Spotlight is The Ultimate Mac Quick‑Launch and Search Tool

If you’ve spent any time on macOS this year, you’ll notice that Spotlight is no longer just a simple search bar. Apple has turned it into a full featured command center that lets you launch apps, find files, run Shortcuts, and even peek at your clipboard history all from the same place.

Below, are the new features and Spotlight's four powerful modes:

1. Launch apps quickly and easily
2. Search for files
3. Run Shortcuts and app actions
4. Browse clipboard history

Bringing Spotlight to Life

Open Spotlight

• Click the magnifying glass in the menu bar (top‑right corner).
• Or hit the universal shortcut: ⌘ + Space.

You’ll see a sleek, dark search bar appear. As soon as you move your cursor or start typing, the bar splits into four distinct panels:

Launch Apps (Apps Mode)

What’s New?

Apple has essentially replaced Launchpad with this panel. If you’ve used Launchpad for quick app launching, you’ll feel right at home here.

How to Use It

1. Hit ⌘ + Space, then ⌘ + 1 (or click the Apps icon).
2. Type the name of the app you want.
3. The list will filter in real‑time—just hit Return to launch.

Tip: You can also use a trackpad gesture—pinch with four fingers to bring up this panel—if you prefer a tactile shortcut.

Search Files (Files Mode)

Quick File Access

In this panel, Spotlight becomes a full‑blown Finder replacement. You can search by name, content, or metadata.

How to Use It

1. ⌘ + Space, then ⌘ + 2 (or click the Files icon).
2. Type the file name or even a keyword inside the file.
3. Spotlight will show a preview thumbnail and the path.
4. Hit Return to open, or use the arrow keys to navigate.

Pro Tip: Pro tip: Right-click on the file to display its location in Finder.

Run Shortcuts & App Actions (Actions Mode)

From Simple Tasks to Complex Workflows

This is where Spotlight turns into a command hub. Every “action” (such as “Start Timer”, “Turn Wi‑Fi On”, or a custom Shortcuts command) appears here.

How to Use It

1. ⌘ + Space, then ⌘ + 3 (or click the Actions icon).
2. Browse the list or type an action name.
3. For actions that need parameters (e.g., “Start Timer” → set a duration), Spotlight will prompt you inline.
4. Press Return to execute.

Browse Clipboard History (Clipboard Mode)

The First Full Clipboard History on macOS

Spotlight now stores a history of everything you’ve copied. No more lost text or images.

How to Use It

1. Copy something: ⌘ + C (or use any copy method).
2. ⌘ + Space, then ⌘ + 4 (or click the Clipboard icon).
3. You’ll see a list of your recent clipboard entries.
4. Search the list, use arrow keys to select, or click “Copy” to place it back into your clipboard.
5. Right‑click or Ctrl + Click any entry to Delete it, or click “Clear History” to wipe everything.

Spotlight Clipboard: 8‑Hour Auto‑Delete

Spotlight retains recently copied items for a rolling eight-hour period, after which they are automatically deleted.

Quick‑Reference Cheat Sheet