Cataloging drives and folders
The first scan pays the filesystem-walk cost once; searches use the finished local index afterwards.
Cataloging time depends on file count, drive speed, folders you selected, and whether attributes must be read from a slow removable disk. Everywhere scans one catalog at a time on its own queue and supports cancellation. Once complete, searching and browsing the recorded metadata do not require another full walk of the drive.
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.
Yes. The scan runs in the background, although a slow drive may still be busy.
The last complete catalog remains the safe reference rather than being replaced by a partial run.
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