# Smart search: find assets by meaning

**Category:** [Digital Assets](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/assets-1)
**Updated:** 2026-10-04

## Describe what you want

**Smart search** finds assets by *meaning*, not just exact keyword match. Search for *“blue hero banner for the spring campaign”* and you'll get relevant assets even if none of those exact words are in the title or tags.

It works by embedding each asset's title, description, tags, and type into a vector and comparing it to your query — the same technology behind the AI knowledge base.
## How to use it

- Go to **All Assets** and type a description in the search box.
- Click **✨ Smart search** (next to *Filter*).
- Results are ranked by a relevance score shown as a percentage on each card.

For an exact filename or tag match, use the regular **Filter** button instead — the two work side by side.
## Good to know

- Assets are embedded automatically on upload and whenever you edit their text. Pre-existing assets are embedded the first time you run a Smart search.
- Smart search respects folder permissions — you only see assets you're allowed to access.
- Smart search needs an embeddings model configured under **AI & LLMs**. Without one, use keyword filtering.

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## Related Articles

- [Track rights, metadata, and versions](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/track-rights-metadata-and-versions)
- [Use AI tools on your assets](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/use-ai-tools-on-your-assets)
- [Control asset access and share links](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/control-asset-access-and-share-links)
- [Folder permissions: restrict who sees a folder](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/assets-folder-permissions)
- [Asset analytics: views & downloads](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/assets-analytics)

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