1. Open the Archive and choose Metadata in the search toolbar.
  2. Enter a useful filename, folder, path, or embedded-metadata fragment. ⌘F focuses search.
  3. Inspect the matching clips. Clear the search to return to the source view.
  4. Add metadata filters if you know a duration, orientation, codec, date, or other constraint.

Expected result: the Archive narrows to clips matching the text and active filters.

Choose the right kind of query

Metadata search finds recorded text and details. Descriptions such as “a cat” belong in Visual search when you want to find the subject of a shot rather than a matching filename.

Available embedded metadata depends on the file and what macOS can read. An older catalog can enrich available metadata in the background without recreating its previews.

If you get no results

Clear active filters, check the selected source, and try a shorter text fragment. Confirm that the file has been discovered. A scene description is not automatically an embedded metadata field.