Files with metadata_never_index extension can be found as one of the typical files in OS X (macOS) operating system. The purpose of this file is to prevent indexing of the folder by some programs.
Software that open metadata_never_index file
METADATA_NEVER_INDEX file extension - macOS metadata settings file
What is metadata_never_index file? How to open metadata_never_index files?
File type specification:
Settings, options, themes or skins file type
metadata_never_index file icon: 
File extension metadata_never_index is a macOS (OS X) command file used for forestalling metadata indexing of designated files, folders or partitions on the hard drive. Metadata consists of resource pointers for data, which documents origin, attributes and other file characteristics.
Used by the Apple Macintosh operating system as a settings file, the metadata_never_index file extension is one of the only ways to prevent certain indexing programs like Apple Spotlight from automatically indexing the metadata.
Apple Spotlight is a program for searching, indexing and launching data and applications in the Apple Macintosh system.
It has advanced searching options using names and metadata. It allows for using sophisticated questions for searches. It also launches applications faster and provides for a Web history search.
You can find these files also at root level of Apple devices with iOS operating system.
Updated: November 22, 2023
The default software associated to open metadata_never_index file:
Company or developer:
Apple, Inc.
macOS is Unix-based desktop operating system, a successor of Mac OS X system for MacBook-family, iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro computers, developed and sold by Apple, Inc.
Company or developer:
Apple, Inc.
OS X or Mac OS X is Unix-based operating system developed by Apple Inc. for Macintosh computers. It contains basic core applications for everyday use, such as Finder basic file manager, Safari for Internet browsing, QuickTime for video, iTunes for managing audio data and iPod, iOS devices management , iMessage instant messaging, Mail, Contacts, Calendar and many more.
The latest version 10.11 of OS X is called El Capitan. It is available to purchase on Mac App Store as well as is distributed with new Mac computers and notebooks. It includes features to improve the security, performance, design and usability.
OS X operating system was replaced by new macOS in 2016!
Company or developer:
Apple, Inc.
Apple iOS is the latest version of iOS operating system for Apple mobile platform devices such as Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. iOS is based on XNU hybrid kernel from Mac OS X (macOS).
iOS contains multi-touch interface (also known as SpringBoard GUI), and various default apps, such as Phone, Mail, Safari, Music, Videos, Messages, Photos, Camera, FaceTime, Maps, Weather, Notes, etc. Other apps are available in App Store.
List of software applications associated to the .metadata_never_index file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open metadata_never_index file, edit metadata_never_index file, convert metadata_never_index file, view metadata_never_index file, play metadata_never_index file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting metadata_never_index files.
Programs that can create metadata_never_index file - macOS metadata settings file
Programs supporting the exension metadata_never_index on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for create metadata_never_index file action.
