# Searchable Properties

Searchable properties allow you to define any `String` based properties on a model. They will be searchable via Umbraco UI Builder's list view and entity picker search controls.

You can also use any `String` based property of nested objects of a model, as long as the parent object is not null.

![Search](/files/RQxXCfsM13TNNmFWnKwU)

## Defining searchable properties

### **AddSearchableProperty(Lambda searchablePropertyExpression) : CollectionConfigBuilder\<TEntityType>**

Adds the given property to the searchable properties collection.

```csharp
// Example
collectionConfig.AddSearchableProperty(p => p.FirstName);
collectionConfig.AddSearchableProperty(p => p.Address.Street);
```

## Search Expression Pattern

Up to version 13.1.6, the search was performed using the `StartsWith` method call.\
From 13.1.6 and up, search operations can be performed using the `Contains` method call.

```csharp
// Example
collectionConfig.AddSearchableProperty(p => p.FirstName); // will search for keywords that start with.
collectionConfig.AddSearchableProperty(p => p.FirstName, SearchExpressionPattern.Contains); // will search for keywords that are contained.
```


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.umbraco.com/umbraco-ui-builder/13.latest/searching/searchable-properties.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.