Searching and Navigating Data in Zero
Searching and Navigating Your Data in Zero
As your data grows, finding the right record fast matters. Zero gives you simple, predictable filters on each table, plus a few handy tricks so you can jump around your vault with confidence.
Where you can search
- Inside a single table — use the search bar and per-column filters.
- Across vaults — switch the active vault, then search that vault’s tables.
Note: Zero’s built-in filters work on non-file, non-encrypted columns. Encrypted fields are intentionally not searched (details below).
Table-level filtering
While viewing a table you can narrow results by entering values in the search bar or specific filter inputs. Filters are combined (AND logic) and match “contains” by default.
What the filters match
- Text fields: case-insensitive “contains” match.
- Number/ID: “contains” as text (e.g., entering
12can match312). - Choice/Dropdown: type the label to match it.
- File fields: skipped (files aren’t scanned).
- Encrypted fields: skipped (see “Why encrypted fields aren’t searched”).
- Deleted rows: hidden (soft-deleted via
deleted_atare excluded).
Bookmarkable filters
Filters are reflected in the page URL. You can bookmark or share a filtered view. For example:
/view/passwords?site=example&status=activeExports can use your “current filter” too (see below).
Navigating between vaults
- Open the Vaults menu.
- Select another vault.
- Your tables and searches now apply to the selected vault.
Why encrypted fields aren’t searched
Encrypted columns are stored as ciphertext on disk. Zero only decrypts them on demand in your session (for viewing, copying, exporting), never for background scanning. That’s why filters don’t include encrypted fields — it avoids exposing secrets through search patterns.
Tip: If you need to find a secret later, add a non-sensitive label (e.g., “Account label” or “Service name”) as a normal text field and keep the secret itself in an encrypted field.
Exporting a filtered view
From any table you can export CSV/XLSX for either:
- Current filter — only the rows you’re viewing.
- All rows — everything (excluding soft-deleted rows).
During export, Zero decrypts scalar encrypted fields for the file you download, so you get readable values in the export you requested.
Tips for faster finding
- Use short, consistent labels (e.g., site, env, status).
- Prefer Choice fields for common categories — easier to filter later.
- Add a Notes (non-encrypted) summary if you’ll need to search by description.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | What to check |
|---|---|
| “I can’t find a password by typing it” | Passwords live in encrypted fields, which aren’t searched. Filter by a non-secret label (e.g., “Site”). |
| “My filter didn’t match anything” | Make sure you’re in the right vault and the field you’re filtering is not a file/encrypted field. |
| “Export didn’t include a deleted row” | Soft-deleted rows (deleted_at) are excluded from listings and exports. |