Indie App Spotlight: ‘Vector’ is a Spotlight replacement for Mac that’s smart and snappy
Source: 9to5Mac
Introduction
Welcome to Indie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If you’re a developer and would like your app featured, get in contact.
Spotlight on the Mac has been far from perfect, especially in recent years. If you want a great, drop‑in replacement that works seamlessly with the existing macOS ecosystem, Vector Smart Spotlight might be just what you need.
What Is Vector Smart Spotlight?
Vector Smart Spotlight is an indie‑developed utility that replaces the default macOS Spotlight with a more customizable, faster, and feature‑rich search experience. It offers:
- Instant results with a lightweight indexing engine.
- Customizable search scopes (files, apps, web, contacts, etc.).
- Smart suggestions based on recent activity and usage patterns.
- Dark mode support and theming options.
- Keyboard shortcuts that can be tailored to your workflow.
Key Features
Faster Indexing
Vector uses a modern indexing algorithm that updates in the background, ensuring that new files appear in search results almost instantly.
Advanced Filtering
You can filter results by type directly from the search bar, e.g., type:pdf or type:app, making it easier to narrow down large result sets.
Integrated Web Search
Instead of opening a separate browser, Vector can perform web searches directly within the Spotlight UI, displaying the top results alongside local files.
Privacy‑First Design
All indexing and search operations happen locally; no data is sent to external servers unless you explicitly perform a web search.
Installation
- Download the latest DMG from the developer’s website.
- Open the DMG and drag the Vector Smart Spotlight app to your Applications folder.
- Launch the app and grant the necessary permissions (Full Disk Access, Accessibility) in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
- Set your preferred keyboard shortcut in the app’s preferences.
How It Compares to macOS Spotlight
| Feature | macOS Spotlight | Vector Smart Spotlight |
|---|---|---|
| Indexing speed | Moderate | Fast (real‑time) |
| Custom search scopes | Limited | Fully customizable |
| Web search integration | Separate browser | Inline results |
| Theming | Light/Dark only | Multiple themes |
| Privacy | Local indexing, but limited control | Full local processing, user‑controlled |
User Experience
Early adopters report that Vector feels snappier and more intuitive, especially when dealing with large file libraries. The ability to quickly toggle between local and web results without leaving the search window is frequently highlighted as a productivity boost.
Pricing
Vector Smart Spotlight follows a freemium model:
- Free tier – basic search, limited themes, no advanced filters.
- Pro tier – $4.99/month or $39.99/year, unlocking all themes, advanced filters, priority support, and future feature updates.
Conclusion
If you’re frustrated with macOS Spotlight’s limitations and want a more powerful, privacy‑focused search tool, Vector Smart Spotlight is worth trying. Its blend of speed, customization, and seamless integration makes it a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their macOS workflow.
Stay tuned for next week’s Indie App Spotlight!