# 2a. The search panel

The Search Panel can be opened by doing a right-click on the extension's book icon, and selecting "Search in dataset..." :\
You can also open it with a shortcut : it's `alt-Q` by default, but if it does not work or if it conflicts with other shortcuts you might have, you can [set up a custom shortcut](/zotero-roam/v0.6/customization/shortcuts.md).

![Right-click on the icon to open the context menu](/files/-MVSOes2C4gR4-mSuYrE)

A dialog box will pop up :

![](/files/-MVSmSAN5RTqmIuOGvUG)

**(1) Start typing text** in the search bar to look for items.\
Current searched fields are **title, year, tags, citekey and authors' last names**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Starting with v0.6.0, **search is multi-field** which means that looking for an author's name + a year will now return results.
{% endhint %}

![](/files/-MVSunQMrIAkf85p6UfD)

**(2) Navigate through the results list** using `Tab` or `up/down` .

**(3) Select an item** with left-click or `Enter`.

* In **default mode**, selecting an item will render its metadata, along with options to copy its citekey, navigate to the item's Roam page, import its metadata, and see its attached PDF + notes.

![](/files/-MX7iio9GucefgVGO1et)

* If **Quick Copy mode** is enabled (top-left), the item's citekey will be copied to the clipboard and the search panel will close.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://alix-lahuec.gitbook.io/zotero-roam/v0.6/how-to/search-panel.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.