Cataloging drives and folders

The Mac answer to Everything’s offline file lists

Updated 2026-10-01 · 3 min read

Everything’s file-list idea maps naturally to Catalog, but macOS and NTFS are not the same platform.

The useful distinction

Everything reads a Windows filesystem database; Everywhere builds a local index from the folders and drives you choose. Catalog adds the missing Mac behavior: browse and search an external drive after it is unplugged, import EFU inventories, and keep each source’s online status visible. It is not a Windows compatibility layer and does not claim to search content inside offline files.

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 Everywhere open an EFU file?

Yes. Catalog v1 includes EFU import for bringing a voidtools file list into a searchable catalog.

Does it need every drive connected to search?

No. Completed catalogs remain searchable offline.