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SPECIFICTION
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DocFetcher

docfetcher.sourceforge.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.1 #7 of 57 in Desktop Search Software

What it is

DocFetcher is a free, open-source desktop application for searching the contents of files stored on a computer. It presents selected results with a text preview and highlighted matches, and search results can be narrowed by file size, type and location. Its query syntax supports AND, OR and NOT, wildcards, phrase and fuzzy searches, proximity search and boosting. Supported content includes Microsoft Office files, Outlook PST, OpenOffice, PDF, EPUB, HTML, plain text, RTF, media metadata, Visio and SVG. It can search ZIP, 7z, RAR and tar archives, including archives nested inside other archives. Users create indexes for folders; the application detects changes while running, and a background daemon records changes while it is closed for processing at the next launch. Portable editions keep indexes and settings in the application folder and can be moved between computers. The maker says the application collects no private data and indexes nothing by default. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. The project is legacy software: no new features are planned, though bug fixes and support continue.

Spec sheet

Purpose
DocFetcher is an open-source desktop search application for searching the contents of files on a computer.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Platforms
The current download page lists Windows 7 SP1 or later (64-bit), Linux with GTK3 (64-bit), and macOS 11 or later as minimum requirements.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Privacy
The maker states that DocFetcher does not collect private data and indexes nothing by default.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
License
DocFetcher is distributed under the Eclipse Public License and is described by the maker as free and open source.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Archive support
It supports ZIP, 7z, RAR, and tar archives, including unlimited nesting of archives.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Automatic updates
DocFetcher detects file changes while running, and a background daemon records changes while it is closed for processing the next time it starts.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Distribution
The maker offers portable and non-portable downloads and also points to PortableApps and a Linux snap package.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
File support
Supported formats include Microsoft Office, Outlook PST, OpenOffice, PDF, EPUB, HTML, plain text, RTF, AbiWord, CHM, media metadata, Visio, and SVG.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Filters
Search results can be filtered by minimum or maximum file size, file type, and location.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Indexing
Users must create indexes for folders; the maker says indexing is typically about 200 files per minute and subsequent updates usually take a couple of seconds.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Portable versions
Portable versions for Windows, Linux, and macOS store indexes and settings in the application folder, and the maker says they can be moved between computers.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Publisher history
The official DocFetcher Pro site says the free original was first published in 2007 and is now legacy software, while still receiving bug fixes and support.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcherpro.com
Query syntax
Its query syntax supports AND, OR, NOT, wildcards, phrase search, fuzzy search, proximity search, and boosting.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Search results
It displays results with a text-only preview of the selected file and highlights matches.Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
Support and development
The project wiki says no new features are planned for DocFetcher, only bug fixes; questions can be posted in its forum.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sourceforge.net

Plans and prices

DocFetcher Free Free and open source · desktop search for local files · requires users to create indexes for folders Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io

Every DocFetcher plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Searches many document and archive formats
  • Supports nested archives
  • Offers filters and advanced query syntax
  • Portable versions store indexes and settings in the application folder
  • Available for Windows, macOS and Linux

Limits

  • Users must create folder indexes
  • No new features are planned
  • Indexes nothing by default

Who it suits

It suits people who want to search local files across multiple formats on Windows, macOS or Linux. Portable editions may suit users who want indexes and settings stored with the application and moved between computers.

Verdict

DocFetcher offers broad local file search with filters, query options and portable editions. It requires users to build indexes, and the project is limited to bug fixes rather than new features.

Where Specifiction places it

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