Chapter 2 Quick Start
This chapter helps you get started: install AIClue, choose folders to manage, and find your first file.
2.1 Download and install
Download the Windows installer from the AIClue download page. When the download finishes, open the installer and follow the prompts.
The current public release is for 64-bit Windows 10/11 computers. If Windows asks for permission to install or add a required component, first make sure the installer came from the official website, then follow the prompt.
2.2 First launch
The first-use guide suggests common folders. You can:
- Select folders you want AIClue to search;
- Clear folders you do not want to include; or
- Skip the guide and add folders later in Directory Management.
After you start, AIClue adds the selected folders and begins preparing them for search. Start with Documents, Desktop, or one project folder, then add more locations once you are comfortable.
2.3 Add a folder
If you skipped the guide, you can add a folder at any time:
- Open Directory Management in the sidebar.
- Select Add Directory.
- Choose a folder in the system dialog and confirm.
- Wait for the folder to appear in the list.
AIClue automatically starts processing the folder. It records file names, locations, sizes, dates, and types. For common documents it can read, it also prepares text search. Adding a folder never moves, renames, or changes the original files.
2.4 Wait for preparation
The first pass can take time when a folder contains many files. You can keep browsing and searching; the status bar shows file counts, progress, and result update notices.
Before preparation is complete, file name searches usually return results first. Searches based on document text become more complete as processing finishes. When the status bar says results may have changed, select Refresh or search again to update the list.
2.5 Know the main window
| Area | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sidebar | Opens the Workbench, Project Workspaces, Plugin Market, Duplicates, Directory Management, Account, and Settings |
| Top bar | Lets you enter keywords, choose a search mode, filter by tags or folders, and change the theme |
| Main area | Shows Workbench cards, file lists, search results, previews, project content, or settings |
| Status bar | Shows result counts, managed file counts, progress notices, and the version |
When there is no search or filter, the Workbench shows enabled cards. When you search, filter, or open a project workspace, the main area shows the matching file list.
2.6 Your first search
- Select the search box in the top bar.
- Enter at least two characters, such as
contract,report, orinvoice. - Press Enter or select the search button.
- Review file names, locations, and text snippets in the result list.
- Select a file to preview it, or use Open File to open it fully.
Choose a search mode from the left side of the search box:
- Filename: searches filenames and locations without searching file content; best when you remember a name or rough location.
- Content: searches within file content; best when you remember words or a sentence inside a document.
- Smart Search: searches filenames, locations, and content together; best for most searches.
2.7 Next steps
- Chapter 3 Main Interface and Basic Operations: learn the common areas and actions.
- Chapter 4 Directory Management and File Scanning: manage folders and exclusions.
- Chapter 5 Search and Filtering: find files more precisely.