# Search data

Comind.work provides three main ways to find and filter data across your workspaces and apps.

## Global search[​](#global-search "Direct link to Global search")

Search across all workspaces and apps to find content quickly.

**What it searches:**

* content, titles, and comments
* all file types - including PDF and Microsoft Office files (Excel, Word)
* advanced search options supported

**Search syntax:**

* **Keywords** - type one or more words; results contain any of the words
* **Exact phrase** - wrap in double quotes: `"budget approval"` matches the exact phrase
* **Exclude words** - prefix with minus: `-draft` excludes records containing "draft"
* **Combined** - `"budget approval" -draft` finds the exact phrase, excluding drafts
* Wildcards (`*`, `%`) are not needed - the system handles word variations automatically
* Results are sorted by relevance, with matched text highlighted

## Quick-filter in lists[​](#quick-filter-in-lists "Direct link to Quick-filter in lists")

Filter data visible in the current list view using the input box in the top-right corner above the list.

**How it works:**

* scans only the data currently visible in the list
* searches across visible columns only
* typically filters within one workspace and one app
* can be configured to search across multiple workspaces and apps

## List filtering[​](#list-filtering "Direct link to List filtering")

The most precise way to search for specific data using built-in list filters.

**Benefits:**

* most accurate search method
* provides targeted results
* uses structured data filtering (field = value, date ranges, lookup values)

## When to use which[​](#when-to-use-which "Direct link to When to use which")

| Method         | Best for                                            | Example                                                       |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Global search  | Finding records by content or keywords you remember | "Find that email about the server migration"                  |
| Quick-filter   | Narrowing a list you're already looking at          | "Show only the tasks mentioning 'database'"                   |
| List filtering | Precise queries on known field values               | "All high-priority tickets created this month assigned to me" |

## Related[​](#related "Direct link to Related")

* [About lists](/user-guide/app-records-list/about-lists.md) - understanding list views, filters, and saved configurations
* [Navigation](/user-guide/common-features/navigation.md) - moving between workspaces, apps, and records
* [Personalization](/user-guide/common-features/personalization.md) - saving custom list views for quick access