Create or change a Smart Folder on Mac
You can create a Smart Folder that contains a list of files that have something in common. You specify the criteria for the items you want in the folder, such as the type of file, the date a file was opened, or the contents of a file. For example, if you like to bake, you could create a Smart Folder that has all the Pages documents you opened in the past year that contain the words “cookie” and “recipe.”
As you add, change, or delete files on your Mac that meet the criteria, the list of files in the Smart Folder is updated automatically.
Create a Smart Folder
In the Finder
on your Mac, choose File > New Smart Folder.Specify the criteria.
Set the first rule: In the search field, enter a topic, a phrase, a date, or another characteristic of the files you want listed in your Smart Folder, then choose from the suggestions that appear below the search field. Refine your search by clicking the pop-up menu in the search field.
Add a rule: Click the Add button
Click Save, then enter a name and location for your Smart Folder.
If you don’t want your Smart Folder to be in the sidebar, deselect Add To Sidebar.
You can’t use certain characters, including punctuation such as a colon (:), in folder names. If an error message appears, try using another name.
Change the criteria for a Smart Folder
In the Finder
on your Mac, open the Smart Folder.Begin typing in the folder’s search field, or click the Action pop-up menu
, then choose Show Search Criteria.