> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.umbraco.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.umbraco.com/umbraco-ui-builder/13.latest/searching/searchable-properties.md).

# 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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