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

# Search

Find tasks by title, notes, and—on iPhone and iPad—subtasks.

Search helps you find a task even when you no longer remember which day or list it lives in.

## Search on web and desktop

Select the **Search** button in Ellie's top bar, or use the default shortcut:

* **Command+K** on macOS
* **Ctrl+K** on Windows or Linux

Start typing any part of a task title or its notes. Ellie shows matching text, along with useful task context such as its date, label, notes, and subtasks. Select a result to open the full task.

You can move through the results with the Up and Down arrow keys and press Enter to open the selected task.

{% hint style="info" %}
Keyboard shortcuts can be changed or disabled in **Settings → Keyboard shortcuts**.
{% endhint %}

## Search on iPhone and iPad

Select the **magnifying glass** at the top of Ellie's Home screen, then type what you remember. On iPhone and iPad, Search can match text in task titles, notes, and subtasks.

Select a result to open the task and make changes.

![Search results for Product in the real Ellie iPhone app with the keyboard open, displayed in an authentic iPhone frame on a light green background.](https://3852134662-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnmZdEkTM0SErtqWxGTII%2Fuploads%2FUz3bT2ttvMS9pQlDelF1%2Fellie-ios-search-green-light-v3-keyboard-16x9.jpg?alt=media)

## If a task does not appear

* Try a shorter or more distinctive word from the title or notes.
* Check that the text is saved on the task you expect.
* A generated recurring-task instance may not appear in indexed search until Ellie has materialized it for that date. On web and desktop, Ellie can show a local recurring match when one is available.
* If Search reports that it is temporarily unavailable, choose **Try again**.