While Nautilus's built-in search (accessed by the "Search" button or Ctrl-F) can find files by name or extension, I often need something a little more advanced. For example, searching for files based on their dates, size, and content. The gnome-search-tool, accessed by Places->Search for Files, can do this but I have to browse to the folder of interest everytime I use it. This problem can be solved by adding the gnome-search-tool to the right-click/context menu using the "Nautilus Actions Configuration".
- Install it by entering...
...into the terminal.Code:sudo apt-get install nautilus-actions- Start the program by going to System->Preferences->Nautilus Actions Configuration.
Ubuntu 11.04 and later
Haven't figured it out yet. All suggestions are welcome.
Ubuntu 10.04 and 10.10
- File->"New action"
- On the "Actions" tab, type...
...for the Context Label and make sure Display item in selection context menu is checked.Code:Advanced Search...- On the "Command" tab, type...
...for Path and...Code:gnome-search-tool
...for Parameters. (For a detailed description of the parameters, click the Legend button.)Code:--path %d/%f- Now we have to tell Nautilus to display this option only when a folder is selected. On the Conditions tab, accept the defaults. Under "Appears if selection contains", Select Only folders and make sure "Appears if selection has multiple files or folders" is unchecked.
- File->Save and close the program.
Ubuntu 9.10 and earlier
- Click the Add button. Type...
...for the Label.Code:Advanced Search...- In the Profiles box, select Main and and click the Edit button on the right.
- Next we have to tell the gnome-search-tool to start the search at the selected folder. On the Action tab, enter...
...for Path and...Code:gnome-search-tool
...for Parameters. (For a detailed description of the parameters, click the Legend button.)Code:--path %d/%f- Now we have to tell Nautilus to display this option only when a folder is selected. On the Conditions tab, accept the defaults. Under "Appears if selection contains", Select Only folders and make sure "Appears if selection has multiple files or folders" is unchecked. Click OK, OK, and Close.
Restart Nautilus by logging out and logging back in. To test it, and right click on any folder choose "Advanced Search..." near the bottom of the context menu. The folder you chose should appear by "Look in Folder". Advanced options can be displayed by by clicking on "Select More Options" and choosing one from the dropdown menu before clicking Add. Finally, to search click the Find button.
That's it!
For a graphical explanation (but dated) of how to use the Nautilus Actions Configuration look here. If you want to edit or remove your "Advanced Search..." item from the menu, run the "Nautilus Actions Configuration", select it and click Edit Or Delete. "Nautilus Actions Configuration" can be uninstalled by...
Code:sudo apt-get remove nautilus-actions
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