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DocFetcher
What it is
DocFetcher is a free, open-source desktop app for searching the contents of files stored on a computer. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports local, removable, and synced index locations. Users create indexes for folders; after that, DocFetcher can detect changes while it is running and record changes while closed for processing at the next launch. Searches support AND, OR, NOT, wildcards, phrases, fuzzy matching, proximity, and boosting. Results can be narrowed by file size, type, or location, and a selected result has a text-only preview with matches highlighted. Supported content spans office documents, Outlook PST, PDFs, EPUB, HTML, plain text, media metadata, Visio, and SVG. ZIP, 7z, RAR, and tar archives are searchable, including nested archives. Portable editions keep settings and indexes in the app folder and can be moved between computers. The maker says it collects no private data and indexes nothing by default. The project is legacy software: new features are not planned, but bug fixes and support continue. It is distributed under the Eclipse Public License.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under the Eclipse Public License
- Searches many document formats and nested archives
- Filters by size, file type, and location
- Portable versions can move between computers
- Supports advanced query operators and fuzzy search
Against
- Users must create folder indexes
- OCR search is not supported
- No new features are planned
The verdict
DocFetcher offers broad local-file search with filters, query tools, and portable options. Its folder indexes require setup, and its development is limited to bug fixes and support.
Who it suits
DocFetcher suits people who want to search files on a desktop computer across several operating systems, including inside supported archives. It may also suit users who want portable versions or control over which folders are indexed.
Plans and prices
DocFetcher
Free and open source · desktop search for local files · requires users to create indexes for folders
Read 30 Sep 2026 · docfetcher.sourceforge.io
On the record
- Archive support
- It supports ZIP, 7z, RAR, and tar archives, including unlimited nesting of archives.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- 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.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- Distribution
- The maker offers portable and non-portable downloads and also points to PortableApps and a Linux snap package.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- File support
- Supported formats include Microsoft Office, Outlook PST, OpenOffice, PDF, EPUB, HTML, plain text, RTF, AbiWord, CHM, media metadata, Visio, and SVG.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- Filters
- Search results can be filtered by minimum or maximum file size, file type, and location.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- 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.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- License
- DocFetcher is distributed under the Eclipse Public License and is described by the maker as free and open source.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- 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.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The maker states that DocFetcher does not collect private data and indexes nothing by default.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- 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.docfetcherpro.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- DocFetcher is an open-source desktop search application for searching the contents of files on a computer.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- Query syntax
- Its query syntax supports AND, OR, NOT, wildcards, phrase search, fuzzy search, proximity search, and boosting.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- Search results
- It displays results with a text-only preview of the selected file and highlights matches.docfetcher.sourceforge.io · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support and development
- The project wiki says no new features are planned for DocFetcher, only bug fixes; questions can be posted in its forum.sourceforge.net · read 30 Sep 2026
