How to Search the Web from Spotlight on a Mac

This updated guide examines How to Search the Web from Spotlight on a Mac and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

On OS X Yosemite and Newer

1. Open Spotlight. Click on the magnifying glass in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.
   • Alternatively, press?Command+Space.
2. Type in your search query. Search results will pop up while you type.
   • Don't press?Enter, as this will automatically select the first result.
3. Select one of the webpage suggestions. The page will open in your default browser.

Method 2of 2:

On OS X Mavericks or Older

1. Open Spotlight. Click on the magnifying glass in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.
2. Enter your search query.
3. Click "Search Web for…" from the context menu that appears.
   • If you want to narrow your results down to, say, Wikipedia, click "Search Wikipedia for…" to automatically search Wikipedia in your default browser.