Baloo - ArchWiki

# Baloo

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Baloo is a file indexing and searching framework for KDE Plasma.

## Installation

Install the baloo package.

## Usage and configuration

In order to search using Baloo on the Plasma desktop, start KRunner (default keyboard shortcut `ALT+F2`) and type in your query. Within Dolphin press `CTRL+F`. Alternatively, for command-line usage, there is `baloosearch [OPTIONS] query`, which supports complex queries such as `baloosearch //?query=tag:coolpicture AND width:100`, and `balooshow [OPTIONS] filename` to show the data baloo has stored for the file.

By default the Desktop Search KCM exposes only two options: A panel to blacklist folders and a way to disable it with one click. Alternatively you can edit your `~/.config/baloofilerc` file (info).

Additionally the `balooctl` process can also be used to control Baloo, e.g. in order to stop/start Baloo use `balooctl stop` or `balooctl start` to resume.

Once you added additional folders to the blacklist or disabled Baloo entirely, a process named `baloo_file_cleaner` removes all unneeded index files automatically. These are stored under `~/.local/share/baloo/`.

## Indexing a removable or remote device

By default every removable and remote device is blacklisted. It is possible to remove devices from the blacklist in the KCM panel.

## Disabling the indexer

To disable the Baloo file indexer:

    $ balooctl suspend
    $ balooctl disable

The indexer will be disabled on next login.

Alternatively, disable Enable File Search in System settings under Search > File search.

## Troubleshooting

### Inotify folder watch limit error

If you get the following error:

    KDE Baloo Filewatch service reached the inotify folder watch limit. File changes may be ignored.

Then you will need to increase the inotify folder watch limit:

    # echo 524288 > /proc/sys/fs/inotify/max_user_watches

To make changes permanent, create a `40-max-user-watches.conf` file:

    /etc/sysctl.d/40-max-user-watches.conf

    fs.inotify.max_user_watches=524288

Categories:

- Search
- KDE