**Title:** Separate exclusion types + UI-driven filters with query transparency
Hello,
I would like to suggest an improvement regarding exclusion behavior and filter usability in Everything.
## Background
Currently, the “Exclude” setting removes items from the index entirely.
This is very effective for performance (smaller index, faster updates), but it also makes it impossible to include those paths later via search queries.
However, in practice there are two different use cases:
1. **Performance-oriented exclusion**
* Users want to reduce index size and improve performance
* Current behavior is perfect
2. **Visibility-oriented exclusion**
* Users want to hide certain paths (e.g. system folders) during normal search
* But still want the ability to include them when needed
At the moment, these two purposes are handled by a single mechanism, which limits flexibility.
## Suggestion 1: Separate exclusion types
Introduce two types of exclusion:
* **Index exclusion (current behavior)**
Fully excluded from index (best performance)
* **Search exclusion (new)**
Indexed, but hidden by default
Can be included via search query or UI toggle
This would allow users to balance performance and flexibility depending on their workflow.
## Suggestion 2: Improve filter usability (UI + query integration)
Filters are powerful but not very visible or intuitive.
It would be helpful to connect UI operations with search queries more clearly.
Proposed improvements:
* When a filter is enabled via UI, reflect the corresponding query in the search bar
* Add a “copy current query” button (including filters)
* Save bookmarks as query strings instead of hidden UI states
* Provide quick toggle filters (e.g. “Exclude system folders ON/OFF”)
## Expected benefit
* Keeps Everything fast and lightweight
* Adds flexibility for advanced workflows
* Makes features more accessible to users who prefer UI over query syntax
Thank you for your amazing work on Everything.