Search entire database for files by name

[MichaelBate]

This should be a very simple search.  I have a database that contains indexes for many CDs and DVDs in addition to my hard drive.  I want to find all the files in the entire database that begin with a certain character string (in my case, that string was "Faustus").  But the search results seem to be limited to  whatever directory I am pointing to - it can't even search subdirectories.

Is there no way to do this simple search?

Thanks in advance for any help.

- Michael Bate

[Mario]

The File Window Search Bar (and the Filter Panel) always work with the current scope - which is what you see in the File Window.
This is how you tell IMatch where to search. Very precisely.

+ If you select one folder, the file window shows the files in that folder. And the search bar will search the files in that folder.

+ If you select multiple folders, the file window shows the files in these folders. And the search bar will search these folders.

+ If you want to search a folder and all sub-folders, enable the hierarchical display mode in the file window. The file window then shows the files in the selected folder, and the files in its sub-folders. And the search bar will also search in all these files.

The same principle applies to categories, collections, time-line nodes. Whatever is shown in the file window makes up your scope and will be searched. Or filtered, when you use the Filter panel.

To search your entire database, select the Database node in the Media & Folders View. Alternatively select the @All category in the category View. Both represent the entire database.

Speed tip: Click on the arrow next to the X button and set the search bar to search only file names. This speeds up the search a lot if you are only interested in results based on file names.

I recommend to read the help topic about the File Window (click somewhere in the file window to make it active, then press <F1>). It explains about the scope and all the other File Window features.

[JasCarter]

I found this topic to help with a task I am doing. I'm building three separate collections of images, identified by different colour flags, from images stored in multiple folders. It's great to be able to see the results of a flag filter across all the folders at once, then export the entire collection as low resolution copies to a new folder that I can show someone else. I just had to post this reply to say what a wonderful tool iMatch is! Thank you.

[Mario]

Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated I learn a lot from users telling me how they use IMatch.