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Smart Folders - Who's Using Them?

M

mms

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 8, 2003
784
0
CA
Just like the Dashboard thread in this same section, I was wondering about how much people are using Smart Folders in Tiger. I had expected it to be a cool feature when I first heard of it, but now that I have it it seems to me that it works for me in iTunes but that I don't find much of a use for it now that it's integrated with Spotlight in the Finder. While it's a neat concept, it just doesn't seem to become a natural part of my workflow.

So who out there uses smart folders on a regular basis? And if so, what are you using them for? Any interesting, novel ideas?
 
I just started using them, mainly for syncing between Macs. (Yeah, I know iDisk can sync, but it sucks something fierce.)

Here's how I currently use Smart Folders:


1. One smart folder tracks changes in key folders, and I link the smart folder to a burn folder so I can back-up in one click.

Awkward to set-up, but I am pretty pleased with it, and at least it works and doesn't spin my fan and HD non-stop like iDisk.

2. A "recent" folder. It's basically files I have used i the past couple of days. Nice and easy way to find files I am working on.
 
This is one of those features that I don't have a need for at the moment, but know I will use in the future. It's great for big projects, I'm just not immersed in one at present.
 
i know that if i had tiger i would be using them..... but i dont so i guess i have to wait, oh well, they actually will be one of the main reasons for me to upgrade
 
I prefer them more than the interactive search only because you can specify multiple criteria to find something or focus on what you want. The regular search as been a disappointment because I can't just search for applications only for example.

The spotlight interactive search needs more power user controls. At least a toggle to turn them on. Smart folders are sometimes only used once for a search I wanted that minute and then disregarded.
 
I'm using them to filter specific files from my collection. For example, I can immediately see all of my MIDIs that are remixes by opening the appropriate smart folder.
 
BornAgainMac said:
I prefer them more than the interactive search only because you can specify multiple criteria to find something or focus on what you want. The regular search as been a disappointment because I can't just search for applications only for example.
Click to expand...
Wrong, Sorry!
you can type in a bunch of things:
Apple said:
With Spotlight, you find what you want with uncanny accuracy, even when you don’t know many details. For example, if you know roughly when you saved or received something, you can type in relative time periods like “Date:Yesterday” to find it. If you’re not sure of an item’s file format, use “kind” to find types of files including “Kind:Movie,” “Kind:Image” or “Kind:Document.” Spotlight displays a neatly sorted result list that you can browse to find what you want.
Click to expand...
you can also do kind:app, and there are a lot more bits like this.

try typing "kind:app photo" or summit!
 
I haven't made one yet ... I don't have a use for them and I don't have time to mess with it. I like just saving things where I know where they are and not having to mess with it. I don't use spotlight either. I have a feeling I'll start using them once I get into digital photography. That won't be until next year though ...
 
James Philp said:
Wrong, Sorry!
you can type in a bunch of things:

you can also do kind:app, and there are a lot more bits like this.

try typing "kind:app photo" or summit!
Click to expand...

Ok. Now I know how to use seach. It is 10 times more useful now. Thanks.
 
With finals I haven't been able to get around to that aspect of Tiger yet. Hope to soon though once I'm back home again...
 
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