How to Search for File Types in File Explorer
Searching for specific file types in a file explorer can be a time-consuming task, especially when dealing with large and complex directories. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can quickly find the files you need. In this article, we will guide you through the process of searching for file types in file explorer on both Windows and macOS.
Windows File Explorer
On Windows, the search functionality in File Explorer is quite robust. Here’s how you can search for file types:
1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing `Windows + E`.
2. Navigate to the folder where you want to search for the file type.
3. In the search box at the top-right corner of the window, type the file extension you are looking for (e.g., `.txt`, `.jpg`, `.pdf`).
4. As you type, File Explorer will display a list of files with the specified extension.
If you want to refine your search further, you can use advanced search filters:
1. Click on the search box and select “Search options” from the dropdown menu.
2. In the “Advanced search” window, you can specify additional criteria such as file size, date, and file type.
3. Click “Search” to see the results.
macOS Finder
On macOS, the process is quite similar to Windows. Here’s how to search for file types in Finder:
1. Open Finder by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the Dock or pressing `Command + Space`.
2. Navigate to the folder where you want to search for the file type.
3. In the search field at the top-right corner of the window, type the file extension you are looking for (e.g., `.txt`, `.jpg`, `.pdf`).
4. Finder will display a list of files with the specified extension.
To use advanced search filters in macOS Finder:
1. Click on the search field and press `Command + F` to open the “Find” window.
2. In the “Search” tab, you can specify additional criteria such as file size, date, and file type.
3. Click “Search” to see the results.
Using Third-Party Tools
If the built-in search functionality in your file explorer is not sufficient, you can use third-party tools to search for file types more efficiently. Some popular options include:
1. Everything: A fast and lightweight file search utility for Windows.
2. HoudahSpot: A powerful file search tool for macOS.
3. Qwant: A search engine that indexes files on your computer and allows you to search for file types.
By using these techniques and tools, you can quickly and easily search for file types in your file explorer, saving you time and effort.
