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Floodlight

Quickstart

Install Floodlight, complete the setup window, and run your first search.

  1. Download

    Download

    Or build from source.

  2. Move it to Applications

    Open Floodlight.dmg, then drag Floodlight onto the Applications shortcut.

  3. Complete setup

    The setup window opens on first launch. From here you can:

    • choose ⌘ Space or ⌥ Space;
    • open automatically when you sign in;
    • choose the folder included in search; and
    • grant Full Disk Access for protected files.

    If Spotlight owns ⌘ Space, select Replace Spotlight…. macOS opens its shortcut controls; turn off Show Spotlight search, then return to setup. Floodlight retries ⌘ Space automatically.

    Full Disk Access is optional. Select Grant access, enable Floodlight in System Settings, return to setup, and select Done.

    Floodlight setup window with controls for the keyboard shortcut, launch at login, search folder, and Full Disk Access.
    Everything needed for initial setup is available in one window.

  4. Search

    ⌘ Space is used when available, with ⌥ Space as the fallback while Spotlight still owns it. Press the active shortcut, type an app, file, folder, or setting, then press Return. Use ↑ and ↓ to move through results, single-click a result to select it, or double-click it to open it.

    Follow Replace Spotlight if you want to free ⌘ Space. You can open Settings… at any time from the menu-bar flashlight.

Change settings later

Section titled “Change settings later”

Click the flashlight in the macOS menu bar and choose Settings…. The same window lets you change the shortcut, launch-at-login behavior, and search folder. You can also open Full Disk Access settings to grant or revoke access.

Floodlight settings window with Option-Space selected, a Replace Spotlight action, and Full Disk Access granted.
Settings remain available from the menu-bar flashlight after setup.

Next

Section titled “Next”