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Refine your search

1 - What is "refine your search"?

The "refine your search" function is directly accessible on the results page. It allows you to narrow the results of your search by refining the terms or parameters. Unlike advanced search, you refine your search after you have already entered a search request.

By default, the refine your search section is minimized. To view the full list of refinement options, click on "More choices" (see the screenshot below under topic 2).

Refinement criteria are different between web and image searches.

2 - How do I use "refine your search" for web searches?

The "refine your search" function is directly accessible on the web results page. It allows you to narrow the results of your search by refining the terms or parameters. (Unlike advanced search, you refine your search after you have already entered a search request.


Here are the refinement options by default:

  • A) Select a phrase related to your original search keywords.

  • B) View rich media files for your topic.

  • C) Specify a preferred language for the resulting sites and files.

  • D) Select a topical category (from the DMOZ directory).

  • E) Display results by file type.

  • F) Click "More Choices" to refine your search even further. s


Here is the full list of refinement options:

  • A) Select a phrase related to your original search keywords.

  • B) View rich media files for your topic.

  • C) Specify a preferred language for the resulting sites and files.

  • D) Select a topical category (from the DMOZ directory).

  • E) Display results by file type.

  • F) Select results from sites located in a specific region or country.

  • G) Search within the results.

  • H) Click "Less Choices" to return to the default options.


    • 3 - How does "refine your search" work for image searches?

    The "refine your search" function for images is directly accessible on the image results page. It allows you to narrow the results of your search by refining the terms or parameters. Unlike advanced search, you refine your search after you have already entered a search request.


    Here the default image search refinement options:

    • A) You may select three different image sizes: small, medium or large.

    • B) Click "More Choices" to refine your search even further.


    Here is the full list of image search refinement options:

    • A)You may select three different sizes: small, medium or large.

    • B)You may choose images sized appropriately for use as wallpaper images, such as 800x600 or 1024x768, etc.

    • C)You can choose to limit results to color, grayscale or black and white images.

    • D)You can choose a portrait or landscape orientation.

    • E) You can choose to target your results to a specific file format, such as .jpg, .gif or .png.

    • F) You can search within the results.

    • G)Click "Less Choices" to return to the default options.

    4 - What is the difference between "advanced search" and "refine your search"?

    Advanced search and refining both enable a more targeted search, enabling you to find the most relevant results. Unlike advanced search, however, refining your search is done once you have already entered a search. Refining is done from the results page, whereas advanced search opens a new window.