Baloo
Baloo is a file indexing and searching framework for KDE Plasma.
Contents
Installation
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
.
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. In order to disable Baloo run balooctl stop
and balooctl disable
.
Once you added additional folders to the blacklist or disabled Baloo entirely, a process named baloo_file_cleaner
removes all unneeded index files automatically. They are stored under ~/.local/share/baloo/
.
Indexing a removable device
By default every removable device is blacklisted. You just have to remove your device from the blacklist in the KCM panel.
Removing baloo_file
Baloo_file uses a lot of resources and slow down computers. It also increases power consumption on laptops. While it cannot be removed due to dependencies issues, it is however possible to deactivate it until the next update. As root, type
killall baloo_fileĀ ; mv /usr/bin/baloo_file /usr/bin/baloo_file.bakĀ ; echo '#!/bin/sh' > /usr/bin/baloo_file
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