Advanced search
| The content of this website is last updated to F2 version 12. cBrain are working hard on supplying you with the newest documentation of F2. |
A simple search using the free-text search field is often very broad. You can make more precise and useful searches by searching for specific metadata. This is an advanced search.
Advanced searches are performed in the main window using search fields. The fields correspond to the metadata of records, their cases, their chats, and other F2 elements, which enables very specific searches.
Search results in F2 are always based on records. This means that search fields targeting other elements will find records whose associated elements meet the search criteria. For example, using the search fields in the "Chat" search group will find records where at least one chat matches the search criteria, regardless of the text of any other chats of the record.
Click Advanced search in the main window ribbon (1) to view the advanced search groups (2).
| Remember to check for active advanced search criteria before you start your search, otherwise your search results may be poor or misleading. Read more about how to clear active advanced search criteria. |
When you have filled in the relevant search fields, click on the magnifying glass next to the free-text search field or press Enter to display the search results. The search results consist of records that match search criteria or contain elements that match the search criteria. You therefore have the option to adjust how you view search results, so that the relevant elements are highlighted.
| If your search yields a very large number of results, you can filter the search using the free-text search field or narrow it down by using more search fields. |
Use advanced search fields
The search fields are divided into several search groups. The groups and fields are described here.
Each search group can be expanded by clicking on it. Each group contains a series of search fields. See the figure below.
You can search for a specific search field by entering a search string in the field above the search groups. F2 will then show all search fields in which the search string appears. Pressing Enter is not required.
| Use multiple search fields to narrow down your search as much as possible. This could be search fields used for marking records, such as "Record keyword", "Personal flag", or "Unit responsible for record". |
Adjust height
You can adjust the height of the search field area and thereby the visibility of the result list. Click and drag the splitter between the search field area and the result list to the desired location.
Fields with drop-downs
A field with a drop-down arrow 
next to its title lets you choose between certain values.
For example, under “Record status” choose whether to search for records with the status “In progress” or “Complete”. The search field can also be left empty.
An additional drop-down menu is available in search fields for keywords and participants on records and cases. Specifically, the search fields “Record or case keyword” in the “General” group and “Record/case participants” in the “Case related” group. When you have entered multiple keywords or participants, the drop-down lets you search for results matching at least one or all of the search terms.
| If you combine searching in an advanced search field with searching in the free-text search field, F2’s response time might be longer than expected. You may benefit from using filtering with the free-text search field instead. |
Information icons
Certain search fields have an information icon, 
. Click the icon to open a description of the specific search terms that can be used in the field. For example, the search terms "Undefined" or "My unit" may be used in the Access limitation on record/case field, and "+7" or "Today" may be used in the Record deadline field.
You can look up the available special search terms in the table for the relevant search group.
Search by user or unit
When you want to search for a user or unit, you have the following options:
-
Type the name of the user or unit in the search field.
-
Click the participant icon
in certain search fields to find the user in F2’s participant register. -
Click the unit icon
in certain search fields to find the unit in F2’s participant register.
View and clear search fields
The title of a search group is bolded if at least one of its field is filled in. This makes it easier to determine if fields are filled in when the groups are collapsed.
When a search field is filled in, a green checkmark appears on the Search criteria button. The Search criteria icon shows if any search fields are filled in even if the advanced search fields are hidden.
You can clear any advanced search criteria regardless of whether the advanced search fields are shown or hidden. When the advanced search fields are shown, the Clear search criteria button appears to the right of the free-text search field (1).
When advanced search is disabled, you can clear active search criteria from the Search criteria drop-down (2). Click the button to open the drop-down, then click Clear active search criteria (3). You can also clear your active search criteria at any time by pressing Ctrl + Shift + X.
When you clear your active search criteria, the list is reloaded. This means the list is updated to show all current results.
| If you clear active search criteria in a saved search, only the search criteria that you have added yourself will be cleared. The saved search criteria that make up the list are unaffected. |