Local search and privacy
Global search is designed for a local-first app: your queries and index stay on your computer.
Where search runs
After you unlock your data file, typing in the title bar search box matches against an index stored in your encrypted data file (for transactions, accounts, and chat) and against built-in app catalogs (for settings and navigation). Nothing is uploaded for search.
Locked database
Global search is not available while your database is locked. Big Picture Money shows the Unlock screen instead of the main window — there is no title bar search field, and no transaction, account, or chat content is searchable until you unlock. Unlock your data file to use search.
After unlock
Building the search index after unlock happens in the background. You may see Updating search index… until indexing finishes. Settings and page results remain available while indexing runs.