Find & replace and semantic search in Zoho Writer
Overview
The Find and Replace tool in Zoho Writer helps you quickly locate and edit content across your document. You can replace specific words or phrases, search within tables or fields, and use advanced patterns to make bulk edits efficiently.
In addition, Writer’s Semantic Search/ Find uses AI to understand the meaning behind your search. It helps you find related or reworded phrases, making it ideal for reviewing and maintaining consistency in long or collaborative documents.
Prerequisites
- Edit/ Share access for the document.
- For Semantic Search/Find, the document should be 10 pages or fewer.
Steps
1. How to find and replace content in Writer
Shortcut:
- Windows: Ctrl + F
- Mac: Cmd + F
- Open the document and press Ctrl + F / Cmd + F.
- Enter the text in the Find field.
- Enter the replacement text in Replace With.
- Click Advanced Options for more filters.
- Click Done.
2. What are the advanced options in find and replace?
Search types:
- Plain Text: Find exact words or symbols.
- Paragraphs: Merge or insert text between paragraphs using markers like ^p.
- Wildcards: Search patterns like J*y (finds Joey, Judy, Jessy).
- Objects: Find elements like headings, tables, images, or bookmarks.
- Search Options: Match case, whole word, or include locked content.
- Find In: Search across the entire document or limit it to sections, tables, or notes.
3. How to use semantic find /search in Zoho Writer
Semantic Find is an AI-powered search that understands meaning, not just words. It uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to show results that convey the same idea as your search.
Example:
Searching for “payment terms” can also find:
Searching for “payment terms” can also find:
- billing conditions
- compensation policy
- fee structure
How it differs from normal find:
Normal Find | Semantic Find |
Finds exact words | Finds related meanings |
Literal match | Concept-based match |
Best for quick edits | Best for reviews and consistency |
Steps to use:
- Open the document and press Ctrl + F / Cmd + F.
- Click the Semantic Search (AI) icon or open Advanced Options > Find Similar Content.
or - Enter your phrase in "Find" and review the highlighted results.
Additional Note
In Writer's semantic search,
- Queries with 3+ words highlight entire sentences.
- Works on up to 10 pages per search.
FAQs
1. How do I find and replace text in Zoho Writer?
Press Ctrl + F / Cmd + F, enter your text, and click Done.
Press Ctrl + F / Cmd + F, enter your text, and click Done.
2. How do I find and replace numbers?
Open Find and Replace and choose Any Numbers from the options.
Open Find and Replace and choose Any Numbers from the options.
3. How can I find all email addresses?
Go to Wildcards > Sample Pattern > Email Addresses.
Go to Wildcards > Sample Pattern > Email Addresses.
4. How do I find and replace text only in tables?
Under Find In, choose Tables Only.
Under Find In, choose Tables Only.
5. How do I find bookmarks in a document?
Select Objects > Bookmarks.
Select Objects > Bookmarks.
6. How do I replace line breaks or spaces?
Use the symbol ^| for line breaks or type a space to find blank spaces.
Use the symbol ^| for line breaks or type a space to find blank spaces.
7. Why does Semantic Find show only part of my document?
It currently supports searches for up to 10 pages at a time.
It currently supports searches for up to 10 pages at a time.
8. Can I automatically replace results from Semantic Find?
No. Semantic Find is designed for manual review and edits.
No. Semantic Find is designed for manual review and edits.
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