A file is missing

If a file doesn’t appear in your results, start with these checks. You usually don’t need to start over.

Check these first

1. Clear your search filters.

   Remove any folder, date or file-type filters. Try Filename mode if you know the file’s name.

2. Check that the folder is included.

   Open Sources → Folders in Fenn and look for the folder containing the file. If it lives on an external drive, make sure the drive is connected.

3. Check the file type.

   Open Sources → File Types. Make sure the format is enabled and that the file is not excluded by the limits for that category.

4. Check indexing progress.

   Fenn needs to prepare the file before it can search its contents. If indexing is still running, let it finish. If it is paused, choose Resume.

Try again

Search for a few words you know are inside the file. For an image, describe what you can see and try Semantic mode.

Text and images are different

For visual content in scans, images, and video frames, choose All Files indexing and Semantic search. Text-Optimized indexing does not provide Semantic search.

Check the source

• A new or changed file: run Run Index → Index new files.
• A cloud file: download it to your Mac first; an online-only placeholder is not the full file.
• An excluded folder: check Sources → Folders → Excluded Folders and any limits under File Types.
• Notes or email: check the source and macOS permissions in the apps or email guide.

Still missing?

Email support with:

• Your Fenn version and macOS version.
• The file type, such as PDF or Word.
• The search you tried and any error message.
• A screenshot of what you see, if helpful.

You can describe the problem without sending the original file.