FileOctopus A search returns too little or too much
- Check scope: This Mac includes only approved index roots; Filter Current Folder is shallow.
- Read chips and diagnostics. A singular kind word can remain a filename term, and an invalid operator adds no filter.
- Check Search settings for Indexing, Paused, Offline, No access, or a moved/replaced root.
- For text, enable Contents or Text in Images on the appropriate root and account for supported formats and extraction limits.
- For source queries, inspect recorded origin metadata; missing origin data cannot be reconstructed by the query.
Try a simple filename term first, then add filters one at a time. Use created: if modification dates are not the dates you intended. Supported natural-language phrases explains calendar periods and literal terms.
A file command is disabled or refused
Focus the intended pane and select eligible items. Confirm the destination is accessible and writable, the item is local, and another operation is not preventing the action. Debug/test builds can have a restricted file-change environment. Transform Quick Actions remain fixture-only even though ordinary production operations exist.
A conflict, changed file identity, read-only volume, or cloud placeholder can cause refusal. Read the displayed reason. Do not assume a disabled command means data was changed.
A folder or workspace location is unavailable
Reconnect the volume or restore access, then use Try Again. A saved workspace keeps an unavailable tab to preserve intent. For an indexed folder reported as moved or replaced, add the intended location again through Search settings.
An operation stopped or the app quit
Read the outcome and any recovery report. Completed items can remain after cancellation. Check every reported retained or recovered path before retrying or marking a recovery reviewed. Undo can be unavailable after external changes or when permissions prevent verification.
For Trash/Put Back failures, macOS privacy access to Trash may be involved. See Undo and recovery; history is not a substitute for backups.
A shortcut acts on the wrong thing
Click the intended file view first. Text fields receive text editing commands; Space there should not open Quick Look. Native window tabs and pane tabs have different commands. Check the live menu key equivalent and macOS App Shortcuts for overrides or input-method conflicts.
A preview or OCR match is absent
A file may lack local bytes, have an unsupported type, be locked/corrupt, or exceed extraction limits. OCR can miss small, rotated, low-contrast, or unsupported-language text. Browse by name or open the file explicitly in its application when appropriate.
Report a reproducible problem
Record the app build, macOS version, view/scope, exact action or query, relevant chips/status, and expected versus actual result. Reproduce with disposable sample files where possible. Do not include personal file contents or private paths in public reports.
Settings from BetterFinder didn't come over
FileOctopus copies BetterFinder's data once, on its first launch. It skips the copy if you chose Continue Without Data, and it never replaces a FileOctopus data folder that already exists. BetterFinder's own data is unchanged either way. See coming from BetterFinder.
macOS asks for folder access again
macOS grants folder access per app. FileOctopus is a new app to macOS even if BetterFinder had access, so it asks once for Desktop, Documents and Downloads. Change this later in FileOctopus → Settings… → Privacy or in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files & Folders.