Introducing the New Global Search Mode in GNOME 46’s Nautilus File Manager

The forthcoming GNOME 46 desktop environment continues to have new features added to its default applications and components. Among these enhancements, the Nautilus (Files) file manager stands out with its new global search mode.

In the course of the GNOME 46 development cycle, a number of new features and improvements have been integrated into Nautilus to elevate file management in GNOME. Some notable additions include advanced discoverability of custom folder icons, detection of file copy/move operations beyond the 4GB limit on FAT file systems, a refreshing Network view, and much more.

Furthermore, its search functionality has also seen enhancements, including the capacity to identify markdown files as text documents during search. Now, Nautilus has incorporated a new distinct global search mode, which is expected to be open for public testing as part of the upcoming GNOME 46 beta release, scheduled for next week.

Last in the GNOME 45 desktop environment series, Nautilus had already included the “Search Everywhere” feature, which broadens the scope of file search by permitting searches in various locations.

Now, it would seem that the “Search Everywhere” functionality has been extended to a global search feature in the imminent GNOME 46 release. This newly developed global search mode is located in the search button, which has now been relocated into the sidebar.

When this search button is pressed, Nautilus showcases the Search Everywhere view, enabling users to locate files and folders in all the search locations that have been designated in the Search panel in Settings. This aligns seamlessly with most of the default GNOME applications, where the search button is prominently situated on the left side of the title bar.

This global search view further provides swift access to the Search Locations setting via an “Open Search Settings” button. This button is displayed before initiating a search process and when no search outcomes are found.

For more details about Nautilus’ new global search mode, you can check out this merge request. Meanwhile, we’re waiting for the beta release of GNOME 46 to take this new feature for a spin.

Image credits: António Fernandes/GNOME Project

Last updated 1 hour ago


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