Chapter 5 Search and Filtering

This chapter explains how to use AIClue to find files, and how to narrow results by search mode, tags, directories, and project scope.

5.1 Start Searching

Enter a keyword in the top search box to find files. You can enter:

• Part of a file name, such as contract or invoice
• Words that appear in document content, such as acceptance notes or meeting notes
• A project or material topic, such as annual report

Press Enter after typing, or click the search button to start searching. During search, the Workbench automatically switches to a file list. After you clear the search box, if there are no other filter conditions, it returns to the function card view.

5.2 Choose a Search Mode

You can switch search modes from the left side inside the search box:

Smart Search is the default recommendation. When you switch to Filename or Content, the mode label uses a reminder color. When you enter a local absolute path or an @ project workspace, the entry is temporarily hidden without clearing your previous mode selection.

If you just added a directory, AIClue may still be reading document content in the background. Filename usually shows results first. Content and Smart Search become more complete as file content is prepared.

For English and mixed Chinese-English documents, AIClue supports searches with Chinese or English keywords. Uppercase and lowercase English letters do not affect matching. For longer English phrases, results closer to the full phrase generally appear earlier.

Keyword results use relevance by default, placing files that are more likely to match your intent first. When there are many results, AIClue shows up to 1,000 of the most relevant results first. The status bar also shows the current search mode, result count, and total managed file count.

5.3 View Search Results

Search results are shown as a file list. The list usually displays:

• File name
• File location
• File type
• File size
• Created time or modified time
• Content snippet around the match, if the current search mode and file type support it

Click a file to view its preview or details. Double-click a file to open it with the system default app. The file row and more menu provide operations such as opening or locating the file. To copy the file path, select the file first, then use the copy path button at the top of the preview area.

5.4 Filter by Tags

Tag filtering is used to show only files that match a certain type of tag. You can select tags from the filter entry in the top bar or the file list header.

Common uses include:

• View only a certain type of file
• Further narrow results after entering a search keyword
• Exclude tag ranges you do not want to see

Filter conditions affect the current file list and search results. After filters are cleared, the file list returns to a more complete scope.

5.5 Filter by Directory

Directory filtering is used to show only files under one directory or a group of directories. It is useful when there are many files.

Common uses include:

• Search only the Documents directory
• View only a specific project material folder
• Exclude unrelated directories

Directory filtering does not change file locations on your computer. It only affects the current display and search scope in AIClue.

5.6 Search Within a Project Scope

If you have created project workspaces, enter @ in the search box. AIClue shows available project suggestions.

After you select a project, the file list switches to that project scope. You can continue viewing and filtering files within the project scope.

This is useful for:

• Viewing files in a project material set
• Bringing files from different directories into one focused scope
• Temporarily focusing on a work topic

Project workspaces do not move source files. They only show related files together in AIClue.

5.7 Search History and Suggestions

When you click the search box or start typing, AIClue shows recent search history. You can choose a suggestion directly to repeat a previous search quickly.

If you no longer need a history item, delete it from the suggestion list.

When you enter @, the suggestion list prioritizes project workspace related results.

Entering a local absolute path switches the search box to path browsing instead of ordinary keyword search. @ project workspaces and local paths are not saved in search history. Ordinary keywords must contain at least two characters; add more text if the keyword is too short.

5.8 Sort and Narrow Results Further

In the file list, you can sort by list headers, such as file name, full path, created time, modified time, or size.

Keyword results use relevance by default. Clicking a header sorts the currently displayed search results; entering a new keyword, switching search modes, or changing tag or directory filters restores relevance-first results.

The managed file list after clearing the query reloads with the selected sort order. Local directory browsing and project workspace file lists sort the files currently shown.

If there are too many results, narrow the scope in this order:

1. First switch to a suitable search mode
2. Then choose a directory scope
3. Then choose a tag scope
4. Finally adjust sorting, prioritizing recently modified or more relevant files

5.9 When You Cannot Find a File

If an expected file is not found, check in this order:

For the full list of supported file types, see Appendix Supported File Formats and Data Notes.

5.10 Next Steps

After finding files, continue with:

• Chapter 6 File Viewing and File Operations: Learn how to preview, open, and locate files
• Chapter 7 Project Workspace: Learn how to manage files by project
• Chapter 9 Tags and Classification: Learn tag filtering and classification settings