Last updated: 2026-09-25
Overview
AnySearch (“the App”) is a sandboxed file-search utility for macOS. File indexing, content search, search history, ranking, File Landscape, and natural-language query interpretation run locally on your Mac.
The App does not require an account, contains no advertising or analytics SDK, does not track you across apps or websites, does not sell personal information, and does not send search phrases, file information, or file contents to the developer or an AI/model provider.
File Access and Local Indexes
AnySearch accesses only folders and external volumes that you authorize through macOS. Its default local scope is the signed-in user’s home folder under /Users/<current-user>; File Landscape does not scan the entire system disk. External volumes are indexed only after separate authorization.
The App stores the following in its sandboxed local SQLite database:
- file and folder names, paths, extensions, sizes, creation and modification dates;
- volume metadata and index status;
- locally computed Pinyin and search-ranking fields;
- opening history used for recent files and usage-based ranking;
- optional search history, if enabled;
- settings, security-scoped bookmarks, and the free-search count.
Removing a folder authorization stops future access but retains its existing local index so it can be reused if you authorize the folder again. Rebuilding the index or deleting the App removes data according to the corresponding macOS operation.
Content Search
Content Search is optional and requires a folder scope. The first time you enable it, the App asks for confirmation. It reads supported files in that authorized scope, extracts searchable text, and stores that text in the App’s local sandboxed content index. Supported formats include PDF, Office documents, Markdown, plain text, CSV, JSON, HTML, logs, configuration files, and source code.
Content-index data never leaves your Mac. You can cancel indexing, disable Content Search, or delete the entire local content index in Settings → Index → Clear Content Index. Deleting the App removes its sandboxed indexes and preferences.
On-Device Natural-Language Search
Natural-language search uses deterministic rules bundled with the App to convert phrases such as “find invoices from last week larger than 1 MB” into local file filters. It runs entirely on your Mac. The App contains no remote AI query client, model-provider configuration, or API-key feature, and it does not send natural-language searches to an external model.
File Actions
AnySearch can open or reveal files, copy names and paths, drag files to other apps, and move an item to the macOS Trash after confirmation. Trashed items may be recovered through Finder until the Trash is emptied.
In-App Purchases and External Links
Purchases are processed by Apple through StoreKit. The developer does not receive your payment card or Apple Account credentials. The App reads verified StoreKit entitlement information to unlock paid features. Purchase and refund processing is governed by Apple’s terms and applicable law.
If you choose to open a support, documentation, privacy-policy, or terms link, your browser connects to that website and its hosting provider may receive ordinary connection information such as an IP address. The App does not send your file index or search data with those links.
Data Collection
The developer does not operate an AnySearch account, analytics, advertising, cloud-index, or query-processing service and does not collect your local file index, file contents, paths, search history, opening history, natural-language queries, or diagnostics through the App.
Apple may process purchase and App Store information under Apple’s privacy policy.
Security
The App uses macOS App Sandbox, user-selected file access, and security-scoped bookmarks. Local data remains in the App’s sandbox. No security measure can eliminate all risk, so keep your Mac and backups secure.
Children’s Privacy
AnySearch is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy when the App or legal requirements change. The revision date appears above.