# Search Messages and Files

> Find a message or file in Team Chat, narrow the results with filters, and open it in its conversation.

Source: https://jobwisepro.com/help/team-chat/search-messages-and-files
Category: Team Chat
Updated: 2026-10-28

Search finds messages and files in [Team Chat](/help/team-chat/introduction-to-team-chat) and narrows them with filters. Selecting a result opens its conversation with that message in view.

## Search by words

Use the search box to find a message or file by words in it.

1. In the Team Chat sidebar, select **Search messages**. The [**Search**](/go/chat/search) page opens.
2. Type one or more words in the search box. Results appear after a short pause in typing.
3. Select **Messages** or **Files**. The selected tab decides which list appears. **Messages** is selected by default.

![Team Chat search page with the search box, the filter buttons, and the Messages and Files tabs](/help-shots/team-chat/search-messages-and-files/search.png)

The list under the tabs shows the matches. If more results exist, select **Load more** at the bottom of the list.

## Filter by conversation, person, type, or date

Use the filter buttons under the search box to narrow the results.

1. Select **In**, then select one or more [channels](/help/team-chat/create-and-manage-channels) or [direct messages](/help/team-chat/direct-and-group-messages).
   - Direct messages appear under their own heading, by the other person's name.
   - The list includes channels you have not joined.
2. Select **From**, then select one or more people. Your name is first, marked **You**.
3. Select **Type**, then select one or more file types.
4. Select **Date range**, then select **Today**, **Last 7 days**, or **Last 30 days**.
   - For other dates, set a custom range in the same picker.

Each button then shows the choice, such as In #general. With more than one choice, it shows the first and a count of the rest. A filter works without words.

## Turn filters on and off

Select a filter to turn it on, and select it again to turn it off.

- **Mentions me**: messages that [mention you](/help/team-chat/mention-people-and-records).
- **Has file**: messages with a file attached.
- **Has link**: messages with a link.
- **Has image**: messages or files with an image, on both tabs.
- **In threads**: messages in [threads](/help/team-chat/use-threads).

> **Note:** The **Files** tab shows only **Has image** of these filters. Operators for the other filters stay in the search box but do not filter the **Files** tab.

## Type operators in the search box

Picking a filter writes its operator into the search box, and typing an operator applies that filter.

- `in:` a channel, such as `in:#general`, or a direct message, such as `in:@"Jane Smith"`. Use `in:thread` for messages in threads.
- `from:` a person, such as `from:@"Jane Smith"`, or `from:me` for yourself. A first name works when only one member has it.
- `mentions:me`, `has:file`, `has:link`, or `has:image` turns on the matching filter.
- `type:` a file type, such as `type:pdf`.
- `on:` one day, such as `on:2026-10-26`. `after:` keeps results from that day on, and `before:` keeps results before that day. Days follow your local time zone.

An operator that matches nothing stays in the search box as plain text.

> **Tip:** Clearing the search box removes every filter at once, because the filters live in the box as text.

## Open a result

Open a result to see its message in the conversation around it.

1. On the **Messages** tab, select a result.
   - A link or chip inside the message stays clickable and does not open the conversation.
   - A reply in a thread opens the thread beside the conversation.
2. On the **Files** tab, select a file name.
3. To save a file, select the download icon beside it.

The conversation opens with the message in view and briefly highlighted, or the file downloads.

## What each tab shows

- **Messages**: each result shows its channel, a **Thread** tag on thread replies, the author, and the time. The matching words are marked. A long message is clipped, and its bottom fades out.
- **Files**: each file shows its name, uploader, channel, date, and size. Image files show a thumbnail.
- **In**, **From**, **Type**, and **Date range** work on both tabs. On **Files**, **From** matches the person who uploaded the file.
- If results fail to load, select **Retry**.