Apple users love Spotlight. It’s made the need for elaborate, anal-retentive filing systems a thing of the past, as all that’s needed to find a file is a simple word or phrase known to be included. But it hasn’t been seamless. Some file types—or entire programs, like Entourage—haven’t been Spotlight searchable, forcing Mac users to resort to arcane search methods such as clicking on folder after folder. Time consuming to say the least, especially for those of us who like to archive old work, either in the interest of saving space or simply to make emailing many files easier.

Enter ZipLight. While it’s not flashy, it’s an extremely useful plug-in that seamlessly integrates itself into anyone’s daily routine. Often the best programs are ones that once used, you can’t imagine being without. ZipLight passes this test with flying colors. Now for the bad news. You won’t be able to search for phrases inside zip files, only the file names themselves. Frustrating, sure, but it’s the price we pay for archiving files in the first place.

Installation is simple; download the zip file, unarchive and double click to install. After a quick restart, Spotlight will re-index your previously unsearchable zip files and you’re good to go. Kudos to Bartas Technologies for creating such a useful program, extra props for making it free. Mac OS 10.4 and up required, see more at bartastechnologies.com.