> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/analytics/search-for-data.md).

# Search for data

Learn about the various ways you can search for data.

{% hint style="info" %}
User permission: Query > Search
{% endhint %}

There are several ways you can search for data:

* Search for data in the grid (selected dimension):
  * [**Perform a basic search**](/analytics/search-for-data/basic-search.md): Quickly search for specific data using the **Search** box in the top right corner above the grid. This method is useful when you know what you are looking for, such as a particular customer or product.
  * [**Perform an advanced search**](/analytics/search-for-data/advanced-search.md): Search for data using rules that you create. This method is useful when you want to get more refined search results and answers to specific questions, such as, ‘*Which sales reps earned sales revenue of less than $100,000 in the financial year to date*?’
  * [**Search for similar or comparative data**](/analytics/search-for-data/right-click-filter.md): Quickly search for data using the right-click > filter options. This method is useful when you want to find data that is similar or comparative to a specific data item, such as, ‘*Which customers earned revenue equal to or greater than this amount*?' This feature is sometimes referred to as an advanced search shortcut.
* [**Use Search mode**](/analytics/customize-your-view-analytics/change-the-mode/search-mode.md): View and search master lists of data, independent of periods, and without any transactions listed.
* **Search favorites, dashboards or databases**: Search for data within a favorite, dashboard or database, all accessible from the Phocas navigation menu.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

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

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.phocassoftware.com/analytics/search-for-data.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

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.