# everything-search

> Windows file search using Everything's indexed search engine. Use this skill when: (1) Finding or locating files and folders by name, pattern, or extension, (2) Searching for files in specific directories, (3) Discovering files matching criteria (e.g., "all Python files", "PDFs in Downloads"), (4) Exploring filesystem structure or inventorying files, (5) User asks to "find", "locate", "search for", or "look for" local files. NOT for: content search within files, non-Windows systems, or when Everything/es.exe is unavailable.

- Author: bjulius
- Repository: bjulius/everything-search
- Version: 20260130170731
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 0
- Last Updated: 2026-02-06
- Source: https://github.com/bjulius/everything-search
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@bjulius/everything-search~everything-search:20260130170731

---

---
name: everything-search
description: >
  Windows file search using Everything's indexed search engine. Use this skill when:
  (1) Finding or locating files and folders by name, pattern, or extension,
  (2) Searching for files in specific directories,
  (3) Discovering files matching criteria (e.g., "all Python files", "PDFs in Downloads"),
  (4) Exploring filesystem structure or inventorying files,
  (5) User asks to "find", "locate", "search for", or "look for" local files.
  NOT for: content search within files, non-Windows systems, or when Everything/es.exe is unavailable.
---

# Everything Search Skill

Instant file search on Windows using Everything's indexed database. Searches execute in milliseconds.

## Prerequisites

Requires **es.exe** (Everything command-line tool). For installation help, see `references/installation.md`.

Quick verification:
```bash
python scripts/verify_es_installation.py
```

## Usage

### Basic Search

```bash
python scripts/search.py "query"
```

### Options

| Option | Example | Purpose |
|--------|---------|---------|
| `--limit N` | `--limit 50` | Limit results (default: 100) |
| `--folder PATH` | `--folder "C:\Users"` | Restrict to folder |

### Query Patterns

| Pattern | Example | Result |
|---------|---------|--------|
| Extension | `*.pdf` | All PDF files |
| Partial name | `report` | Files containing "report" |
| Boolean OR | `*.jpg\|*.png` | JPEG or PNG files |
| Boolean NOT | `*.log !debug` | Logs except debug |
| Location | `downloads\\ *.mp3` | MP3s in Downloads |
| Multiple terms | `python script` | Files with both terms (AND) |

## Examples

**Find all Python files:**
```bash
python scripts/search.py "*.py"
```

**Find config files in a project:**
```bash
python scripts/search.py "*.config|*.json|*.yaml" --folder "C:\projects\myapp"
```

**Find files excluding build artifacts:**
```bash
python scripts/search.py "*.js !node_modules !dist"
```

**Find documents in Downloads:**
```bash
python scripts/search.py "downloads\\ *.pdf|*.docx"
```

## Output Format

Results are returned as Markdown:
```markdown
# Everything Search Results

**Query:** `*.py`
**Results:** 247 (limited to 100)

1. `C:\Users\...\project\main.py`
2. `C:\Users\...\project\utils.py`
...
```

## Limitations

### CLI Limitations (es.exe)
- **No date filtering**: `modified:today` is GUI-only
- **No file attributes**: Size/date metadata filters unavailable in CLI

**Workaround:** Use Everything GUI for date-based searches.

### Content Search
Content searches (`content:keyword`) are slow—content is not indexed. Use sparingly.

## Reference Materials

Load these when needed:
- **`references/search-syntax.md`** - Complete syntax guide with examples
- **`references/faq.md`** - Everything FAQ and troubleshooting
- **`references/installation.md`** - Detailed installation instructions

## Error Handling

The wrapper provides clear guidance for:
- **es.exe not found** - Installation instructions
- **Invalid syntax** - Syntax suggestions
- **No results** - Troubleshooting tips