Simply Search builds its own file index on your Mac. When you type a filename, it searches that index instead of asking Spotlight.
The first scan builds the index. After that, Simply Search checks for changes and updates the affected folders.
When you reopen the app, it loads the saved file list so you can start searching while it checks for changes.
The app checks your selected folders for changes made while it was closed or a drive was disconnected.
As files are added, moved, renamed, or removed, Simply Search updates the affected parts of the index.
If a saved index cannot be used or file-change notifications are unreliable, the app scans again to rebuild the affected index.
File indexing and search run locally. The app provides encryption for saved index data, with keys stored in macOS Keychain.
Licensing, downloads, and update checks use online services. These may process information such as your IP address, app version, or license details. See the privacy policy for details.
No. Use Simply Search to find a file, then open it or reveal it in Finder to work with its folder.
Yes. Connect or mount the drive and add the folders you want to search. The app needs access to the drive to index changes and open its files.
Usually, no. The app loads its saved index and checks for changes. It scans again when the saved data is missing or cannot be used.
Setup guides you through Full Disk Access in System Settings. macOS permissions determine which folders the app can read.
Search for part of a filename, sort the results, or use the calendar control to select a range of modification dates. See the search examples for step-by-step instructions.
Free for 14 days. A one-time purchase costs $3.99.