Getting Started

Installation

AnySearch is available on the Mac App Store. Download and install it like any other Mac app.

Requirements: macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later.

First Launch

When you first open AnySearch, it will ask for permission to access your files. Grant access to the folders you want to search — typically Desktop, Documents, and Downloads.

AnySearch will begin indexing your files in the background. Priority directories (Desktop, Documents, Downloads) are indexed first for immediate use. The full index builds progressively and is usually complete within a few minutes.

Basic Search

Start typing in the search bar and results appear instantly. AnySearch uses full-text indexing to deliver results in milliseconds, even across hundreds of thousands of files.

By default, AnySearch uses contains mode — it matches files whose names contain your search term anywhere.

Recent Files

When you open AnySearch, you'll immediately see your 20 most recently modified files — no need to type anything. This gives you quick access to what you were just working on. Recent files appear in both the main window and the quick search panel.

QuickLook Preview

Select any file from the search results and press Space to preview it instantly, just like in Finder. Press Space again or Esc to close the preview. Use arrow keys to browse through files while the preview stays open.

Global Hotkey

Press ⌥ Space (Option + Space) to summon AnySearch from anywhere on your Mac. You can customize this in Settings → General.

For a compact floating panel, press ⌥ ⇧ Space (Option + Shift + Space).

Free Tier

AnySearch offers 10 free searches per app launch with full feature access. When you're ready for unlimited searches, check out our pricing plans.