> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.calibratedsoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.calibratedsoftware.com/calibrated-spotlight-plugin-macos/troubleshooting.md).

# Troubleshooting

### Files Aren’t Appearing in Spotlight

1. **Verify Tin Man is installed in the /Applications folder**\
   (the plugin is inside the Calibrated Tin Man.app).
2. Allow **5–10 minutes** after installation for initial indexing. Very large media libraries may take longer.
3. Confirm the file format is supported (see Support Formats).
4. Verify drive is writeable by the System and is formatted as APFS (this is needed for metadata to be shown in 'Get Info' Finder windows)
5. Verify folder has indexing enabled:

   ```bash
   mdutil -s /path/to/folder
   ```
6. **Force Spotlight to reload the plugin:**

   ```bash
   mdimport -r /Applications/Calibrated Tin Man.app/Library/Spotlight/CalibratedSpotlight.mdimporter
   ```
7. **Reindex specific files or folders:**

   ```bash
   mdimport -i /path/to/media/folder/
   ```
8. **Check what metadata would be extracted** *(informational only)*:

   ```bash
   mdimport -t -d3 /path/to/file.R3D
   ```

***

### **How to Disable the Calibrated Spotlight Plugin**

If you prefer not to use Spotlight integration:

1. Open **System Settings**.
2. Navigate to **General → Login & Extensions**.
3. In the *Spotlight* section, click the **ⓘ (info icon)** next to **Calibrated Tin Man.app**.
4. Toggle **Spotlight** *off* for the Tin Man extension.