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DESCRIPTION

HoudahSpot is the front-end most Spotlight users don't know they're missing.

With HoudahSpot your files are at your fingertips. Keep frequently used files within reach. Retrieve the files you didn't know you still had.

Create detailed queries to pinpoint the exact file you want to get to. Save queries for direct access to your favorite files. Set up templates for frequently performed searches. Use HoudahSpot for some housekeeping (Hi, Mom!). You could ask HoudahSpot to find all music files not yet in your Music folder. Just drag the results to your Music folder.

WHAT'S NEW
Version 2.6.3:
  • Enhancement: Inspector windows
    HoudahSpot now remembers which inspectors were open and restores them on launch.
  • Bug fix: Crash with empty "text content" criteria
    HoudahSpot could crash when running a search with an empty "text content" criterion.
  • Bug fix: Boolean values
    HoudahSpot was unable to restore boolean values (e.g file invisible) from saved files or templates.
  • Bug fix: Result counter
    The result counter was off after files were removed from and restored to the searched location.
  • Bug fix: Hot key preferences
    The global hot keys are available only when the global menu is enabled.
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.5.2 or later, Spotlight enabled.

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SCREENSHOT

Developer:Houdah Software
Downloads:27,501
  - Version d/l:1,014
Utilities:File Management
License:Shareware
Date:01 Feb 2010
Platform:PPC/Intel
Price:$30.00

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HoudahSpot User Reviews (25 posts)Write A Review
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Nov 14 2009

JUSTANTHRGUYHERE  I looked at this and it has a few cool features but it seems no one here has used the FINDER'S "Find" command nor ever looked at the "Other..." attributes options etc. MUCH of what this does can be done in the Finder and after looking at their web site and trying the program I came away thinking they've misrepresented what comes with EVERY Mac by way of searching because they seem to intentionally focus on Spotlight ignoring the FINDER'S "Find" command capabilities.

For more info:

http://www.peachpit.com/guides/content.aspx?g=mac&seqNum=196

You can add multiple criteria and using the "Other" operator find using even more meta data and even Save the search criteria for later use all built into the FINDER.

Just a comment and FYI and not a "ding" on the application only pointing out your needs my be more than spotlight but less than what this offers and in that case the FINDER may work for you!  
(Version 2.5.10)

praisebury
-1
[ 2 Replies - Reply ]
Replies:
Dec 1 2009

DLWHITE  HoudahSpot is a godsend.

Spotlight's speed has improved dramatically, and I LOVE QuickLook, but the Finder's FIND feature is clunky and slow and does not offer the ease of use that I expect from Apple. Search results are not customizable, I can't sort by size or change viewing options once I've begun a search and it's difficult to change certain search parameters such as the location I'm searching once you've invoked the command-F.

It really feels like Apple ignored this element of the OS. And that's where HoudahSpot steps in. In a professional setting, HoudahSpot is useful multiple times a day, but I find I use it at home, as well.

Remember Sherlock? http://www.apple.com/lae/sherlock/

Well this program makes you FEEL like an eagle-eyed sleuth. It can find anything.

I'm going to have more files on my computer tomorrow than I have today, and HoudahSpot helps me locate and understand the growing mass of data far better than the Finder can.

Until Apple wakes up to address this weak spot, thank heaven for HoudahSpot.

  
(Version 2.5.10)

praisebury
+4
Dec 31 2009

BSCHMIDT  HoudahSpot exceeds the capabilities of OS X's built-in Find in terms of the property columns that can be displayed and sorted in the search results.

I use HoudahSpot so I can sort search results by size. I expected when I bought my HoudahSpot license in early 2008, that it would have a short lifespan. But it's 2010 tomorrow, and OS X's built-in capabilities still haven't caught up.  
(Version 2.6.1)

praisebury
+3

Nov 12 2009
*****

SEANC  I've disliked Spotlight's front-end since its inception. In fact, I found myself relying on EasyFind to perform searches even though it's much slower. Oh happy day when I first found HoudahSpot... It's exactly what Spotlight's interface should be.

I especially like the ability to create custom search templates as well as customize the default search template.

I'm hoping a future version will allow me to replace the Spotlight interface entirely (e.g., in the menubar, Cmd-F in the Finder, etc.) rather than existing alongside it as it currently does.  
(Version 2.5.10)

praisebury
+2
[ Reply ]
Nov 6 2009

RUBAIYAT  How does this rate against Datalore. Datalore seems to have a simpler frontend. Does this indicate it has less functionality or just a cleaner look?  
(Version 2.5.9)

praisebury
0
[ Reply ]
Sep 1 2009

ANON BUD  Beware!

Despite the listed requirements, the new version will only work with Snow Leopard.  
(Version 2.5.7)

praisebury
0
[ 4 Replies - Reply ]
Replies:
Sep 1 2009

MAUDLIN  The new version works fine for me on 10.5.8  
(Version 2.5.7)

praisebury
0
Sep 1 2009

ANON BUD  I’m glad it worked for you.

I am running 10.5.7 (didn’t want to upgrade to 10.5.8, and am waiting for my new Snow Leopard disk). Houdah Spot installs, but with the ubiquitous “do not enter” sign super imposed on it. When I clicked on this newer version, the dialogue says that this version is incompatible with my OS—or something to that effect.

I’m just saying that the requirements listed indicate it works with Leopard. It is misleading.  
(Version 2.5.7)

praisebury
+1
Sep 2 2009

MAUDLIN  Apparently, this has now been fixed. An updated version of the new release is now compatible with 10.5.7. http://houdah.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=3647043  
(Version 2.5.7)

praisebury
+2
Sep 2 2009

ANON BUD  Thanks!

Glad I’m not going crazy or something like that! As per the developer’s admission, he did not expect anyone to be running an older version of Leopard!

The new update works just fine now.  
(Version 2.5.7)

praisebury
+1

Jul 9 2009

LOUNGE DELUXE  This looks like a very useful app, but unfortunately for me Spotlight is required. I'm using a SSD and have Spotlight disabled, so I can't use HoudahSpot. I'm currently using EasyFind but I'd prefer HoudahSpot for the looks and powerful features of it.  
(Version 2.5.6)

praisebury
0
[ 1 Reply - Reply ]
Replies:
Dec 31 2009

LEE123  Are you really gona save that much life on your SSD with your approach. The drive could fail from a million other things before it reaches your estimate end of life cycle. So why not just enable spotlight and live the good life until you need another hard drive?   
(Version 2.6.1)

praisebury
0

Feb 5 2009
*****

ESPIRIDION  I've used and recommended HoudahSpot for a long time. I seldom used Spotlight, and tried a couple of programs that provided a better UI for Spotlight. My search ended as soon as I tried HoudahSpot.

Although I still use other search applications, whenever I need to do a Spotlight search I launch HoudahSpot. It makes my searches more efficient. I get more relevant results and spend less time looking for information.

Great application and great support.  
(Version 2.4.1)

praisebury
+7
[ Reply ]
Jan 5 2009
*****

DRDUL  HoudahSpot makes Spotlight usable. I rarely ever use Spotlight the Apple way, as it's far easier and faster to find files with HoudahSpot. A few minutes to set up some pre-defined templates, add them to a stack in the dock, and you're all set!

the developer has also been excellent in responding to questions, bugs and feature requests. This app is what Spotlight should have been.  
(Version 2.3.3)

praisebury
+6
[ Reply ]
Jan 4 2009
*****

MACMARIA  Awhile back I commented on this app, saying that was not working properly for me and posing some questions that the dev had the gentleness of answering.

I must say that my initial concerns where unfounded. I've been using HoudahSpot for many months now and I'm very satisfied with the app: it's fast, reliable and complies to its promises. Also, the support is very, very good... with a very capable forum where questions are replied in short time.

Therefore, I'm giving this app the best evaluation possible. Simply because it deserves it.  
(Version 2.3.2)

praisebury
+6
[ Reply ]
Dec 17 2008
*****

MACSYLVAIN  very easy to use. find anywordin my computer (mail etc). very helpful.  
(Version 2.3)

praisebury
+1
[ Reply ]
Nov 4 2008
*****

STEVE HODGSON  A fantastic application - Spotlight on steroids!

I cannot praise this application enough. It's a great combination of features (quick look, PathFinder support), speed and usability. The developer is very responsive.  
(Version 2.3)

praisebury
+3
[ Reply ]
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