Search in Finder

[HallStevenson]

I have a folder with PDFs and have names that include a product code, name, and a lot number. An example would be

AAA1234 CHEMICAL ABC 03179664.pdf

If I type "0317" in the Finder search box, it immediately starts finding matches and then narrows down the results as I type more. That is how I expect it to work. If I type "9664" though, it finds .... nothing. Why doesn't it ?

 

[KALLT]

Finder and Spotlight look for exact matches based on the first letters of a word. If you want more flexible queries, then you have to create a filter and select title/name → ‘contains’.

 

[HallStevenson]

Finder and Spotlight look for exact matches based on the first letters of a word

I see that now that you point it out. I did a test with a simplified filename - 03179664 - and it still didn't work. Then I changed it to "0317 9664" and it works.

If you want more flexible queries, then you have to create a filter and select title/name → ‘contains’.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm afraid I may as well just type the extra digits as it would be quicker than the add'l steps that Apple requires for this. I thought I could 'save' this search but it saves it with the search term (which is no good as I search different files each time). Then I tried leaving the search box blank so I could input my new string each time, but nope, Finder just saves a 'blank' search....