Editing Google Search (section)

== {{anchor|Domain names}}Performing a search ==

[[File:Google Search with definition from Wikipedia on the right side.png|thumb|upright=1.36|A definition link is provided for many search terms.]]

Google Search consists of a series of [[Website localization|localized websites]]. The largest of those, the [https://www.google.com/?safe=active&ssui=on google.com site], is the top most-visited website in the world.<ref name="alexarank">{{Cite web |title=Top 500 |url=https://www.alexa.com/topsites |publisher=[[Alexa Internet]] |access-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203120227/https://www.alexa.com/topsites |url-status=dead }}</ref> Some of its features include a definition link for most searches including dictionary words, the number of results you got on your search, links to other searches (e.g. for words that Google believes to be misspelled, it provides a link to the search results using its proposed spelling), the ability to filter results to a date range,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Alex |date=April 10, 2019 |title=Google makes it way easier to search by date |url=https://mashable.com/article/google-search-by-date |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=Mashable |language=en |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302195856/https://mashable.com/article/google-search-by-date |url-status=live }}</ref> and many more.

=== Search syntax{{anchor|Google Advanced Search}} ===
Google search accepts queries as normal text, as well as individual keywords.<ref name="How to search">{{Cite web |title=How to search on Google |url=https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/134479 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=Google Search Help |archive-date=December 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205130532/https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/134479 |url-status=live }}</ref> It [[autocorrection|automatically corrects]] apparent misspellings by default (while offering to use the original spelling as a selectable alternative), and provides the same results regardless of capitalization.<ref name="How to search" /> For more customized results, one can use a wide variety of [[Operator (computer programming)|operators]], including, but not limited to:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Refine web searches |url=https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/2466433 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=Google Search Help |archive-date=October 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011040039/https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/2466433 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boswell |first=Wendy |date=October 5, 2017 |title=Advanced Google Search Shortcuts |url=https://www.lifewire.com/advanced-google-search-3482174 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[Lifewire]] |publisher=[[Dotdash]] |archive-date=January 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107213428/https://www.lifewire.com/advanced-google-search-3482174 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* <code>OR</code> or <code>|</code>  – Search for webpages containing one of two similar queries, such as ''marathon OR race''
* <code>AND</code>  – Search for webpages containing two similar queries, such as ''marathon AND runner''
* <code>-</code> (minus sign) – Exclude a word or a phrase, so that ''"apple -tree"'' searches where word ''"tree"'' is not used
* <code>""</code> – Force inclusion of a word or a phrase, such as ''"tallest building"''
* <code>*</code> – Placeholder symbol allowing for any substitute words in the context of the query, such as ''"largest * in the world"''
* <code>..</code> – Search within a range of numbers, such as ''"camera $50..$100"''
* <code>site:</code> – Search within a specific website, such as ''"site:[[YouTube|youtube.com]]"''
* <code>define:</code> – Search for definitions for a word or phrase, such as ''"define:phrase"''
* <code>stocks:</code> – See the stock price of investments, such as ''"stocks:googl"''
* <code>related:</code> – Find web pages related to specific [[URL]] addresses, such as ''"related:www.wikipedia.org"''
* <code>cache:</code> – Highlights the search-words within the cached pages, so that ''"cache:www.google.com xxx"'' shows cached content with word "xxx" highlighted.
* <code>( )</code>  – Group operators and searches, such as ''(marathon OR race) AND shoes''
* <code>filetype:</code>  or <code>ext:</code> – Search for specific file types, such as ''filetype:gif''
* <code>before:</code>  – Search for before a specific date, such as spacex ''before:2020-08-11''
* <code>after:</code>  – Search for after a specific date, such as iphone ''after:2007-06-29''
* <code>@</code> – Search for a specific word on social media networks, such as ''"@[[twitter]]"''
Google also offers a '''Google Advanced Search''' page with a web interface to access the advanced features without needing to remember the special operators.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/advanced_search |title=Google Advanced Search |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=Google |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608214053/https://www.google.com/advanced_search |url-status=live }}</ref>

Unlike other search engines, when searching for exact phrases, Google Search only takes words that are on the same line into account.

==== Query expansion ====
Google applies [[query expansion]] to submitted search queries, using techniques to deliver results that it considers "smarter" than the query users actually submitted. This technique involves several steps, including:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smarty |first=Ann |date=October 31, 2008 |title=What is Google Query Expansion? Cases and Examples |url=https://www.searchenginejournal.com/what-is-google-query-expansion-cases-and-examples/7924/ |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=Search Engine Journal |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210015717/https://www.searchenginejournal.com/what-is-google-query-expansion-cases-and-examples/7924/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Word [[stemming]] – Certain words can be reduced so other, similar terms, are also found in results, so that ''"translator"'' can also search for ''"translation"''
* Acronyms – Searching for abbreviations can also return results about the name in its full length, so that ''"[[NATO]]"'' can show results for ''"North Atlantic Treaty Organization"''
* Misspellings – Google will often suggest correct spellings for misspelled words
* Synonyms – In most cases where a word is incorrectly used in a phrase or sentence, Google search will show results based on the correct synonym
* Translations – The search engine can, in some instances, suggest results for specific words in a different language
* Ignoring words – In some search queries containing extraneous or insignificant words, Google search will simply drop those specific words from the query
* Location sensitivity – Google may consider users' geographical location to deliver more relevant results.

[[File:A screenshot of suggestions by Google Search when "wikip" is typed.png|thumb|A screenshot of suggestions by Google Search when "wikip" is typed]]

In 2008, Google started to give users [[autocomplete]]d [[Search suggest drop-down list|search suggestions]] in a list below the search bar while typing, originally with the approximate result count previewed for each listed search suggestion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Danny |date=August 25, 2008 |title=Google.com Finally Gets Google Suggest Feature |url=https://searchengineland.com/googlecom-finally-gets-google-suggest-feature-14626 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[Search Engine Land]] |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071530/https://searchengineland.com/googlecom-finally-gets-google-suggest-feature-14626 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== "I'm Feeling Lucky" ===
{{redirect|I'm Feeling Lucky|the 2011 book by Douglas Edwards|I'm Feeling Lucky (book){{!}}''I'm Feeling Lucky'' (book)}}

Google's homepage includes a button labeled "I'm Feeling Lucky". This feature originally allowed users to type in their search query, click the button and be taken directly to the first result, bypassing the search results page. Clicking it while leaving the search box empty opens Google's archive of [[Google Doodle|Doodles]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2016 |title=What Does The I'm Feeling Lucky Button On Google Search Do? |url=https://fossbytes.com/what-does-the-im-feeling-lucky-button-on-google-search-do/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=Fossbytes |language=en-US |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205064253/https://fossbytes.com/what-does-the-im-feeling-lucky-button-on-google-search-do/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With the 2010 announcement of [[#Instant search|Google Instant]], an automatic feature that immediately displays relevant results as users are typing in their query, the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button disappears, requiring that users opt-out of Instant results through search settings to keep using the "I'm Feeling Lucky" functionality.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karch |first=Marziah |date=November 25, 2017 |title=How to Use Google's "I'm Feeling Lucky" Button |url=https://www.lifewire.com/im-feeling-lucky-button-1616813 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[Lifewire]] |publisher=[[Dotdash]] |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071809/https://www.lifewire.com/im-feeling-lucky-button-1616813 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, "I'm Feeling Lucky" was changed to serve as an advertisement for Google services; users hover their computer mouse over the button, it spins and shows an emotion ("I'm Feeling Puzzled" or "I'm Feeling Trendy", for instance), and, when clicked, takes users to a Google service related to that emotion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Ian |date=August 24, 2012 |title=Google Changes 'I'm Feeling Lucky' Button |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/261363/google_changes_im_feeling_lucky_button.html |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831065633/http://www.pcworld.com/article/261363/google_changes_im_feeling_lucky_button.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Tom Chavez]] of "Rapt", a firm helping to determine a website's advertising worth, estimated in 2007 that Google lost $110 million in revenue per year due to use of the button, which bypasses the advertisements found on the search results page.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Brendan |author-link=Brendan Francis Newnam |date=November 19, 2007 |title=Are you feeling lucky? Google is |url=https://www.marketplace.org/2007/11/19/world/are-you-feeling-lucky-google |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[Marketplace (radio program)|Marketplace]] |publisher=[[American Public Media]] |archive-date=October 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020191045/https://www.marketplace.org/2007/11/19/world/are-you-feeling-lucky-google |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Special interactive features ===
{{See also|List of Google Easter eggs#Embedded tools}}
Besides the main text-based search-engine function of Google search, it also offers multiple quick, interactive features. These include, but are not limited to:<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reporters |first=Telegraph |date=August 17, 2017 |title=15 fun Google Easter eggs |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/0/15-fun-google-easter-eggs/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/0/15-fun-google-easter-eggs/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Klosowski |first=Thorin |date=September 6, 2012 |title=20 Google Search Shortcuts to Hone Your Google-Fu |url=https://lifehacker.com/5940946/20-google-search-shortcuts-to-hone-your-google-fu |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[Lifehacker]] |publisher=[[Univision Communications]] |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210071739/https://lifehacker.com/5940946/20-google-search-shortcuts-to-hone-your-google-fu |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Graziano |first=Dan |date=August 9, 2013 |title=How to get the most out of Google search |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-google-search/ |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210015810/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-google-search/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{anchor |calculator}}Calculator<!-- Do not remove that anchor, which is used as an example on Wikipedia:Redirect. -->
* Time zone, currency, and unit conversions
* Word translations
* Flight status
* Local film showings
* Weather forecasts
* Population and unemployment rates
* Package tracking
* Word definitions
* Metronome
* Roll a die
* "Do a barrel roll" (search page spins)
* "Askew" (results show up sideways)

=== {{anchor|Conversational_search_(OK_Google)}}"OK Google" conversational search ===
{{See also|Google Now|Google Assistant}}
During Google's developer conference, [[Google I/O]], in May 2013, the company announced that users on [[Google Chrome]] and [[ChromeOS]] would be able to have the browser initiate an audio-based search by saying "OK Google", with no button presses required. After having the answer presented, users can follow up with additional, contextual questions; an example include initially asking "OK Google, will it be sunny in Santa Cruz this weekend?", hearing a spoken answer, and reply with "how far is it from here?"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Warman |first=Matt |date=May 16, 2013 |title='OK Google' - 'conversational search' is coming soon |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/10060868/OK-Google-conversational-search-is-coming-soon.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/10060868/OK-Google-conversational-search-is-coming-soon.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |date=May 15, 2013 |title=Google adds button-free voice search in Chrome: just say 'OK Google' |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4333510/google-announces-no-interface-voice-search |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210015625/https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4333510/google-announces-no-interface-voice-search |url-status=live }}</ref> An update to the Chrome browser with [[voice search|voice-search]] functionality rolled out a week later, though it required a button press on a microphone icon rather than "OK Google" voice activation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Jessica |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Google Talks Back: Conversational Search Available on New Version of Chrome |url=https://searchenginewatch.com/sew/news/2270336/google-talks-back-conversational-search-available-on-new-version-of-chrome |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=Search Engine Watch |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210175711/https://searchenginewatch.com/sew/news/2270336/google-talks-back-conversational-search-available-on-new-version-of-chrome |url-status=live }}</ref> Google released a browser extension for the Chrome browser, named with a "[[beta software|beta]]" tag for unfinished development, shortly thereafter.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Albanesius |first=Chloe |date=November 27, 2013 |title='OK Google' Voice Search Lands on Chrome |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/browsers-reviews-and/8301/news/ok-google-voice-search-lands-on-chrome |access-date=December 9, 2017 |magazine=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> In May 2014, the company officially added "OK Google" into the browser itself;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Protalinski |first=Emil |date=May 20, 2014 |title=Chrome 35 launches with 'OK Google' voice search, more control over touch input, new APIs and JavaScript features |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2014/05/20/chrome-35-launches-developer-control-touch-input-new-apis-javascript-features/ |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=The Next Web |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210020102/https://thenextweb.com/google/2014/05/20/chrome-35-launches-developer-control-touch-input-new-apis-javascript-features/ |url-status=live }}</ref> they removed it in October 2015, citing low usage, though the microphone icon for activation remained available.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Protalinski |first=Emil |date=October 16, 2015 |title=Google removes 'OK Google' voice search from Chrome |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/10/16/google-removes-ok-google-voice-search-from-chrome/ |access-date=December 9, 2017 |website=[[VentureBeat]] |archive-date=December 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210020236/https://venturebeat.com/2015/10/16/google-removes-ok-google-voice-search-from-chrome/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2016, 20% of search queries on mobile devices were done through voice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shahani |first=Aarti |date=May 18, 2016 |title=With New Products, Google Flexes Muscles To Competitors, Regulators |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/05/18/478562619/with-new-products-google-flexes-muscles-to-competitors-regulators |access-date=December 15, 2017 |website=[[NPR]] |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216034640/https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/05/18/478562619/with-new-products-google-flexes-muscles-to-competitors-regulators |url-status=live }}</ref>