A CANNEDSEARCH folder is a folder used by Finder, an OS X program that allows users to organize and search files on their computer. It contains search values which enables a user to save common searches in order to decrease query times. CANNEDSEARCH folders are similar to .SAVEDSEARCH files.

CANNEDSEARCH folders are referenced by Finder for searching the contents of a computer, which includes applications, folders, and files. These folders are appended with the ".cannedSearch" extension, even though they are folders. OS X comes loaded with canned searches, most commonly the "All My Files" search in Finder. Therefore, most users will never see the CANNEDSEARCH folder. However, if you would like to add and/or modify search queries in Finder you will most likely come across the CANNEDSEARCH folder. CANNEDSEARCH folders are located in the following directory: /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app/Contents/Resource/MyLibraries/