Cataloging drives and folders

A focused project catalog

Updated 2026-10-01 · 3 min read

Folder catalogs are useful when one project matters and the rest of the disk should stay out of scope.

The useful distinction

Add the project root rather than the whole disk, then confirm the catalog name and relative path. Search can find project files offline and the browser shows the folder hierarchy and sizes. When the project grows, rescan the source; when the project closes, export or forget the catalog according to your archive policy.

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 folder move on the drive?

A moved folder may no longer match its recorded relative path; rescan or create a new focused catalog.

Does the parent drive need to stay connected?

Only when you need to rescan or open a file; searching the completed catalog works offline.