Keyword-search line filter, five modes
Every line is tested against the Match pattern. Contains (default) keeps lines that include the pattern as a substring anywhere. Starts with / Ends with anchor at the line edges. Equals requires an exact full-line match (no trim). Regex lets you write a full JavaScript regular expression.
Invert flips the result from include to exclude. Whole word adds `\b` boundaries so `apple` matches standalone `apple` but not `pineapple` (ignored in Regex mode - add boundaries yourself there). Case sensitive (off by default) flips the `i` regex flag.
Same op as Filter list lines and Filter words in a list. Three URLs for different search intents, one engine underneath.
How to use find specific list items
- 1Paste your list into the input panel
- 2Type your search term in the Match field
- 3Pick Mode: Contains (default), Equals, Starts with, Ends with, or Regex
- 4Toggle Whole word to require full-word matches
- 5Toggle Invert to drop matching lines instead of keeping them
Keyboard shortcuts
Drive ListShift without touching the mouse.
What this finder actually does
Per-line keep-if-match, five modes, three refinement toggles.
Contains finds substring matches anywhere
Default mode. `apple` matches `apple`, `apple pie`, and `pineapple` - anywhere in the line. Use Whole word to require standalone matches.
Starts with / Ends with anchor at edges
Starts with anchors the pattern at the line start; Ends with at the line end. `pine` + Starts with would match `pineapple` but not `apple pie`.
Equals for exact-line match
Requires the whole line to equal the pattern. No trim - `apple` does not match ` apple` or `apple `. Chain trim first if your data has inconsistent whitespace.
Regex for complex patterns
Full JavaScript regex support. `^(apple|pear)s?$` matches `apple`, `apples`, `pear`, `pears` - exact whole-word-or-plural. Whole word is ignored in Regex mode; add `\b` boundaries yourself.
Invert to drop matches
Use any pattern to express "exclude", not "include". `apple` + Invert on drops apple/apple pie/pineapple and keeps the rest.
Worked example
Default Contains mode, pattern `apple`. Three lines contain the substring.
apple banana apple pie cherry pineapple grape
apple apple pie pineapple
Settings reference
How each option shapes the output using the sample above (pattern `apple`).
| Setting | What it does | Effect on the sample |
|---|---|---|
| Mode: Contains (default) | Substring anywhere | `apple`, `apple pie`, `pineapple` |
| Mode: Starts with | Anchored at line start | `apple`, `apple pie` |
| Mode: Equals | Whole-line exact match | `apple` only |
| Whole word: on (non-regex modes) | Adds `\b` boundaries | `apple`, `apple pie` (pineapple drops - `apple` is not a standalone word there) |
| Invert: on | Drop matches instead of keep | `banana`, `cherry`, `grape` |