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(Created page with "thumb|right|Illithid wisdom sent you here... {{#seo: | image = bg3wiki_help.png | description = A guide to help BG3 players search for relevant content on the Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki. }} Getting Google Search to play nice with a newer, non-commercial website like BG3Wiki is a difficult and time-consuming task. Frankly, it's a pain in the butt and it's a bit rigged. If you've ever tried searching for BG3 information on Google, you've probably notic...")
 
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[[File:bg3wiki_help.png|thumb|right|Illithid wisdom sent you here...]]
{{NavWiki|help}}
{{#seo:
{{PageSeo
| fulltitle = Searching for Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki
| image = bg3wiki_help.png
| image = bg3wiki_help.png
| description = A guide to help BG3 players search for relevant content on the Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki.
| description = A guide to help BG3 players search for relevant content on the Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki.
}}
}}
Getting Google Search to play nice with a newer, non-commercial website like BG3Wiki is a difficult and time-consuming task. Frankly, it's a pain in the butt and it's a bit rigged.
Bg3.wiki has a powerful built-in [[Special:Search|Search]] function that can easily find pages, images, categories, templates, and more.


If you've ever tried searching for BG3 information on Google, you've probably noticed that bg3.wiki pages often don't even appear in the search results, despite containing content relevant to your search terms. This is due to the way Google handles Search Engine Optimization (SEO), a topic that is ''way'' outside the scope of this article to explain.
[[File:multimedia_search.png|right|thumb|Use the Multimedia option to search for images]]


'''In short:''' This article describes a simply way to find relevant information on BG3Wiki in the future, even if Google doesn't want to play nice. We'll keep doing what we can to work on the Google side of things. In the meantime, hopefully this information helps.
* By default, Search results will only include content pages.
* Use the '''Multimedia''' option to search for images.
* Use the '''Everything''' option for a quick-and-dirty way to look through all possible results for your search term.
* Use the '''Advanced''' option to filter your search to specific [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Namespaces namespaces], like Category or Template.
{{TOC|limit=3}}


== Search BG3Wiki Directly From Your Address Bar ==
== Identifying areas in need of help ==
Here are browser-specific instructions on how to create a custom search keyword.
* [[Special:WhatLinksHere/Template:UnderConstruction|Under Construction]]: Pages marked as under construction; check the page history and coordinate via the Discord server if a page is actively being worked on.
* [[:Category:Stubs|Stub pages]]: Incomplete pages, lacking key information.
* [[:Category:Priority pages|Priority pages]]: Stub pages considered a high priority for updating.
* [[:Category:Pages that need to be rewritten|Pages that need to be rewritten]]: Pages that do not follow BG3 Wiki's guidelines or pages that are missing key templates.
* [[bg3wiki:Verification]]: Pages marked as having information that needs to be verified
* [[Special:WantedPages]]: A list of pages that are linked to by other pages, but have not yet been created themselves
* [[Special:AncientPages]]: Pages that have not been updated in a long time - check these for outdated information
* [[Special:LonelyPages]]: Pages that aren't linked to by any other pages - try to find other appropriate pages to add links to them
* [[Special:LongPages]]: Very long pages that ''might'' benefit from editing for brevity
* [[Special:ShortPages]]: Very short pages that ''might'' benefit from adding more information


Essentially, this allows you to define a word of your choice that you can type in your address bar to focus your search directly on BG3Wiki.
See [[Special:SpecialPages]] for a full list of Special pages.
== Other ways of searching bg3.wiki ==
=== Using your address bar ===
Here are browser-specific instructions on how to define a custom search keyword, which you can type in your address bar to focus your search directly on bg3.wiki.


This should only take a couple minutes to set up, doesn't require you to install anything, and could save you hours of frustrating failed searches in the future (if you're addicted to BG3 like we are). Scroll to the section for your browser below.
[[File:Bg3wiki search gif.gif|thumb|right|Demonstration of using a search keyword to directly navigate to bg3.wiki]]


=== Google Chrome ===
For example, if you enter the example values described in the instructions below, typing <code>bg3wiki spells</code> in your browser's address bar and pressing '''Enter''' will immediately perform a search for 'spells' on bg3.wiki. If your search term matches an existing article name, you'll be taken directly to that article (in this case, [[Spells]]). Otherwise, you'll be taken to a page of search results on bg3.wiki.
See [https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95426 this Google support page] for instructions on how to add a custom search engine to Chrome. (Section: '''Add, edit, or remove site search shortcuts''')


When you've reached the '''Add search engine''' box, enter the following details.
This only takes a couple minutes to set up, doesn't require you to install anything, and could save you hours of frustrating failed searches in the future - if you're addicted to BG3 like we are.
* '''Search engine:''' The name that will appear in your address bar when you type the Shortcut below.
** Example value: <code>BG3Wiki</code>
* '''Shortcut:''' The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to direct your search to BG3Wiki.
** Example values: <code>bg3wiki</code> or <code>bg3w</code><br />(this can be anything you like, and as short as you like - just make sure it's something you're unless you're trying to search for )
* '''URL with %s in place of query:''' This is how you'll direct your browser to BG3Wiki's search page when you enter the Shortcut above.
** Example values:
*** <code>https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?search=%s&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go</code><br />(if you want to immediately navigate to an existing article when your search term matches an existing BG3Wiki article name)
*** <code>https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?search=%s</code><br />(if you'd rather always see a list of search results instead of navigating directly to existing articles)


Once you've added the search engine, simply type <code>&lt;your shortcut&gt; &lt;your search term&gt;</code> in your browser's address bar to search BG3Wiki.
Scroll to the section for your browser below.


For example, if you entered the same values as the example image to the right, typing <code>bg3wiki spells</code> in your browser's address bar and pressing Enter will immediately perform a search for 'spells' on BG3Wiki. If your search term matches an existing article name, you'll be taken directly to that article (in this case, [[Spells]]). Otherwise, you'll be taken to a page of search results on BG3Wiki related to your search term.
=== Google chrome ===
[[File:bg3wiki googlechrome search.png|right|thumb|(Step 3) Chrome's '''Add search engine''' box]]
# In the top right corner of Chrome, click {{SmallIcon|browser more vertical.png}} '''Customize and control Google Chrome''', then navigate to '''Settings''' &gt; '''Search engine''' &gt; '''Manage search engines and site search'''.
# Under the '''Site search''' heading, click the '''Add''' button.
# Enter the following details in the '''Add search engine''' box.
#* '''Search engine:''' The name that will appear in your address bar when you type the Shortcut below.
#** Ex: <code>BG3Wiki</code>
#* '''Shortcut:''' The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
#** Ex: <code>bg3wiki</code> or <code>bg3w</code> or <code>b3w</code><br />(this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
#* '''URL with %s in place of query:''' This is where your browser will search when you type the Shortcut above. Copy and paste one of the following.
#** <code>https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?search=%s&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go</code><br />(if you want to immediately navigate to an existing article when your search term matches an existing BG3Wiki article name)
#** <code>https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?search=%s&title=Special%3ASearch&fulltext=1</code><br />(if you'd rather ''always'' see a list of search results instead of navigating directly to existing articles)
# When finished, click '''Add''' again to finish the process.


That's it!
Once you've added the search engine, you can type <code>&lt;your shortcut&gt; &lt;your search term&gt;</code> (ex: <code>bg3wiki feats</code>) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.


=== Microsoft Edge ===
=== {{color|#1190f5|Microsoft Edge}} ===
[[File:bg3wiki microsoftedge search.png|right|thumb|(Step 3) Edge's '''Add search engine''' box]]
# In the top right corner of Edge, click {{SmallIcon|browser more.png}} '''Settings and more''', then navigate to {{SmallIcon|browser gear.png}} '''Settings''' &gt; '''Privacy, search, and services''' &gt; scroll down and click '''Address bar and search'''.
# Within the '''Manage search engines''' view, click the '''Add''' button.
# Enter the following details in the '''Add search engine''' box.
#* '''Search engine:''' The name that will appear in your address bar when you type the Shortcut below.
#** Ex: <code>BG3Wiki</code>
#* '''Shortcut:''' The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
#** Ex: <code>bg3wiki</code> or <code>bg3w</code> or <code>b3w</code><br />(this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
#* '''URL with %s in place of query:''' This is where your browser will search when you type the Shortcut above. Copy and paste one of the following.
#** <code>https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?search=%s&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go</code><br />(if you want to immediately navigate to an existing article when your search term matches an existing BG3Wiki article name)
#** <code>https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?search=%s&title=Special%3ASearch&fulltext=1</code><br />(if you'd rather ''always'' see a list of search results instead of navigating directly to existing articles)
# When finished, click '''Add''' again to finish the process.


=== Mozilla Firefox ===
Once you've added the search engine, you can type <code>&lt;your shortcut&gt; &lt;your search term&gt;</code> (ex: <code>bg3wiki armour</code>) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.


=== Opera ===
=== {{color|#ff831a|Mozilla Firefox}} ===
[[File:bg3wiki mozillafirefox addkeyword.png|right|thumb|250px|(Step 1) Right-clicking on the Search box]]
[[File:bg3wiki mozillafirefox search.png|right|thumb|250px|(Step 2) Firefox's '''Add bookmark''' box]]
Unlike most browsers, Firefox requires you to attach your custom search keyword to a bookmark, but the process is largely the same.


== Using Alternative Search Engines ==
# From any bg3.wiki page (including this one), right-click on the '''Search Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki''' box in the top right corner of the page and select '''Add a Keyword for this Search'''.
You might also want to try something other than Google Search. Endorsing any specific search engine is not really the point of this article, but other search engines have a better track record of showing relevant BG3Wiki articles for your search terms, instead of ads and content farms. Maybe try searching Google for 'alternatives to Google' if you're feeling adventurous? :)
# Enter the following details in the '''Add bookmark''' box that appears.
#* '''Name:''' The name that will appear in your Firefox bookmarks.
#** Ex: <code>Search Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki</code>
#* '''Location:''' The location of this entry in your Firefox bookmarks. This can be wherever you'd like.
#* '''Keyword:''' The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
#** Ex: <code>bg3wiki</code> or <code>bg3w</code> or <code>b3w</code><br />(this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
# When finished, click '''Save''' to finish the process.
 
Once you've added the search engine, you can type <code>&lt;your keyword&gt; &lt;your search term&gt;</code> (ex: <code>bg3wiki potions</code>) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.
 
Alternatively (and more simply), follow the official guide for how to add BG3.wiki as a search engine to Firefox's built-in search bar with just a few clicks: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/add-or-remove-search-engine-firefox#
{{clear}}
 
=== {{color|#f7192b|Opera}} ===
[[File:bg3wiki opera addsearchengine.png|right|thumb|250px|(Step 1) Right-clicking on the Search box]]
[[File:bg3wiki opera search.png|right|thumb|250px|(Step 2) Opera's '''Create search engine''' box]]
# From any bg3.wiki page (including this one), right-click on the '''Search Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki''' box in the top right corner of the page and select '''Create search engine...'''
# Enter the following details in the '''Create search engine for "bg3.wiki"''' box that appears.
#* '''Name:''' The name that will appear when you type the Keyword below.
#** Ex: <code>bg3.wiki</code>
#* '''Keyword:''' The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
#** Ex: <code>bg3wiki</code> or <code>bg3w</code> or <code>b3w</code><br />(this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
# When finished, click '''Save''' to finish the process.
 
Once you've added the search engine, you can type <code>&lt;your keyword&gt; &lt;your search term&gt;</code> (ex: <code>bg3wiki companions</code>) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.
{{clear}}
 
=== {{color|#f04c2a|Brave Browser}} ===
[[File:bg3wiki brave search.png|right|thumb|(Step 3) Brave's '''Add search engine''' box]]
# In the top right corner of Brave, click {{SmallIcon|browser hamburger.png}} '''Customize and control Brave''', then navigate to '''Settings''' &gt; '''Search engine''' &gt; '''Manage search engines and site search'''.
# Under the '''Site search''' heading, click the '''Add''' button.
# Enter the following details in the '''Add search engine''' box.
#* '''Search engine:''' The name that will appear in your address bar when you type the Shortcut below.
#** Ex: <code>BG3Wiki</code>
#* '''Shortcut:''' The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
#** Ex: <code>bg3wiki</code> or <code>bg3w</code> or <code>b3w</code><br />(this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
#* '''URL with %s in place of query:''' This is where your browser will search when you type the Shortcut above. Copy and paste one of the following.
#** <code>https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?search=%s&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go</code><br />(if you want to immediately navigate to an existing article when your search term matches an existing BG3Wiki article name)
#** <code>https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?search=%s&title=Special%3ASearch&fulltext=1</code><br />(if you'd rather ''always'' see a list of search results instead of navigating directly to existing articles)
# When finished, click '''Add''' again to finish the process.
 
Once you've added the search engine, you can type <code>&lt;your shortcut&gt; &lt;your search term&gt;</code> (ex: <code>bg3wiki weapons</code>) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.
 
== Using an Alternative Search Engine ==
You might also want to try something other than Google Search. Endorsing any specific search engine is not really the point of this article, but other search engines have a better track record of showing relevant bg3.wiki articles for your search terms, instead of ads and content farms. Maybe try searching Google for 'alternatives to Google' if you're feeling adventurous? :)
 
[[Category:Wiki Help]]

Latest revision as of 13:33, 21 July 2024

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Bg3.wiki has a powerful built-in Search function that can easily find pages, images, categories, templates, and more.

Use the Multimedia option to search for images
  • By default, Search results will only include content pages.
  • Use the Multimedia option to search for images.
  • Use the Everything option for a quick-and-dirty way to look through all possible results for your search term.
  • Use the Advanced option to filter your search to specific namespaces, like Category or Template.

Identifying areas in need of help[edit | edit source]

  • Under Construction: Pages marked as under construction; check the page history and coordinate via the Discord server if a page is actively being worked on.
  • Stub pages: Incomplete pages, lacking key information.
  • Priority pages: Stub pages considered a high priority for updating.
  • Pages that need to be rewritten: Pages that do not follow BG3 Wiki's guidelines or pages that are missing key templates.
  • bg3wiki:Verification: Pages marked as having information that needs to be verified
  • Special:WantedPages: A list of pages that are linked to by other pages, but have not yet been created themselves
  • Special:AncientPages: Pages that have not been updated in a long time - check these for outdated information
  • Special:LonelyPages: Pages that aren't linked to by any other pages - try to find other appropriate pages to add links to them
  • Special:LongPages: Very long pages that might benefit from editing for brevity
  • Special:ShortPages: Very short pages that might benefit from adding more information

See Special:SpecialPages for a full list of Special pages.

Other ways of searching bg3.wiki[edit | edit source]

Using your address bar[edit | edit source]

Here are browser-specific instructions on how to define a custom search keyword, which you can type in your address bar to focus your search directly on bg3.wiki.

Demonstration of using a search keyword to directly navigate to bg3.wiki

For example, if you enter the example values described in the instructions below, typing bg3wiki spells in your browser's address bar and pressing Enter will immediately perform a search for 'spells' on bg3.wiki. If your search term matches an existing article name, you'll be taken directly to that article (in this case, Spells). Otherwise, you'll be taken to a page of search results on bg3.wiki.

This only takes a couple minutes to set up, doesn't require you to install anything, and could save you hours of frustrating failed searches in the future - if you're addicted to BG3 like we are.

Scroll to the section for your browser below.

Google chrome[edit | edit source]

(Step 3) Chrome's Add search engine box
  1. In the top right corner of Chrome, click Customize and control Google Chrome, then navigate to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search.
  2. Under the Site search heading, click the Add button.
  3. Enter the following details in the Add search engine box.
    • Search engine: The name that will appear in your address bar when you type the Shortcut below.
      • Ex: BG3Wiki
    • Shortcut: The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
      • Ex: bg3wiki or bg3w or b3w
        (this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
    • URL with %s in place of query: This is where your browser will search when you type the Shortcut above. Copy and paste one of the following.
  4. When finished, click Add again to finish the process.

Once you've added the search engine, you can type <your shortcut> <your search term> (ex: bg3wiki feats) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.

Microsoft Edge[edit | edit source]

(Step 3) Edge's Add search engine box
  1. In the top right corner of Edge, click Settings and more, then navigate to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > scroll down and click Address bar and search.
  2. Within the Manage search engines view, click the Add button.
  3. Enter the following details in the Add search engine box.
    • Search engine: The name that will appear in your address bar when you type the Shortcut below.
      • Ex: BG3Wiki
    • Shortcut: The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
      • Ex: bg3wiki or bg3w or b3w
        (this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
    • URL with %s in place of query: This is where your browser will search when you type the Shortcut above. Copy and paste one of the following.
  4. When finished, click Add again to finish the process.

Once you've added the search engine, you can type <your shortcut> <your search term> (ex: bg3wiki armour) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.

Mozilla Firefox[edit | edit source]

(Step 1) Right-clicking on the Search box
(Step 2) Firefox's Add bookmark box

Unlike most browsers, Firefox requires you to attach your custom search keyword to a bookmark, but the process is largely the same.

  1. From any bg3.wiki page (including this one), right-click on the Search Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki box in the top right corner of the page and select Add a Keyword for this Search.
  2. Enter the following details in the Add bookmark box that appears.
    • Name: The name that will appear in your Firefox bookmarks.
      • Ex: Search Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki
    • Location: The location of this entry in your Firefox bookmarks. This can be wherever you'd like.
    • Keyword: The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
      • Ex: bg3wiki or bg3w or b3w
        (this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
  3. When finished, click Save to finish the process.

Once you've added the search engine, you can type <your keyword> <your search term> (ex: bg3wiki potions) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.

Alternatively (and more simply), follow the official guide for how to add BG3.wiki as a search engine to Firefox's built-in search bar with just a few clicks: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/add-or-remove-search-engine-firefox#

Opera[edit | edit source]

(Step 1) Right-clicking on the Search box
(Step 2) Opera's Create search engine box
  1. From any bg3.wiki page (including this one), right-click on the Search Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki box in the top right corner of the page and select Create search engine...
  2. Enter the following details in the Create search engine for "bg3.wiki" box that appears.
    • Name: The name that will appear when you type the Keyword below.
      • Ex: bg3.wiki
    • Keyword: The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
      • Ex: bg3wiki or bg3w or b3w
        (this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
  3. When finished, click Save to finish the process.

Once you've added the search engine, you can type <your keyword> <your search term> (ex: bg3wiki companions) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.

Brave Browser[edit | edit source]

(Step 3) Brave's Add search engine box
  1. In the top right corner of Brave, click Customize and control Brave, then navigate to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search.
  2. Under the Site search heading, click the Add button.
  3. Enter the following details in the Add search engine box.
    • Search engine: The name that will appear in your address bar when you type the Shortcut below.
      • Ex: BG3Wiki
    • Shortcut: The keyword you'll enter in your address bar to trigger a bg3.wiki search.
      • Ex: bg3wiki or bg3w or b3w
        (this can be anything you'd like - just make sure it's a word or phrase you're unlikely to type when you're not trying to search for bg3.wiki info)
    • URL with %s in place of query: This is where your browser will search when you type the Shortcut above. Copy and paste one of the following.
  4. When finished, click Add again to finish the process.

Once you've added the search engine, you can type <your shortcut> <your search term> (ex: bg3wiki weapons) in your browser's address bar to directly navigate to bg3.wiki.

Using an Alternative Search Engine[edit | edit source]

You might also want to try something other than Google Search. Endorsing any specific search engine is not really the point of this article, but other search engines have a better track record of showing relevant bg3.wiki articles for your search terms, instead of ads and content farms. Maybe try searching Google for 'alternatives to Google' if you're feeling adventurous? :)

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