# How to use the search {#how-to-use-the-search}


You can search for transactions using the box in the left top of the page. The search engine is pretty powerful and can find almost anything, but it is not yet as user-friendly as it could be. My apologies in advance. 


## A basic search {#a-basic-search}


Enter a word (or words), and Firefly III will search in the descriptions of transactions for what you're looking for.

![A basic search](/_media/444b84c526f5143d2ced.png)

Use `"a query with spaces"` if you need to search for things with spaces in them.


## Finding specific accounts {#finding-specific-accounts}


You can use `from:` and `to:` if you need to find transactions from or to a specific account. For example:

![A search for transactions from a specific account](/_media/c39ecad99e48efc904b0.png)

You can also search for amounts and dates. Here are two examples:

`less:20`

![A search for transactions of less than 20](/_media/ca13729d29c9cc996776.png)

`before:2024-01-01`

![A search for transactions before 2024](/_media/36a18c2e628650a56292.png)


## Combining search options {#combining-search-options}


You can of course combine all of these options in any way you want.


## Which options are there? {#which-options-are-there}


Check out the [full reference to the search options](https://sourcey-firefly.pages.dev/references/firefly-iii/search/index.md).