What does the Linux find command do?

The find command searches for files and directories within a directory hierarchy matching criteria you specify — name patterns, file type, size, modification time, permissions, and more. It is one of the most powerful utilities for file management on Linux and macOS.

How do I find files modified in the last 7 days?

Use the 'Modified Time' filter and set it to '-7' days (minus means 'less than N days ago'). The tool will generate: find . -mtime -7

What is the difference between -name and -iname?

-name matches filenames case-sensitively, while -iname matches case-insensitively. For example, -iname '*.jpg' will match file.jpg, FILE.JPG, and File.Jpg.

How do I use find with exec to run a command on each result?

Select 'exec (custom command)' in the Action section, enter your command, and use {} as a placeholder for the matched filename. For example, entering 'chmod 644 {}' will run chmod on every file found. The tool appends \; automatically.

Can I use this tool on macOS?

Most find options work on macOS (BSD find), but some GNU-specific flags differ slightly. The generated commands follow GNU find syntax. On macOS, options like -printf are not available — use -exec instead.

What does -maxdepth do?

-maxdepth N limits find to searching N levels deep below the starting directory. For example, -maxdepth 1 only searches the immediate contents of the starting directory without recursing into subdirectories.

Free Developer Tool

Build Linux find Commands
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Stop Googling find options. Pick your filters visually — name, type, size, modified time, permissions — and copy the perfect command in seconds.

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Visual Filter Builder

Select file type, name patterns, size ranges, timestamps, and permissions from dropdowns — no manual flag lookup needed.

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Real-Time Preview

The complete find command updates instantly as you configure each option. Copy with one click.

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Action Templates

Choose from common actions: print, list details, delete, or exec with a custom command. Includes xargs integration.

Quick Presets

Filters

Search path

File type

Name pattern

Case-insensitive (-iname)

Exclude name

Size

Modified time

days

Accessed time

days

Max depth

Min depth

Permissions

Only empty

Match empty files / directories (-empty)

Action

Generated Command

find .

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Quick Reference

find . -name '*.log'All .log files recursively

find . -type d -emptyEmpty directories

find . -mtime -7 -type fFiles modified in last 7 days

find . -size +100MFiles larger than 100 MB

find . -perm /111 -type fExecutable files

find . -type f -exec wc -l {} \;Count lines in each file

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Linux Find Command Builder.

Build Linux find CommandsWithout the Syntax Pain

Visual Filter Builder

Real-Time Preview

Action Templates

Frequently Asked Questions

Build Linux find Commands
Without the Syntax Pain