so.ez User Guide

1. App Introduction

What is so.ez?

so.ez is a professional search engine syntax configuration tool that helps you visually configure search engine syntax for one-click multi-engine search. Whether you are a researcher, student, or professional, so.ez can significantly improve your search efficiency.

Core Features

• Search Engine Management: Add, edit, and manage your favorite search engines with custom URL templates：
• Syntax Plan Configuration: Visually create search syntax plans supporting advanced syntax like site, intitle, filetype：
• Search Plan Combination: Combine search engines and syntax plans to create one-click search solutions：
• Multi-Engine Search: Open multiple search engines simultaneously to compare results：
• Data Import/Export: Support JSON format data backup and recovery：

Use Cases

• Academic Research: Quickly find papers, literature, and academic resources
• Market Research: Search for product information and market data on specific websites
• Technical Documentation: Find technical documents and tutorials in specific formats
• News & Information: Search for news reports on specific topics
• Daily Search: Improve accuracy and efficiency of daily searches

2. Quick Start

Step 1: Add Search Engine

1. Click the "Config" button in the top navigation bar
2. Select the "Search Engines" tab
3. Click the "Add Engine" button
4. Fill in engine information:
5. Click "Save" to complete

Step 2: Create Syntax Plan

1. Select "Syntax Plans" tab on config page
2. Click "Add Syntax Plan" button
3. Fill in plan information:
4. Add syntax tokens:
5. Click "Save" to complete

Step 3: Create Search Plan

1. Select "Search Plans" tab on config page
2. Click "Add Search Plan" button
3. Fill in plan information:
4. Click "Save" to complete

Step 4: Start Searching

1. Return to homepage
2. Select search plan from dropdown menu above search box
3. Enter search keywords
4. Press Enter or click search button
5. System will automatically apply syntax plan and search in selected engines

3. Syntax Explanation

Supported Syntax Operators

site: - Limit search results to specified website only.

intitle: - Keywords must appear in page title in search results.

inurl: - Keywords must appear in URL in search results.

filetype: - Limit search results to specified file type only.

Supported file types: pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, txt, etc.

intext: - Keywords must appear in page body text in search results.

Logical Operators

OR - Search for results containing any keyword.

AND - Search for results containing all keywords.

NOT - Exclude results containing specific keywords.

Syntax Combination Rules

• Multiple syntax can be combined, separated by spaces
• Syntax order does not affect search results
• Supports nested use of multiple syntax
• Logical operators can connect multiple search conditions

4. Usage Examples

Example 1: Academic Paper Search

Scenario: Find academic papers about machine learning (PDF format)

Operation Steps

1. Create syntax plan "Academic Paper Search":
   • Add Token: filetype:pdf
   • Add Token: intitle:paper
2. Create search plan "Academic Search":
   • Select syntax plan: "Academic Paper Search"
   • Select search engines: Google Scholar, Baidu Academic
3. Search "machine learning" on homepage, system will automatically search:
   filetype:pdf intitle:论文 机器学习

Example 2: Specific Website Search

Scenario: Search for Python projects on GitHub

Operation Steps

1. Create syntax plan "GitHub Search":
   • Add Token: site:github.com
2. Create search plan "GitHub Project Search":
   • Select syntax plan: "GitHub Search"
   • Select search engine: Google
3. Search "Python machine learning" on homepage, system will search:
   site:github.com Python 机器学习

Example 3: Multi-Condition Combined Search

Scenario: Find tutorial documents about AI, excluding ads

Operation Steps

1. Create syntax plan "Tutorial Search":
   • Add Token: filetype:pdf or filetype:doc
   • Add Token: intitle:tutorial
   • Add Token: NOT ads
2. Create search plan and search "artificial intelligence", system will search:
   filetype:pdf OR filetype:doc intitle:教程 NOT 广告 人工智能

Example 4: Multi-Engine Comparison Search

Scenario: Search in multiple search engines simultaneously, compare results

Operation Steps

1. Create search plan "Multi-Engine Search":
   • Select syntax plan (optional)
   • Select multiple search engines: Google, Bing, Baidu
   • Enable "Multi-Open Mode"
2. Search keywords on homepage, system will open three search engine tabs simultaneously

5. FAQ

Q: Why are search results inaccurate?

A: Possible reasons:

• Improper syntax plan configuration, check if syntax tokens are correct
• Search engine limitations, different engines have different syntax support
• Keywords too broad, try using more specific keywords

Q: How to backup my configuration?

A: Go to Config page → Import/Export → Select "Export All", system will generate JSON file for you to save. To restore, select "Import".

Q: Which search engines are supported?

A: so.ez supports any search engine using standard URL parameters. As long as the search engine URL contains query parameters (like ?q= or ?wd=), it can be added.

Q: Will multi-open mode open too many tabs?

A: When more than 5 search engines are selected, the system will show a confirmation prompt. It is recommended to select 2-3 main engines for comparison based on actual needs.

Q: Where is data stored?

A: All data is stored in browser IndexedDB, not uploaded to servers. Clearing browser data will cause configuration loss, regular export backup is recommended.

Q: How to sync configuration between different devices?

A: Currently requires manual export/import. Export JSON file on one device, then import on another device.

6. Best Practices

Search Engine Management

• Categorize and manage engines by purpose (General, Academic, Professional, etc.)
• Set higher sort weight for frequently used engines
• Regularly check if engine URL templates are valid
• Use icon domains to improve visual recognition

Syntax Plan Tips

• Start with simple syntax, gradually add more conditions
• Use site: to limit search scope and improve accuracy
• Use filetype: to find documents in specific formats
• Use NOT to exclude irrelevant content
• Combine multiple syntax to create powerful search conditions

Data Management

• Regularly export configuration data as backup
• Export configuration before changing devices or browsers
• Clean up unused engines and plans
• Use category function to organize large amounts of configuration