Find by type


The descriptions and instructions in this chapter assume that you have not yet made any adjustments to the default setup.
In particular, you should not yet be using the "preferred template" feature.


1. Start with a new document


It will have a root group of type "ALL" to which are attached a set of criteria.

2. Morph the last criteria


The last criteria is by default set up to restrict by file kind. We don't need that criteria. Thus we will recycle it for our purposes: select "Content type" from the criteria type pop-up menu at the far left of the criteria row.


Many more criteria types are available: From the criteria type pop-up menu, select the "Other..." item. A sheet will open with a list of metadata attribute names.


3. Configure the criteria operator


Make sure the operator pop-up menu is set to the "is" operator.

4. Configure the criteria value


If you know the content type you are looking for you may fill it in. Possible values include:

- com.adobe.photoshop-image: Photoshop documents
- com.microsoft.excel.xls: Microsoft Excel documents
- com.microsoft.word.doc: Microsoft Word documents

It is however likely that you won't know the exact content type name. For such situations HoudahSpot allows for criteria configuration using drag-and-drop. Simply drag an existing file of the desired type onto the "Content type" row of the criteria pane.

Content types may also be seen in the Inspector window for existing files.

5. Start the query


Click the green "Start" button in the window toolbar. Your query is now live. New files will show up as they are created.