# Start searching

Before you start searching, ensure you have selected the correct [jurisdiction](https://support.vlex.com/support-1/settings#jurisdiction). 

#### **What search tool should I use?**

For broad searches, or to access known documents, use the [simple search bar](#using-simple-search).

For perusing vLex's content based on the type of information, jurisdiction, or area of law, use [Browse](#browse).

For complex searches where you have different pieces of information, use [Advanced search](#using-advanced-search).

Finally, when the starting point of your research is a document or a section of text, use [Vincent AI](https://support.vlex.com/vincent-by-vlex/vincent).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Your search results are tailored to your jurisdiction and your previous history on vLex. Your screen might look slightly different from one search to the next, but the fundamentals explained here are constant.
{% endhint %}

## Using the simple search bar

The intuitive vLex search bar will suggest cases, documents, books, and journals as you type. Hit return on your keyboard or click the magnifying glass icon to generate a list of [results](https://support.vlex.com/getting-started/search-results). 

![Intuitive searching with the simple search bar](https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI%2F-MbcF_Xgy2HaaQAfSEzh%2F-MbdIwQsF3o95bEXtYm-%2FSimple%20search%20copyright%20law.gif?alt=media\&token=a2ad4f2f-e64b-4fd7-bfc9-9b79e7ab1165)

{% hint style="info" %}
The search bar accepts operators like AND, OR, NOT, etc. To learn more about these, please read the[ Boolean operators](https://support.vlex.com/getting-started/quick-start-guide/boolean-operators-1) article.
{% endhint %}

## Browse

Use the Browse tool to start filtering your results by specific jurisdictions, courts, document types, categories of law or practice areas. Select **Browse** on the left to begin, then click through, making selections as you go to get the most relevant results. 

![Browse for a narrow search](https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI%2F-MbcF_Xgy2HaaQAfSEzh%2F-MbdJ9RjnceueaTjjs0V%2FStart%20searching%20from%20Browse.gif?alt=media\&token=37111175-f19c-4e9a-82b9-daa674d83743)

After using **Browse** to find your results, you could filter further by using the **Search in results** field at the top of the **Filters** column. This will allow you to add more keywords and make sure that your top results are as relevant as possible.

![Browse as base for a search](https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI%2F-MbcF_Xgy2HaaQAfSEzh%2F-MbdKOZHCzJgkl_dpqhv%2FBrowse%20as%20base.gif?alt=media\&token=4d55224d-f549-4f31-8696-85ce24ce7d69)

{% hint style="info" %}
For a more in-depth explanation, read the [Browse](https://support.vlex.com/getting-started/quick-start-guide/use-browse) article.
{% endhint %}

## Advanced search

When you know a lot of information about the search you want to run, we recommend using the **Advanced search** located in the left menu. This option has multiple filters and fields to support more complex and precise searches.

![Using Advanced search](https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI%2F-MbcF_Xgy2HaaQAfSEzh%2F-MbdJ3O_sLHcJUuoS1RJ%2FAdvanced%20Search.gif?alt=media\&token=e16eaae2-1a45-4bf8-9d40-7022a21b914b)

When using **Advanced search**, select the relevant jurisdiction(s), then the content type. Finally, add any specific words or search terms you wish to include. 

{% hint style="info" %}
For more information, please read the [Advanced search](https://support.vlex.com/getting-started/quick-start-guide/advanced-search) article.
{% endhint %}

## Video walkthrough

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/917899757>" %}
Short video, narrating the three ways to search.&#x20;
{% endembed %}