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How to quickly search for a word on a web page or site using keyboard shortcuts, browser controls, or Google

professional woman typing on laptop at deskMoMo Productions/Getty Images

Summary List Placement

The internet is vast, but sometimes you need to cut to the chase to get things done. Searching for a word on a page can drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to get the information you need. 

There are several methods you can use to search for a word on a web page, program, or website, depending on the kind of computer you have. 

Try Command+F or Control+F keyboard shortcuts

On most web pages, word processors, and other programs, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + F on a Mac, or Control + F on Windows to find what you need.

Close-up of a Mac keyboard with Command + F keys highlightedMacFormat Magazine / Contributor/Getty Images

A text box will then appear toward the top of the screen where you can enter the desired search term. Then, simply hit Enter to find instances of that word or phrase on the page. You can use the up and down arrows on the search box to find each instance.

Screenshot of search pop-up on ChromeGrace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

Quick tip: You can also search for a word on an iPhone via the On This Page, Find in Page, or Share features.

Find your web browser controls

Browsers also come with their own built-in search functions. Here's how to access these tools whether you're using Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

1. Click the More button, which looks like three horizontal lines, located in the top-right corner of the web browser, next to the address bar.

2. Select Find or Find in This Page.

Screenshot of three-dot icon in Chrome and drop-down menuGrace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

3. In the pop-up, type in your search term or phrase and hit Enter.

Quick tip: In Safari on Mac, you can also click Edit in the toolbar at the top of your screen, hover your mouse over Find in the drop-down, and select Find again in the pop-out. A search bar will appear at the top-right — type in the word(s) you're looking for and they'll be highlighted yellow on the page. 

Use Google to search sites 

1. Go to google.com.

2. Type site: and then the name of the website you want to search, followed by a space and then your search term or phrase.

Screenshot of Google search homepage with search query typed inDevon Delfino

3. Hit Enter. From here, you'll be able to find all the pages on that site that include the search term or phrase you've specified.

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