Spotlight in Yosemite: ugh.

Getting tired of Spotlight in Yosemite being useless in comparison to Mavericks? Edit its shortcut to pop the Finder search bar instead. Bit of a poor cousin to Spotlight in earlier versions of OSX which were much better: didn't block the screen, allowed you to open the enclosing folder, and more.

Apple Menu > System Preferences > Spotlight. Change the keyboard shortcut you are familiar with to open the Finder Search window instead.

Now it'll open like below instead, and the results are easier to deal with...

Also consider replacing Spotlight functionality with Alfred. The freeware version is okay, I haven't yet been keen on splashing oout £17 for the PowerPack...

Guy