> 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**.


---

# 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://guide.ellieplanner.com/features/search.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.