Smart searches

Use the Finder window to access search results.

When you enter Time Machine and navigate to the date you’re looking for, the Finder window behaves just like a regular Finder window. That means you can use it to search for files. One neat trick is to create a Smart Search and save it, making sure the “Add To Sidebar” box is checked. Now, when you use Time Machine, the Smart Folder with the search results will be accessible in the Finder sidebar. The results will update according to what was on your Mac on that date, and you’ll be able to select files in the folder as you would any other file.