# The search tool

{% hint style="info" %}
This page explores using the *Search tool*, which lets you search for objects in the Bubble editor. Not to be confused with *Do a search for,* which is used to perform database searches in your app. You'll find more information about that feature in the article below:

Article: [Finding data](https://manual.bubble.io/help-guides/data/the-database/finding-data)
{% endhint %}

The search tool lets you search for a range of different objects in the Bubble editor, such as elements, data types, and actions.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks6WkQ--ESY>" %}

## Accessing the search tool

The search tool is a part of Bubble's toolbar and is accessed by clicking the magnifier symbol.

<figure><img src="https://34394582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M5sbzwG7CljeZdkntrL%2Fuploads%2FEMNe8J25Y4Ug3Q2RY9mH%2Fbubble-search-tool.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3222fddb-79b3-4354-a0e3-4928e57455e5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Search by type

By specifying the type of object you want to search for, Bubble offers filters specifically for that type.

For example, if you want to search for a specific type of *action*, you can select *Action type* in the *Search by* field. Bubble will then show you a list of the different action types available.

<figure><img src="https://34394582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M5sbzwG7CljeZdkntrL%2Fuploads%2FkLyU2ab7gNjENMFL91pq%2Fsearch-tool%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7c5437fd-9911-4ae3-aeb5-094d3d52f530" alt=""><figcaption><p>By setting the <em>Search by</em> to a specific type, Bubble offers filters that match that type.</p></figcaption></figure>

Clicking on any result in the search tool will take you directly to that part of the editor. In the example above, we're searching for an *action*, and clicking a result will take you directly to that action in the workflow tab.

## Contains text

The *Contains text* tool lets you search for text inside of the different types you are looking for. This option is fairly flexible, as it broadens the search to include text from sub-objects as well as the main object.

For instance, let's say you have a workflow that consists of an event and one action. The event is a button-click, and the action makes changes to a thing. We've saved the label *Save average score* on the action.

<figure><img src="https://34394582-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M5sbzwG7CljeZdkntrL%2Fuploads%2FGHhheAKK6Ai2D3w7SwNz%2Fsearch-by-text%402x.png?alt=media&#x26;token=af14ab20-2b3c-43e0-bc0d-02cc2a4cf292" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In this example, we have:

1. Set the *Search by* field to *Event type*
2. Selected *An element is clicked* as the event type
3. Entered the string *average* in the *Contains text* field

As you can see, the search tool returns the event we where looking for, even though the event itself doesn't contain the string *average*. That string is saved on an action *inside* of the workflow. In this way, the search tool will not only return results from event names or descriptions but also delve into the actions within those workflows.

## Searches and performance

When you're working in a big app, the search tool can potentially have a lot of data to search through and can start to slow down. You will usually get a result a lot faster if you narrow down the search to the current page


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://manual.bubble.io/help-guides/getting-started/navigating-the-bubble-editor/tools/the-search-tool.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.