Index

# Discover HoudahSpot

## Mission statement

HoudahSpot is a file search tool based on Apple's Spotlight engine.
It is meant both as an everyday replacement to the default Spotlight interface and as a power search tool.

## HoudahSpot improves upon Spotlight

HoudahSpot allows you to zero in on files. Fast. A new HoudahSpot document presents itself as a simple form with commonly used criteria. You can fill in the form at your leisure. Search only starts when you are ready.
The default criteria allow for powerful customization. You may chose to search by exact phrase rather than by prefix. You may restrict your search to certain locations or file types. But this is only a starting a point. There is a myriad of criteria you may add to your query. Criteria can be combined into groups (E.g. "ALL of the following are true").

## HoudahSpot as power search tool

With HoudahSpot you can find those files you forgot you still had. Those pictures that pre-date iPhoto. The MP3 files you never bothered to put into iTunes. Files that are lost in the sheer mass of data you have been harvesting for years. Data you carried over from your previous Mac and never bothered to sort into your new folder structure.
By combining modification date, file type and location criteria, such files are finally within reach.

## See also

Quick Start Guide
Preferences
How to: Step By Step Instructions