How to only search for contents of the files in SharePoint Online

This text outlines how to specifically search for the contents of files in SharePoint Online, bypassing other metadata like file names. SharePoint Online's search function is potent, able to pull up documents related not just to the keyword entered, but also to corresponding files, folders, and metadata columns.

• The inconvenient aspect of this lies in the fact that the search may yield more results than necessary, due to the extensive reach of the search function.
• If you're searching for a specific keyword, such as 'accounting' or a person's name, it will display any associated files, folder names, metadata columns, and text within documents.
• Hence, narrowing down the search results can prove to be a challenge.
• One might only wish to pull up documents that contain certain words within the body text, excluding other files with matching keywords in the file or folder name or metadata columns.
• The solution for this lies in the Keyword Query Language (KQL).
• Entering the appropriate command in the search box will allow for a more filtered search.

A common issue with a regular keyword search is the high volume of results due to other associated factors. However, using KQL, specific commands can refine the search, yielding only the documents with the indicated keyword in the body text of the document.

Focusing on SharePoint File Contents

Navigating SharePoint Online's search capabilities can be a daunting task due to its vast scope. The aim to isolate the search to document contents is aided by KQL which successfully refines the search results. This guide provides a far-reaching understanding of SharePoint's intricacies and KQL's role in tailoring search results.

Learn about How to only search for contents of the files in SharePoint Online

When you search for a keyword in SharePoint Online, it looks for that keyword in multiple locations, such as file name, folder name, metadata columns/fields, and the contents of the documents. This can lead to more results than you need. In this article, we will show you a quick tip/trick on how to only search for the contents of files in SharePoint Online.

The Keyword Query Language (KQL) can be used to help you achieve this. All you need to do is type in the following text in the search box: body:keyword.

This will search the contents of the documents for the keyword. It will ignore file name, folder name, and metadata columns, and will only search the body of the documents for the keyword.

Additionally, you can use KQL to search for multiple keywords. To do this, just add the keywords to the search query separated by the "AND" operator. For example, to search for documents containing both "accounting" and "Greg," the query would be: body:accounting AND body:Greg.

You can also use the "OR" operator to search for documents containing either of the keywords. For example, to search for documents containing either "accounting" or "Greg," the query would be: body:accounting OR body:Greg.

Finally, you can use the wildcard operator to search for documents containing similar words. For example, to search for documents containing "account" or "accounting," the query would be: body:account*.

In summary, the Keyword Query Language (KQL) can be used to search for the contents of files in SharePoint Online. You can use it to search for multiple keywords, using the "AND" and "OR" operators, and you can also use the wildcard operator to search for similar words.

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Keywords

SharePoint Online, Search, Contents, Files, Document