Hello,
just a simple question, I would like to know if in KiCAD 9, under Choose Symbol, is possible to search a part by field:value or something like that. Here are some example:
I tried several options but none worked.
We want to move from Altium to KiCAD and we are making a deep investigation.
Thanks
Yes, but the search needs to be carried out in either the Symbol or Footprint Editors.
Type the Name or Value as shown with the red arrow.
The X (green arrow) resets the search.
The blue arrow will sort the list if required.
The symbol in the green box shows the symbol that is available in one of my personal libraries (my 1aICsA library).
The three versions below are in the Kicad supplied “Amplifer_Operational” library.
The two versions with the magenta arrows are “derived” (child) symbols.
The version with the cyan arrow is the “Parent” symbol.
See the below very recent post of mine explaining child and parent symbols:
Derived (son) symbols have identical graphics to parent symbols. The difference between the two is only the name and information.
Derived symbols can be identified in the library lists because the names are italicized.
If you wish to modify the graphics of a symbol, you must save the parent symbol to your library.
Note the example below:
The warning you have received (red arrow)
The symbol copied (LM324 in italics magenta arrow)
The Parent symbol you need to save if you wish to modify the graphics (green arrows). In the library list, parent symbols are not italicized, and parent symbols are always shown in the bottom left of the screen.
Hint: it is often easier to save the derived symbol first, to find the Parent symbol, then, delete the derived and copy the Parent, or use the search function in the appropriate editor
My method is:
I open the Symbol Editor
Scroll to a suitable symbol I can modify.
File > Save as
Fill in the new name and scroll to the library I want in the opened window
OK
Modify graphics and information
Save.
The search in the Symbol and Footprint Browsers is for navigating Libraries and items in libraries and viewing the symbols and footprints attached to those items.
Sorry, I miss-read your original question.
Yes, you can search by field in “Choose Symbol”
This uses the same search method as outlined above.
Note, in the illustration, typing the symbol name has not been completed.
Many thanks jmk 
.
Based on what you wrote, it seems like it’s not possible to search in a specific field like “Description” or “Value.” When I type some text, it will look in all the info.
Since we are going to implement a library with SQLite database, I would have liked to be able to perform a text search on specific fields, such as “Component Type” or similar.
I found also this documentation:
Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the use of databases with Kicad. There are, however, a number of regular forum contributors who use databases.
To bring to the attention of database users, I would suggest starting a new thread asking about experiences using specific field searches with respect to databases.
Super, many thanks for the information .
not sure what CAD you are used to, in KC the ‘free form text search’ works well enough with dblibs,
for example when i look for a 0402 0R resistor i simply write this text and magically the right component is in the first row:
look for a AD8… AO?:
interested in sot23 opamps?
With KC the user doesn’t need to know how to query a DB, stuff comes out autonagically
if you are used to OrCAD CIS, you have to compose something like a DB query to have the same result.
Thanks Claudio 
,
you’re right, I have been using OrCAD CIS for more than 10 years and query was what I’m looking for.
Now I understand how KiCAD works.
My brain was wired like yours after 10>>y of use, it took less than a few hours with the KC way to unwire me up. I would never get back to the old ways for any reason.
Sometimes the Old Way, as in, you get the results you search for, can bring success…
Notice Syntax for Searching… (Video)
I’m trespassing on your kindness, sorry for this 
. Could you tell me if you use KiCAD libraries or custom parts in your database? I need to implement a database and am trying to figure out the best way. From the images you sent me, yours looks very well done.
I’m new on this forum, do you know if there is a way to keep in contact by e-mail?
Perhaps a database backend like Part-DB or InvenTree would be interesting for you as these can serve Data to KiCad. These have a better UI, multiuser capabilities, history for changes (quality process), inventory, etc. There you can search/filter more specific if needed.
Both are self-hostable and different. Try the demos (Part-DB unfortunately seems to be down at the moment):
There are more information here at the forum about these tools.
I also do not have any experience with the Database driven library system in KiCad (I’m only using it on a “hobby” level), but being able to restrict searches to certain fields is a very logical wishlist item. If this is not possible yet, then I do recommend to make a feature request for this on Gitlab.
Also: It’s possible to get professional support for KiCad from KiPro – Professional support for KiCad Electronic Design They also do priority development (for a fee, time costs money). If there are some specific features that are very important to you, but not implemented in KiCad (yet), then you may want to make use of that. I suspect you can get some custom development done for just one year of subscription fee of your current software. And you get something back for it that is directly useful in your situation.
