Download Detective
Download Detective · macOS
Download Detective Support
Help with folder access, missing source metadata, scanning, search, Quick Look, compatibility, feedback, and feature requests.
Tell Arnold what happened.
Include your Mac model, macOS version, Download Detective version and build number, the selected folder type, and the steps that reproduce the issue. Screenshots can help, but please obscure personal filenames and source URLs.
Troubleshooting and common questions
Why do some files show Unknown Source?
Download Detective can only display provenance metadata that another app saved on the file. Some browsers and apps do not save source URLs, and some copy, archive, cloud, or filesystem workflows remove extended metadata. Unknown Source is not an error and the app cannot reconstruct information that is absent.
Why is a downloaded file missing from the list?
Confirm that you selected the folder containing the file, that Scan subfolders is enabled in Settings if needed, and then choose Rescan or press Command-R. Packages, hidden files, directory symlinks, and unreadable items are intentionally skipped for safety.
How do I grant access to Downloads or another folder?
Choose Choose Folder…, select the folder in the standard macOS panel, and click Choose Folder. Download Detective stores a security-scoped bookmark so it can reopen that folder later. If access expires or an external drive is disconnected, choose the folder again.
How do I search by website?
Choose a website in the Sources sidebar or press Command-F and type a domain such as github.com. Search also checks filenames, extensions such as .pdf, folder paths, and full saved source URLs.
How do I preview a file?
Select the file and press Space to open the native macOS Quick Look preview. You can also right-click the result and choose Quick Look.
Does Download Detective make network requests?
No. Scanning and search are local. Choosing Open Source URL sends the selected saved URL to your default browser; any resulting connection is made by that browser.
How do I clear locally stored information?
Choosing another folder replaces the active library as it is scanned. To remove the security-scoped bookmark, settings, and cache completely, uninstall Download Detective and remove its container through macOS. The app has no server-side account or data to delete.
Which Mac and macOS versions are supported?
Download Detective is a native Mac app built for macOS 26.5 or later. It uses current SwiftUI, Spotlight metadata, App Sandbox, Finder, and Quick Look technologies.