File search

Search file and folder names in the folders you choose, using the index macOS already maintains.

Turn it on in Settings → File Search. It's off by default. While it's off, there's no command and Redcast doesn't query Spotlight.

Open it with the Search Files command, its own global shortcut, or the Search Files row under "Use … with" at the bottom of any launcher search. The last option opens with your text already typed.

No permissions neededCopy Anchor Link

Redcast doesn't ask for any file permissions for this feature. Hidden files and the contents of app bundles are always excluded, and no setting can include them. That's what lets the feature work without permissions.

If Spotlight hasn't indexed something, you get fewer results instead of a Full Disk Access prompt.

The screenCopy Anchor Link

With nothing typed, the list shows Recently Used: files in your search scopes that you opened in the last 30 days or changed in the last 3 days. This comes from macOS's own records; Redcast doesn't keep its own history.

When you type, the list changes to Results. Each row shows the file's icon and name. Folders also show their parent folder's name, dimmed, which helps when many folders share a name like src.

The right side previews the selected file: the file itself, followed by its name, location, type, size and dates. You can play video and audio there. Nothing plays until you press play.

Filtering by typeCopy Anchor Link

⌘P, or the All Types button, narrows the search:

All Types · Folders · Documents · Images · Audio · Videos · Archives

The filter changes what Redcast asks Spotlight for, so it never hides matches that were already cut off by the result limit. It resets each time you open the palette.

ActionsCopy Anchor Link

• Quick Look opens a large preview inside the palette and plays media right away. esc or Close dismisses it.
• Copy File copies the file itself to the clipboard, so you can paste it into Finder or Mail.
• Paste File to … pastes the file into the app you opened the palette over.
• Copy Name and Copy Path keep the palette open, so you can copy several in a row.
• Move to Trash doesn't ask for confirmation, because you can always restore files from the Trash.

Copies made here appear in your clipboard history like any other copy.

In the launcherCopy Anchor Link

Turn on Show in launcher, under the File Search switch, to see files in launcher searches too. It's off by default.

When your search has three or more characters, a Files section lists up to five matches. It sits below the apps and commands, so return still opens the top result. Each row shows the name, the folder it's in, and whether it's a file or a folder.

The rows have the same actions as this screen, except Quick Look. To see every match, choose the Search Files row under "Use … with".

Search scopesCopy Anchor Link

Set these in Settings → File Search → Search Scopes. By default, Redcast searches your home folder.

Your home folder means its visible folders, plus Library/CloudStorage and your iCloud Drive. Redcast never adds ~/Library by itself. If you add a folder inside it, Redcast searches that folder.

An empty scope list searches nothing. Redcast doesn't fall back to your home folder.

Scopes are saved with your home folder written as ~, so a backup still works on another Mac.

Ignore patternsCopy Anchor Link

Set these in Settings → File Search → Ignore Patterns. There are three kinds:

Matching isn't case-sensitive, and * also matches /, so a **/…/** pattern works as written.

The list only shows patterns you add. Six built-in rules always apply as well.

How search worksCopy Anchor Link

Every word you type must appear in the file name, in any order. annual report finds "Report – annual 2025.pdf".

Spotlight returns at most 1,000 matches, and at most 200 rows are shown after filtering. Redcast waits 120 ms after you stop typing before it searches, so it doesn't start a new search for every letter.

Messages you might seeCopy Anchor Link