Generate content, correct spelling, suggest synonyms to enhance writing.
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About Instant Search
Instant indexes text, documents, photos, and scans stored on a Mac and allows searching by keywords or phrases. It reads content from multiple file formats including PDFs, Word documents, Markdown, and images with text layers, treating scans as searchable text. The tool operates entirely offline, keeping all files and searches on the user’s device without requiring an account or cloud upload. Search results highlight matching phrases within documents and photos, showing context around the found terms. Indexing happens locally, with initial setup taking minutes for typical document collections or hours for large photo libraries, and only updated files are reindexed afterward. The search engine uses a local model that consumes about 1 GB of disk space once installed.
Key features
- Indexes text, photos, and scanned documents
- Searches PDF, DOCX, Markdown, and image formats
- Highlights search results within documents
- Local search model (~1 GB disk space)
- Offline operation with no cloud uploads
- Reindexes only changed files after initial setup
- Keyboard shortcut (⌥ Space) for quick access
- No account or sign-in required
Use cases
- Finding specific clauses in contracts or legal documents
- Locating receipts or financial records by content
- Searching personal notes or meeting minutes for keywords
Pros
- Fully offline operation with no cloud dependency
- Supports multiple file formats including scanned documents
- Local indexing with minimal ongoing resource usage
- Highlights matching text within documents and photos
- Free to use with no account required
Cons
- macOS 15+ only
- Apple Silicon-optimized, may not run on older Intel Macs
- Limited to local file search on a single device
Frequently asked questions about Instant Search
What is Instant Search and what does it do?
Instant Search is a macOS tool that indexes text, documents, photos, and scans stored on a user’s Mac to enable keyword or phrase searches. It reads content from multiple file formats, including PDFs, Word documents, Markdown, and images with text layers, and treats scans as searchable text.
Who is Instant Search designed for?
Instant Search is designed for Mac users who need to quickly locate specific information within their local files without relying on cloud services or external servers. It suits individuals managing personal documents, photos, or notes.
Does Instant Search require an internet connection or cloud uploads?
No, Instant Search operates entirely offline. All files and searches remain on the user’s device, and no account or cloud upload is required.
How does Instant Search handle scans or images without text layers?
Instant Search reads scans and images with text layers as searchable text, allowing users to find content within these files just as they would in a text document.
How long does the initial indexing process take?
The initial indexing process typically takes minutes for an average document collection and hours for a large photo library. After the first index, only changed files are reindexed.
Does Instant Search integrate with other macOS features or apps?
Instant Search can be summoned from anywhere on a Mac using a keyboard shortcut (e.g., Option + Space), but it does not integrate with external apps beyond macOS system features.
