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You're trying to search for an idea, and you feel like it's not returning results you're expecting? Use this article to reference the differences in functionality.
How Search in the Idea Grid Works
The Admin Console features Concept Search, a powerful tool available that goes beyond traditional keyword matching.
Concept Search allows you to effortlessly discover ideas related to both specific and broad topics. Instead of relying on exact word matches, it surfaces relevant feedback based on the underlying themes of your queries, making it easier to uncover valuable insights and inform your product decisions. It automatically scans both the titles and descriptions of all current and merged ideas.
Tips for Optimizing Your Search
To get the most accurate results from a large dataset, we recommend taking the following steps:
Apply Filters First: Narrow down your dataset using filters before initiating a text-based search.
Use Search Operators: To achieve the "best text match" or to broaden your scope, use search operators by beginning your phrase with a colon (
:).
Note on Stop Words: Unlike the Web Portal, search in the Admin Console does not filter out "Stop Words" (common words like you, with, allow, see). All words in your query will be taken into account.
How Search Works on the Web Portal
Unlike the theme-based Concept Search in the Admin Console, the Web Portal uses a traditional keyword-matching approach. The system automatically scopes the search to the specific forum the user is currently on, scanning the title and description of those ideas (excluding comments). Results are returned based on word frequency, giving significantly heavier weight to words found in the idea's title. For example, searching "add more search options" will return any idea or article containing the words "search" OR "option," prioritizing matches found in the title.
Search Limitations & Rules
To ensure relevant results, the Web Portal search enforces two strict criteria:
Stop Words: Common, non-descriptive words (e.g., make, you, more, with, allow, type, see, one, us) are automatically filtered out. If a search yields zero results, it may be because the query consists entirely of these omitted "stop words."
Character Minimum: A word must contain at least three (3) characters to be recognized by the portal's search engine. One- or two-letter words are completely ignored.
Common Questions
A: There is not a way to customize either of these features currently, but if you would like to see us add this functionality, please, share it as an idea on our forum for the Product Team.
Q: Can I use search operators like quotes?
A: Yes, please see this article for more information.
Q: Can I search Admin notes on ideas?
A: Not at this time. Vote for our idea here.