Custom Properties in Search Forms and Custom Queries

In search forms, custom properties appear as fields that are separate from the standard key-word inputs. Usually, the difference is that custom-property fields search in metadata while the keyword fields search among the text content of each document. Behind the scenes, there are two types of custom properties that can be used in search forms:

• Mapped properties: map directly to a SharePoint managed the property.
• Query properties: add pre-configured clauses to the query. These might include managed properties, keyword queries or a combination of both.

Figure: Example of an advanced search form with several input fields for searchable properties

Properties that are configured as searchable can also be used in custom search strings using the Search & Preview Search syntax. See “Constructing Search Strings” and “Property Search Syntax” for details about how to use them.