Multi-Word Search

Standard Odoo search matches the typed phrase as a single block, so users who remember only fragments of a name or reference often find nothing. This module lets a search box accept several words in any position and matches records that contain all of them. It extends every model through the base abstract model and can also look through related fields. Administrators control it from a single configuration record under Settings, with an exclusion list and an audit log. Everyday users of any Odoo app benefit from faster and more forgiving searches.

1. 1

   Open the Multi-Word Search settings

   Go to Settings > Multi-Word Search (under Administration) to open the single configuration record. The screen shows the switches that control the behaviour globally. Changes are saved on the record and tracked in its chatter. The same options also appear inside the general Settings page.

   • Menu: Settings > Multi-Word Search
   • Record keeps a chatter history
   • Also available in general Settings
2. 2

   Enable or disable the feature

   Tick "Enable multi-word search" to turn the behaviour on for the whole database. When it is off, Odoo falls back to its normal phrase search. The switch is a single boolean, so it can be reverted instantly if a user dislikes the results.

   • Enable multi-word search
   • On by default
   • Instant rollback
3. 3

   Choose where it applies

   Use "Search bar" to apply the logic to the main search box of list views, and "Relational field lookups" to also match through many2one and related fields. Each option is an independent switch. Together they define how wide the multi-word matching reaches.

   • Search bar
   • Relational field lookups
   • Independent switches
4. 4

   Require words in order

   The "Ordered" option forces the typed words to appear in the same sequence in the record text. Leave it off to match words in any order. This lets you choose between precise and forgiving matching.

   • Ordered
   • Any-order matching when off
5. 5

   Exclude models

   Enter technical model names, one per line, in the exclusion list to keep standard search for those models. On save the system validates every name and refuses malformed names or models that are not installed. This protects sensitive or performance-critical models.

   • Excluded models field
   • Validation of technical names
   • Error for uninstalled models
6. 6

   Review the audit log

   The "Open audit log" link in the settings opens the history of configuration changes. Administrators can see who changed which option and when. This supports accountability for a setting that affects every search.

   • Open audit log button
   • Chatter tracking on the config record

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