Set Finder Search Preferences
By default, when you run a search from Finder, that search covers your entire Mac. With OS X Snow Leopard, however, Apple introduced the ability to define the default Spotlight search location in Finder. To configure Finder search box preferences, complete the following steps: The next search you perform from the Search box in Finder will use the parameters you set in Finder Preferences. The icon looks like a blue and white smiling face.
Search This Mac: This option uses Spotlight to search your entire Mac for the term or keywords you specified. This option is the same as searching directly within Spotlight.Search the Current Folder: This option restricts the search to the folder currently in view in the Finder window and its subfolders.Use the Previous Search Scope: This option tells Spotlight to use whatever search parameters you used the last time you ran a Spotlight search.
To override the default setting you configured in Finder Preferences, enter a search term in the Finder Search box, then select one of the following options in the Search bar:
This Mac: Search your entire computer. Folder_Name: Folder_Name is the name of the Finder window you were in when you typed your search term. Select this option to search the current folder. Shared: Extend the search to any peripheral drive connected to your computer.
Jump From Spotlight to a Finder Search
You don’t have to start your searches from within Finder to take advantage of the added benefits of searching in Finder. Instead, you can start your search directly in Spotlight, then jump to Finder. A search directly in Spotlight can produce dozens of results, making it difficult to view and sort results. When you move the search results from the Spotlight results to Finder, you can better manipulate the results and narrow your search. To move your search from Spotlight to Finder, complete the following steps:
