keeps summary information for its source: file count, folder count, total bytes, capacity, and the last catalogued time. The counts describe the scan, not a live filesystem. That distinction is helpful when auditing old removable media and deciding which drive to connect first.

A careful workflow

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.

Common questions

Can the count change while the drive is offline?

No. It changes after a new scan while the source is connected.

Does file count include folders?

Files and folders are tracked separately in the catalog summary.