> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/review-workflow/literature-search/add-search/automatic-search.md).

# Automatic Search

Learn how to add automatic searches on a schedule.

**Automatic Search** runs your query against a database API and adds matching records to your nest. Schedule it to rerun for a living or long-running review, so it can add newly indexed studies without a separate export-and-import step.

Use Automatic Search for supported databases. For another database, import your completed search file. You can also import Embase results without its API integration. See [Import search files](/review-workflow/literature-search/add-search/import-search-files.md).

### Add A Search

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Go To Literature Search

In the navigation menu, select **Literature Search**.

<figure><img src="https://305208404-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fxb7uNGATUgwQAjDVQRXG%2Fuploads%2FQJN9lxMybZDQgRffIhsu%2Fliterature%20searches.png?alt=media&amp;token=4cbfed78-91b8-4548-b884-97f8b6f30da4" alt="The Literature Search item in the navigation menu"><figcaption><p>Open <strong>Literature Search</strong> from the navigation menu.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Start A Search

Select **Add Search**. Any earlier searches are listed below.

<figure><img src="https://305208404-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fxb7uNGATUgwQAjDVQRXG%2Fuploads%2FagXZ6MCbjRYaMH0G9zOD%2Fautomatic%20search.png?alt=media&amp;token=8c66a60e-e960-46ef-a127-9b592955d248" alt="The Add Search button on the Literature Search page"><figcaption><p>Select <strong>Add Search</strong> to create a new automatic search.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Select A Search Engine

From the **Search Engine** dropdown, select a database. **Automatic Search** supports ClinicalTrials.gov, DOAJ, EuropePMC, MAUDE, OpenAlex, and PubMed. It also supports Embase through a separate subscription integration.

Use `AND`, `OR`, `NOT`, and parentheses to connect search terms. For database-specific query guidance, see:

* [ClinicalTrials.gov](/guides/write-a-search-query/clinicaltrials.gov.md)
* [Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)](/guides/write-a-search-query/doaj.md)
* [EuropePMC](/guides/write-a-search-query/europepmc.md)
* [MAUDE](/guides/write-a-search-query/maude.md)
* [PubMed](/guides/write-a-search-query/pubmed.md)
* [OpenAlex](/guides/write-a-search-query/openalex.md)
* [Embase](/guides/write-a-search-query/embase.md)

To search Embase automatically, [set up the Embase integration](/integrations/embase-integration.md). Otherwise, [import an RIS file.](/review-workflow/literature-search/add-search/import-search-files.md)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Enter Your Search Terms

In the **Query** box, enter your search terms. Use [**Smart Search**](/review-workflow/literature-search/ai-tools-in-search/smart-search.md) to generate PubMed queries from a research question. Use [**Search Exploration**](/review-workflow/literature-search/ai-tools-in-search/search-exploration.md) to explore concepts before finalizing a query.

<details>

<summary>Query Translation</summary>

**Automatic Search** offers query translation for PubMed and Embase. For queries with simple operators, select **View translation** next to the search record number. The translation can add search syntax, including MeSH terms for PubMed. Review the translation, edit it if needed, and select **Add**.

<figure><img src="https://305208404-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fxb7uNGATUgwQAjDVQRXG%2Fuploads%2FDp5rFaBl5gw3ax79uiZh%2FQuery%20translation.png?alt=media&amp;token=49f15741-02be-4510-a60f-95b17f602863" alt="The View translation control beside a search record"><figcaption><p>Select <strong>View translation</strong> beside the search record number.</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://305208404-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fxb7uNGATUgwQAjDVQRXG%2Fuploads%2FSgnDqGoKWf3yTpxsU0rM%2Fquery%20translation2.png?alt=media&amp;token=21fd1df2-9bd4-45be-9ed4-cf10b61585ff" alt="A translated search query ready for review"><figcaption><p>Review or edit the translated query before selecting <strong>Add</strong>.</p></figcaption></figure>

</details>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Set Optional Search Details

Add a date filter and notes. Set the search to run once or on a recurring schedule, such as daily, monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Add The Search

Select **Add** to run the search.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Once you add the search, you can't change its query, search engine, or date filter. You can still update the schedule.
{% endhint %}

Nested Knowledge runs the search immediately and lists it first. New records are ready for [Screening](/review-workflow/screening.md).

To view records from one search, under **Details**, select **Results: ####**. This opens [**Study Inspector**](/review-workflow/study-inspector.md) filtered to those records.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Deleting a search removes its records and their screening, tagging, and extraction data. You can't undo this action. Records from another search remain in the nest.
{% endhint %}

### FAQs

<details>

<summary>Can I use a query in multiple search engines?</summary>

Yes, but add it as a separate search for each search engine. After adding the first search, select **More** and copy the query. Then select **Add Search** and choose another search engine.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I be notified when an automatic search re-runs?</summary>

Yes. For a recurring search, toggle on email notifications in [**Nest Settings**](/your-nests/nest-settings.md#notifications). Choose to notify the nest **Owner**, **Admins**, or both. Running a search manually doesn't send a notification.

If the organization owns the nest, notifications go to the organization **Owner** or **Admins**.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What happens when a search re-runs?</summary>

If the query has no end date filter, it reruns and adds relevant studies indexed since its last run.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How are duplicates handled?</summary>

**Automatic Search** identifies and removes duplicates within and between searches. See [**Duplicate Review**](/review-workflow/literature-search/duplicate-review.md).

</details>

<details>

<summary>What happens if I delete a search?</summary>

All records and associated data from that search are removed.

</details>

### Next Steps

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-sparkles">:sparkles:</i><br><strong>Smart Search</strong></td><td>Generate a PubMed query from your research question.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/literature-search/ai-tools-in-search/smart-search.md">Smart Search</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-file-import">:file-import:</i><br><strong>Import Search Files</strong></td><td>Add results from databases without an automatic search integration.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/literature-search/add-search/import-search-files.md">Import Search Files</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-file-circle-plus">:file-circle-plus:</i><br><strong>Other Sources</strong></td><td>Add gray literature to your nest.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/literature-search/other-sources.md">Other Sources</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-clone">:clone:</i><br><strong>Duplicate Review</strong></td><td>Review duplicate matches before screening.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/literature-search/duplicate-review.md">Duplicate Review</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-clipboard-check">:clipboard-check:</i><br><strong>Screening</strong></td><td>Configure your screening route and start reviewing records.</td><td><a href="/review-workflow/screening.md">Screening</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


---

# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
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Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/review-workflow/literature-search/add-search/automatic-search.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

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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.