SnapfindQuestions and answers.
Can't find what you need? The help guide covers every setting and fix.
Using Snapfind
Which screenshots does it search?
Images in the folders you choose: PNG, JPEG, HEIC, TIFF, GIF, WebP and BMP. By default that's the folder macOS saves screenshots to. It isn't limited to screenshots, so photos of documents in those folders are searchable too.
How long does the first scan take?
It depends on how many screenshots you have and on your Mac. Snapfind reads the newest ones first, shows its progress, and lets you search everything it has read so far. You can pause it at any time.
Which languages does it recognise?
Snapfind uses Apple's Vision text recognition, which detects the language automatically and supports many languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, as well as Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Search matches the start of words, so it works best for languages that put spaces between words.
Does it keep running in the background?
Yes, while it's open, so new screenshots get indexed right away. Closing the window leaves it running in the menu bar. You can also turn on "Open Snapfind when you log in". When everything is indexed, it sits idle.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Recognition and search run on your Mac and never need the internet. Only signing in and the optional Plus backup use the network.
Privacy
Are my screenshots uploaded anywhere?
No. Screenshots, the text read from them and the search index stay on your Mac on every plan. With backup and anonymous stats off, which is the default, Snapfind makes no network connections at all.
Why does macOS ask for permission to access my Desktop?
macOS protects the Desktop, Documents and Downloads folders. Snapfind needs to read the images there to recognise their text. If you chose "Don't Allow", you can change it in System Settings › Privacy & Security › Files & Folders.
What about screenshots stored in iCloud?
If iCloud's "Optimize Mac Storage" has moved a screenshot off your Mac, Snapfind skips it rather than downloading it. It's indexed once the file is on your Mac again.
Plans and install
How much does Snapfind cost?
Every plan starts with a 14-day free trial. Personal is $2.99 a month for one Mac, and Plus is $4.99 a month for up to five Macs with encrypted backup and sync.
Which Macs does it run on?
Any Mac with macOS 14 Sonoma or later, Apple silicon or Intel.
How do I uninstall it?
In Settings › Privacy & Data, choose "Delete All Snapfind Data", then move Snapfind to the Trash. Your screenshots are not affected.
Your screenshots, searchable in minutes.
Install Snapfind, pick your folders and start typing. Every plan starts with a 14-day free trial.