DocFetcher
Find documents with DocFetcher, a desktop search application whose site also lists a commercial Pro edition.
About DocFetcher
DocFetcher is a desktop search application for Windows, Linux and macOS. It searches the contents of files on the user's computer, so a search can find words inside documents rather than only matching file names. Folders must be indexed before they can be searched. The source gives a rough rate of 200 files per minute for initial indexing, depending on the number and size of files. Creating an index is needed only once per folder, and updating an index after changes usually takes a couple of seconds. Search results can be filtered by minimum and maximum file size, file type and location. The results pane shows matches, and the preview pane shows a text-only preview of the selected file with matches highlighted.
The homepage describes portable versions that can be carried on a USB drive, stored in an encrypted volume, or synchronized through a cloud drive. It also mentions uploading and sharing a portable repository. Those are user choices, and the source makes no security or privacy claim about them. The homepage also promotes DocFetcher Pro and DocFetcher Server, which it describes as commercial editions with more features and multi-user support. This entry does not cover those editions.
Key features
- Searches the text contents of files stored on the user's computer
- Folder indexes allow word lookups in milliseconds after initial indexing
- Portable versions for Windows, Linux and macOS with fully searchable document repositories
- Searches inside zip, 7z, rar and tar archives, including unlimited nested archives
- Searches emails stored in Outlook PST files
- Query syntax with wildcards, phrase, fuzzy, proximity and boosting searches
Best for: People who need to search the text of many local documents, archives or Outlook PST files on Windows, Linux or macOS.
Good for
- Searches are fast once folders are indexed, according to the homepage
- Portable versions can be moved between computers, drives or cloud folders
- Supports many file types, including archives with nested contents and Outlook PST files
Watch out for
- Folders must be indexed before searching, and initial indexing can take a while
- Previews are text-only
- The homepage promotes separate commercial editions with additional features, which are not described in detail
DocFetcher at a glance
- Website
- docfetcher.sourceforge.io
- Category
- Software & Utilities › File Utilities
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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DocFetcher FAQ
How long does indexing take?
The homepage gives a good rule of thumb of 200 files per minute, depending on the number and size of files. Indexing is done once per folder, and updating an index after changes usually takes only a couple of seconds.
Can DocFetcher search Outlook email?
Yes. The homepage says DocFetcher allows searching for Outlook emails, which Microsoft Outlook typically stores in PST files.
Does it search inside archive files?
Yes. It supports zip, 7z, rar and the tar.* family, and the homepage says it can handle unlimited nesting of archives.
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