How to Search Files by Content on macOS: A Complete Guide

Whether you’re tracking down a snippet of code, hunting for specific text in a PDF, or simply trying to locate an old document, knowing how to search files by content on macOS is a game‑changer. In this post, we’ll explore multiple methods—from native macOS features to Terminal tricks and third‑party utilities—to help you efficiently find exactly what you need.

Most users rely on file names or dates to locate documents. But what if you can’t remember the file’s name? Searching by content lets you:

• Locate specific text within any document—code, PDFs, Word files, and more.
• Speed up your workflow by finding references or notes without manual opening.
• Manage large archives when filenames are generic (e.g., “Document1.pdf”, “Notes.txt”).

Mastering content search on macOS empowers you to find hidden gems in your digital files in seconds.

Spotlight (⌘+Space) is macOS’s built‑in desktop search:

1. Invoke Spotlight: Press ⌘+Space.
2. Type your query: Enter the exact phrase or keyword.
3. Filter by Kind: Click “Show All in Finder” at the bottom, then refine by file type (e.g., “PDF Documents”).
4. Preview & Open: Use Quick Look (Spacebar) to verify before opening.

AI Finder offers the ability to search your files by content using natural‑language queries. Just type what you’re looking for—e.g. ‘show me all invoices from June 2025’—and AI Finder will instantly surface every document, spreadsheet, or PDF that contains those terms.

Being able to search files by content on macOS transforms how you work with documents, code, and archives. From quick Spotlight lookups to powerful Terminal commands and specialized third‑party apps, there’s a method for every need and skill level. Try these techniques today to streamline your file‑searching workflow and never lose track of important information again.