Find Files When You Forgot the Name
You know the file exists, but what was it called? We’ve all been there. Maybe it was document_final_v2.docx or scan_march.pdf or something else entirely. Here’s how to find files when all you remember is what’s inside them.
The Problem
Section titled “The Problem”Traditional file search requires you to remember file names. But most of us name files inconsistently:
untitled.docxscan001.pdfIMG_4521.jpgdocument (1).pdf
When you need to find that important contract or receipt, guessing file names doesn’t work.
Search by Content, Not Name
Section titled “Search by Content, Not Name”Tamsaek indexes the content inside files. Search for what you remember about the document:
project proposal for marketing campaignEven if the file is named doc_final.docx, you’ll find it.
What You Can Search
Section titled “What You Can Search”| File Type | Searchable Content |
|---|---|
| PDFs | Full text content |
| Word (.docx) | Document text |
| Excel (.xlsx) | Cell content, sheet names |
| PowerPoint (.pptx) | Slide text |
| Text files | Full content |
| Code files | Full source code |
| Emails (.eml) | Subject, body, sender |
Use What You Remember
Section titled “Use What You Remember”Remember the Topic?
Section titled “Remember the Topic?”Search for keywords:
quarterly sales reportvacation photos beachRemember When You Worked on It?
Section titled “Remember When You Worked on It?”Combine content with date filters:
budget date:last-monthpresentation date:2024-03Remember the File Type?
Section titled “Remember the File Type?”Narrow by extension:
type:pdf contracttype:xlsx budgetRemember the Folder?
Section titled “Remember the Folder?”Search within a specific location:
in:Projects proposalin:Downloads invoiceAI Search: Just Describe It
Section titled “AI Search: Just Describe It”Enable AI mode and describe the file naturally:
the spreadsheet I was working on last Tuesday with the client listfind that PDF from the accountant about tax deductionsthe photo from my trip to Japan with the templeAI understands:
- Relative time (“last week”, “in March”)
- Context clues (“from the accountant”, “about taxes”)
- Vague descriptions (“that document”, “the spreadsheet”)
Power User Tips
Section titled “Power User Tips”1. Combine Multiple Clues
Section titled “1. Combine Multiple Clues”type:pdf contract date:2024 in:WorkSearches for PDF contracts from 2024 in your Work folder.
2. Use Partial Words
Section titled “2. Use Partial Words”markFinds “marketing”, “markdown”, “Mark’s notes”, etc.
3. Search Phrases
Section titled “3. Search Phrases”Use quotes for exact phrases:
"annual review"4. Exclude Terms
Section titled “4. Exclude Terms”Use minus to exclude:
report -draftFinds reports that aren’t drafts.
Real-World Examples
Section titled “Real-World Examples”| What You Remember | Search Query |
|---|---|
| ”The invoice from that restaurant” | invoice restaurant type:pdf |
| ”Something about Q3 projections” | Q3 projections |
| ”The meeting notes from last week” | meeting notes date:last-week |
| ”John’s resume I downloaded” | resume John in:Downloads |
| ”That photo with the sunset” | Enable AI: photo with sunset from last summer |
When You Really Can’t Find It
Section titled “When You Really Can’t Find It”- Check all indexed folders: Go to Settings → Sources
- Broaden your search: Remove filters, use fewer keywords
- Try synonyms: “invoice” vs “receipt”, “report” vs “summary”
- Enable AI mode: Describe it conversationally
- Check cloud storage: Make sure Google Drive/OneDrive is connected
Make Files Easier to Find Later
Section titled “Make Files Easier to Find Later”- Use descriptive names:
2024-03-acme-contract.pdfnotdocument.pdf - Add to indexed folders: Keep important files in searchable locations
- Use consistent folder structure:
Projects/ClientName/Year/