.METADATA_NEVER_INDEX File

The metadata_never_index file extension 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.

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.

How to open:

You can possibly edit these files using a text editor, but unless you know exactly what you are doing, you should avoid that.

How to convert:

These files are no meant to be converted to anything else and quite frankly, there is also no way how you would do it.