spotlightSearch files and content using macOS Spotlight indexing (mdfind). Use when the user asks to search local files, documents, or directories on macOS. Supports...
Install via ClawdBot CLI:
clawdbot install Li-Hongmin/spotlightSearch local files using macOS Spotlight indexing system.
Use this skill when:
scripts/spotlight-search.sh <directory> <query> [--limit N]Examples:
scripts/spotlight-search.sh ~/Documents "machine learning"
scripts/spotlight-search.sh ~/research "neural networks" --limit 10
scripts/spotlight-search.sh ~/Downloads "meeting notes" --limit 5π Searching in /path/to/directory for: query
β
Found N results (showing up to M):
π /full/path/to/file.pdf [pdf, 2.3M]
π /full/path/to/document.txt [txt, 45K]
π /full/path/to/folder/Spotlight automatically indexes:
# Check if a volume is indexed
mdutil -s /path/to/volume
# Enable indexing (requires admin)
sudo mdutil -i on /path/to/volumePattern: Search + Extract + Summarize
spotlight-search.sh to find relevant filesread tool to extract content from top resultsExample workflow:
User: "Find all documents about machine learning in my research folder"
1. Run: spotlight-search.sh ~/research "machine learning" --limit 10
2. Read top 3-5 results with read tool
3. Summarize findings for userSpotlight supports advanced query operators:
# Exact phrase
spotlight-search.sh ~/Documents "\"machine learning\""
# AND operator
spotlight-search.sh ~/Documents "neural AND networks"
# OR operator
spotlight-search.sh ~/Documents "AI OR artificial intelligence"
# Metadata queries
spotlight-search.sh ~/Documents "kMDItemContentType == 'com.adobe.pdf'"No results found:
mdutil -s /pathIncorrect results:
"exact phrase"Comparison:
| Tool | Speed | Content Search | Multilingual |
|------|-------|----------------|--------------|
| Spotlight | β‘ Instant | β Yes | β Yes |
| grep/ripgrep | π’ Slow | β Yes | β Yes |
| find | β‘ Fast | β No | N/A |
grep -r or ripgrepGenerated Mar 1, 2026
Researchers on macOS can quickly locate relevant papers, notes, and data files across large document collections using content search inside PDFs and Word documents. This accelerates literature reviews and data compilation by bypassing manual folder navigation.
Law firms and legal professionals use this skill to search through case files, contracts, and correspondence stored in indexed directories. It supports multilingual content and metadata queries, aiding in evidence gathering and case preparation efficiently.
Marketing teams and content creators search for images, documents, and code files based on embedded metadata or text content. This streamlines workflows by finding assets quickly without relying on manual tagging or slow file scanning tools.
Developers on macOS search through code repositories for specific functions, comments, or configurations using Spotlight's indexing. It is faster than grep for large projects and supports various file types like Python, JavaScript, and JSON files.
Individuals manage personal files such as emails, contacts, and meeting notes by searching across indexed folders. This helps in retrieving information quickly for tasks like tax preparation or project planning, leveraging macOS's built-in capabilities.
Offer a basic version of the skill for free to attract users, with premium features like advanced query syntax support or integration with cloud services for a subscription fee. This model targets individual professionals and small teams seeking enhanced search capabilities.
License the skill to large organizations, such as corporations or educational institutions, for use across multiple macOS devices. Include custom support, training, and integration with existing document management systems to ensure compliance and scalability.
Provide consulting services to help businesses optimize their Spotlight indexing, troubleshoot issues, and customize search workflows. This model leverages expertise in macOS systems to offer tailored solutions for specific industry needs.
π¬ Integration Tip
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