The Split Personality of Smart Folders

ByMike Moffit

Smart Folders can be very handy—for more ways than you think. Many of you have probably noticed them in Mail, but there’s a second way Smart Folders can be used. In OS 10.5, you can utilize them as follows:

  1. As an all-encompassing Folder in Mail
  2. As a Saved Search in the Finder

Here’s why you’ll want to use them in Mail:

  • When you put something in a Smart Folder, it does not actually move the email to that folder—it merely groups the items you want to see.
  • You can change the rules at any time to tweak the settings of what you want to see.

Here’s how:

  • In Mail, click the “+” button at the bottom on the lefthand column.
  • Select “New Smart Mailbox…”
  • Name your Mailbox and set your preferences using the modifiable fields.

Here’s why you’ll want to use them in Finder:

  • Smart Folders are basically a shortcut to your favorite searches; each Smart Folder is actually a compilation of a saved search.

Here’s how:

  • In the Finder, select “New Smart Folder” from the File menu (or hit Option-Command-N).
  • This will open a window for you to search for the desired files in the Search Panel.
  • Tweak the settings by clicking the choices of “Contents” or “File Name” and/or applying rules (click the “+” button next to Save to see these).

All-in-all, Smart Folders don’t get as much visibility as merely adding a conventional new folder because they seem complicated. Don’t ignore them any longer! Play around a bit with them, and see what you can do. With the right preferences, I think you’ll find them to be a fast and effective archiving and searching tool for your Mac!

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