Freedom251 › Desktop Search Software
Scherlokk
What Scherlokk is
Scherlokk is a macOS utility for searching and comparing files. It searches local and removable storage, iCloud Drive, and network volumes using AFP, SMB, or FTP. Searches can go beyond the Spotlight index to include hidden and system files on accessible volumes. You can find visually similar pictures from a reference image, adjusting similarity, folders, exclusions, and size or date filters. OCR searches text inside images, scanned documents, screenshots, and other photo-based files. Scherlokk compares text and binary files and displays differences, while folder comparison examines subfolders and files. Built-in decoders handle PDF, DOC, DOCX, ODT, XML, RTF, RTFD, EPUB, XLS, XLSX, HTML, XHTML, and image formats with text recognition; other files are searched as raw data. Similar-picture searches run locally, and selected-folder files are not changed unless you remove them. macOS 10.15 or later is required, with Full Disk Access needed for all-folder searches. Plans include a 14-day trial and paid options from $4.95 a month.
Who it suits
It suits macOS users who need broad file searching, OCR, visual image matching, or file and folder comparisons. It also fits households and businesses needing licenses for multiple Macs.
What it does well
- Searches local, removable, network, and iCloud locations
- Finds hidden and system files beyond Spotlight
- OCR searches text inside images and scans
- Compares text, binary files, and folders
- Supports Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
What to know first
- No free plan
- Requires Full Disk Access for all-folder searches
- Commercial license covers one computer unless seats added
- Support replies can take more than a few days
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single User License | $29 · One user license · Install on 3 home Macs for private use · No annual renewal fees · Free updates | $29, paid once |
| Annual Business Subscription | $39 / yr · For 5 Macs in your company · Cancel anytime | $39 a year |
| Site License | $399 · For all Macs in your company · No annual renewal fees · Free updates | $399, paid once |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.95 / mo · Install on 3 home Macs · Cancel anytime | $4.95 a month |
| Small Business License | $69 · For 5 Macs in your company · No annual renewal fees · Free updates | $69, paid once |
| Annual Subscription | $9.95 / yr · Install on 3 home Macs · Cancel anytime | $9.95 a year |
As naarakstudio.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Scherlokk combines wide-ranging Mac search with OCR, visual similarity, and comparison tools. Its paid licensing and Full Disk Access requirement are important considerations for deployment.
Facts from Scherlokk's own pages
- Beyond Spotlight
- Scherlokk searches files beyond the Spotlight index, including hidden and system files on accessible volumes. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Data collection
- The privacy policy says support requests may collect the user's IP address, email address, and information provided such as crash logs or diagnostics. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- File comparison
- Scherlokk compares text and binary files and displays differences, while folder comparison searches through subfolders and files. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- File formats
- Built-in decoders cover PDF, DOC, DOCX, ODT, XML, RTF, RTFD, EPUB, XLS, XLSX, HTML, XHTML, and image formats with text recognition; other files are searched as raw data. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Mueang Kalasin, Thailand · naarakstudio.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes Scherlokk as intended for macOS users who want to keep their files under control. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- License limits
- The pricing page says personal-use licenses allow installation on three Macs within a household, while commercial use allows one computer unless additional seats are purchased. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- OCR
- OCR recognizes and searches text inside images, scanned documents, screenshots, and other photo-based files. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Permission requirement
- The user manual says Scherlokk requires Full Disk Access permission to search all folders on the computer. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says searches for similar pictures run locally; its privacy policy says Scherlokk reads files in the selected search folder and does not write or modify them, except when the user chooses to remove files. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- Scherlokk is a Mac file search and comparison utility that searches files matching user criteria. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Search locations
- It can search built-in and external storage, iCloud Drive, and network volumes including AFP, SMB, and FTP. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Similar image search
- Users can search for visually similar pictures from a reference image and adjust similarity, folders, exclusions, and size or date filters. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker says it responds to support requests, bug reports, and feedback, though replies can sometimes take more than a few days. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
- System requirement
- The Scherlokk page lists macOS 10.15 or later and compatibility with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. · naarakstudio.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where Scherlokk stands on Freedom251
- Desktop Search Software#48 of 57