# Pro Tip: How to Improve Your Search Results

### Summary

Improve your **vlex legal research** by understanding how the search engine works and using a few key techniques. Start with simple terms, use **Boolean operators** for precision, and leverage the filters on the results page.

### Why This is Important

Getting better search results means finding the right answer faster. These pro tips will help you move beyond basic searching to construct queries that deliver highly relevant documents, saving you valuable time.

### Tips for Better Searching

#### 1. Start Simple, Then Refine

Begin with a few simple, broad keywords in the **Smart Searchbar**. If you get too many results, don't start a new search. Instead, use the **filters** on the left of the results page or the **Search in results** field to narrow down your current list.

#### 2. Use Precise Language

Try to use words that are likely to appear in a legal document. For example, searching for `"breach of contract"` will yield better results than `"someone broke a deal"`.

#### 3. Master Boolean Operators

Using operators is the most powerful way to control your search.

* Use `"quotation marks"` to search for an **exact phrase**.
* Use `AND` to ensure **both** terms appear in the results.
* Use `AND NOT` to **exclude** a term.

#### 4. Use the Right Tool for the Job

Don't rely only on the main search bar.

* For complex queries with multiple criteria, use **Advanced Search**.
* To explore a topic without specific keywords, use the **Browse** tool.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="English Interface" %}

<figure><img src="https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI-887967055%2Fuploads%2FEre1ENaLPg93Dx8voKUz%2Fpatent%20There%20are%20multiple%20ways%20to%20construct%20a%20search.%20Choose%20the%20path%20that%20best%20fits%20your%20needs..gif?alt=media&#x26;token=43fa9ff3-2835-4537-8fd6-bfcd95b25e5f" alt=""><figcaption><p>There are multiple ways to construct a search. Choose the path that best fits your needs.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Interfaz en Español" %}

<figure><img src="https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI-887967055%2Fuploads%2FPs7M7vJwdGCT1RB2APYK%2FExisten%20mu%CC%81ltiples%20formas%20de%20construir%20una%20bu%CC%81squeda.%20Elige%20el%20camino%20que%20mejor%20se%20adapte%20a%20tus%20necesidades..gif?alt=media&#x26;token=3609314f-86e9-4f12-8d4b-989da796c31d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**Let the Search Engine Help You:** vLex's ranking algorithm learns from user behavior. The more you and others in your field use the service, the more relevant the top results for common searches will become.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Best Practices & Pro Tips

* **Don't Leave Fields Blank by Mistake:** When using Advanced Search, remember that the word fields are optional. However, if you accidentally leave a term in a field like **None of the words**, it will unintentionally filter your results.

### Related Articles

* [Using Boolean Operators to Refine Your Search](https://support.vlex.com/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/getting-started/using-boolean-operators-to-refine-your-search)
* [Understanding and Using vLex Credits](https://support.vlex.com/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/workflows-and-productivity-tools/understanding-and-using-vlex-credits)
* [Workflow: How to Create a Research Plan in vLex Library](https://support.vlex.com/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/workflows-and-productivity-tools/workflow-how-to-create-a-research-plan-in-vlex-library)

**What's Your Next Step?**

| **New to** vLex Library **?**                                                                                                                                                                                   | **Already a** vLex Library **Customer?**                                                                                                                   |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [See how vLex Library can transform your practice. **Request a personalized demo**.](https://vlex.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=website\&utm_medium=organic\&utm_campaign=web_trial_homepage\&campaign_id=4270741) | [If you still have questions or need help with a specific feature, our team is here to assist. **Contact our Support team**.](https://vlex.com/contact-us) |