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 to the document, to use the Find & Replace tool.
- For Semantic Search/Find, the document should only have 10 pages or less.
- Semantic Find is currently available only for WorkDrive users. If you're accessing Writer through Zoho CRM, Zoho Contracts, or other services without WorkDrive, you will not have access to this feature.
- The document’s language must be set to English or a related English variant such as US English, UK English, IN English, etc. for Semantic Search to work.
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 Search | Semantic Searchd |
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.
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 in documents with only 10 pages or less.
It currently supports searches in documents with only 10 pages or less.
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.
9. How do I search for and replace all text formatted with a particular color?
This feature is currently in our product roadmap and will be available in a future update.
This feature is currently in our product roadmap and will be available in a future update.
10. Why is Semantic Find not working in my document?
Semantic Find works only when the document’s language setting is set to English or a related English variant such as US English, UK English, or IN English. If your document language is set to other languages (for example, Tamil or Hindi), Semantic Find will not work. Learn how to change your document language.
Semantic Find works only when the document’s language setting is set to English or a related English variant such as US English, UK English, or IN English. If your document language is set to other languages (for example, Tamil or Hindi), Semantic Find will not work. Learn how to change your document language.
Related Articles
Access your files securely from anywhere
Zoho CRM Training Programs
Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.
Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo
If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.
- Zoho Workerly Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
- Zoho Recruit Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
New to Zoho Writer?
Create. Review. Publish.
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.
New to Zoho Survey?
Zoho Sheet Resources
Zoho Forms Resources
New to Zoho Sign?
Zoho Sign Resources
Sign, Paperless!
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
New to Zoho ZeptoMail?
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
New to Zoho Workerly?
New to Zoho Recruit?
New to Zoho CRM?
New to Zoho Projects?
New to Zoho Sprints?
New to Zoho Assist?
New to Bigin?
Related Articles
How to Use the Tools in Zoho Writer
Overview This Article describes the various utility features available under the Tools tab in Zoho Writer. Among the highlighted capabilities are: Editing options: Features like Focus Typing (blurs other content so you can focus on the current ...How to create a new document in Zoho Writer
Overview Zoho Writer enables you to easily create documents with its vast array of powerful writing, editing, formatting and designing tools. It also includes an inbuilt AI-driven writing assistant that allows you to instantly design documents, ...Getting Started with Zoho Writer desktop app
1. Overview Writer’s desktop app is a cross-platform word processor (Windows, macOS, Linux) that lets you create, edit, and manage documents both locally and in the cloud. Key features include: Open and edit your existing MS Word (DOCX) files without ...AI in Zoho Writer
Zia, Zoho Writer's AI-driven writing assistant, has built-in functionalities to design different types of documents, enhance your content quality, and protect the integrity of your document's content. Here's a quick overview of AI functionalities in ...How to Change Editor Settings and Preferences in Zoho Writer
Overview Zoho Writer provides two levels of customization to give you control over both your personal editing environment and the formatting of individual documents. Editor Preferences define how the editor behaves for you across all documents. These ...
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources