.METADATA_NEVER_INDEX File Type
File extension: METADATA_NEVER_INDEX or .metadata_never_index
Description: An instruction that restricts a particular folder or directory from being indexed
Author of the .metadata_never_index file extension:
Category: Settings file
Programs that use the .metadata_never_index file type: Applies to Macintosh
Explanation of .metadata_never_index file extensions:
The .metadata_never_index file extension is used in conjunction with the Macintosh operating systems. Spotlight is an indexing technology used in Mac OS X Tiger and above computers that makes searching fast.
However, sometimes a user doesn’t need certain folders or directories indexed. When they want to skip indexing, they can insert a .metadata_never_index file into the directory or folder. This instructs Spotlight to skip the directory or folder. Why would you not want something indexed? If you have a partition for Windows, indexing this entire partition can slow down performance. Another reason might be if you use removable storage devices and don’t want Spotlight to index the device each time you connect it.
Typical problems associated with the .metadata_never_index file extension:
One of the most common problems with .metadata_never_index files is that is not placed in the proper location. When this happens, Spotlight doesn’t know it should not be indexing the contents because it did not get the instructions properly.
Solutions/Recommendations:
First, use Terminal to create an empty file named: .metadata_never_index
Next, make sure to place this file at the root of the volume, directory, or folder that you want to prevent Spotlight from indexing. For example, if you want to prevent Spotlight from indexing a directory and all of its folders, the .metadata_never_index file must be at the top of the hierarchy, not buried in a folder somewhere.
Associated links:
Apple Spotlight
fileextensiontype.com