# How to Search for a Case

### Summary

Learn the fundamental methods to locate a specific case in Docket Alarm using the Docket Number, Party Name, or Judge.

### Why This is Important

Docket Alarm’s search engine is powerful because it indexes two things simultaneously: **Docket Sheets** (the case metadata) and **Documents** (the full text of PDFs). Knowing how to filter between these two ensures you find the exact case you are looking for without wading through thousands of unrelated search results.

### Method 1: Searching by Docket Number (Most Accurate)

If you already know the case number, this is the fastest way to find your record.

1. Click into the main **Search Bar** on the Dashboard.
2. Find the **Filter by** dropdown menu inside the query builder.
3. Enter the docket number in the **Docket No.** field. (e.g., `1:20-cv-04920`).
4. Enter the full or partial court name in the **Court** filter. (e.g., `Texas` ; `Texas Southern`; `Los Angeles County`)
5. **Important:** Uncheck the **Documents** box below the search bar (see the "Refining Your Search" section below).
6. Click **Search**.

<figure><img src="/files/6ljBEg1w4LovdBZ8jo1w" alt=""><figcaption><p>Using the Docket No. filter is the most precise way to find a case.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Method 2: Searching by Party Name

If you are looking for litigation involving a specific company or individual:

1. Click into the **Search Bar**.
2. From the **Filter** dropdown, select **Party**.
3. Type the name of the party (e.g., `Pfizer` or `Apple Inc.`).
4. (Optional) You can combine this with a **Judge** filter or a **Court** selection using the Jurisdiction Selector to narrow down results.
5. Uncheck the **Documents** box below the search bar.
6. Click **Search**.

<figure><img src="/files/q3YgOoyDfSj2rNno8YYS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Refining Your Search: Dockets vs. Documents

By default, Docket Alarm searches **everything**. This means if you search for "Smith," you will get:

* Cases where "Smith" is a party (Plaintiff/Defendant).
* Cases where “Smith” is mentioned on the docket report (law firm, attorney, docket report, etc).
* **AND** every single PDF document (motion, order, exhibit) that contains the word "Smith" in the text.

**To find a case sheet quickly:**

* **Deselect the "Documents" checkbox** located under the search bar or in the filter menu.
* Ensure only **Dockets** is selected.

This tells the system: *"I am looking for the folder (the case), not a specific piece of paper inside the folder."*

{% hint style="info" %}
**Pro Tip:** Use the **Cheat Sheet** located to the left of the search bar to see available search commands. For example, you can use `party:Pfizer AND judge:Foley` to find specific cases where Pfizer appeared before Judge Foley.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Related Articles

* [Using the Query Builder](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/search-and-discovery/using-the-query-builder.md)
* [Using Supplemental Search](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/search-and-discovery/using-supplemental-search.md)

### Need more help?

If you cannot find a case that you know exists, try using our **Supplemental Search** tool to query the court directly.

**What's Your Next Step?**

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