Search and citations

In-library search

1. Focus the library with the table active.
2. Press F or / or ⌘F / Ctrl+F.
3. Type in the toolbar search field.

The table filters to matching papers (titles, authors, and full text in attached PDFs when indexed). Clear the field to show all rows again.

Structured search

Advanced queries support field prefixes and filters (for example narrowing by author or year). Start with simple terms; add field syntax as you learn the query language from in-app hints or experimentation.

If results seem stale after large imports, rebuilding the search index may help — power users can run avera search rebuild-index (CLI).

Global search

From any workspace:

1. Click the global search bar, or press ⌘K / Ctrl+K (also ⇧⌘F / Shift+Ctrl+F from Library or Notebook).
2. Type to find papers and notes.
3. Use arrow keys and Enter to open a result.

• Paper results open the library and may open the PDF tab.
• Note results open the Notebook with the note tab active.

Empty search shows recent searches; click one to run it again.

Command palette

Press ⌘P / Ctrl+P anywhere (except when a library import or edit-paper modal is open) to open the command palette:

• Type to filter workspace shortcuts (Research Library, Notebook, Reviews, Writer).
• With a search query, results can include papers, notes, manuscripts, and reviews — useful when you want to open a manuscript or review project without hunting the sidebar.

Use arrow keys and Enter to run the highlighted item. Escape closes the palette.

Copy citations from the library

With a paper selected, use the metadata panel or citation actions to copy:

• In-text citation in your chosen style
• Reference list entry

Supported styles include common academic formats used elsewhere in Avera (APA, Vancouver, Chicago author-date, Harvard). Writer uses the same citation engine — see Writer citations.

Open without a PDF