Frequently asked questions

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Short answers to common questions about Capable Search. Each one links to the page with the full detail.

#Why does my Capable search return nothing?

Usually because indexing has not reached the pages yet, the query starts with a wildcard, or the capability behind a filter is not installed. See A search returns nothing.

Select Switch to CQL in the filter bar. The field shows the CQL your filter chips built, ready to copy. There is no separate Copy CQL button. See Filters and sorting.

#Can I sort when I write my own CQL?

Yes. The sort button is hidden in CQL mode, so add ORDER BY at the end of the query, for example ORDER BY lastmodified DESC.

#Can I go back to filter chips after editing the CQL?

Yes, with Switch to basic filters, but your CQL edits are not turned into chips. The chips come back as they were, so copy your query first.

#How many results can I export to CSV?

Up to 5,000 rows, with the columns the table is showing. See Export Confluence search results to CSV.

#Why are some columns empty in my export?

Columns that are drawn as icons or chips, such as State and Intel, export as empty cells. See Columns.

#Can I change many pages at once?

Yes. Select Bulk Change under the results, tick the pages, and delete them, add labels, find and replace text, move them or set their status. See Bulk changes and export.

#Why can I not see Bulk Change?

It is only in Capable Search itself, not in the search macros on a page. It is also hidden on narrow screens and for anonymous viewers.

#Can I set a status on a page that has no status?

Yes. Since 13 October 2026, the Status row in the side panel shows No status and lets you pick one, as long as you can edit the page and the space has statuses. See Set a page status in Confluence.

#Does find and replace change headings or tables?

It changes text in paragraphs anywhere on the page, including inside tables, panels and lists, but not headings, page titles or macro settings. See Find and replace text across Confluence pages.

#If I change a saved search, do pages that show it change too?

Yes. The search macros point at the saved search, so saving a change updates every page that uses it. Use Save as to make your own copy instead.

#Can anonymous or unlicensed readers see a search macro?

Yes. The search table and search cards macros show for unlicensed and anonymous readers, and only list pages each reader is allowed to see. See Show a live Confluence search on a page.

#Can I search for pages I do not have permission to see?

No. Capable Search uses your Confluence permissions, so it never shows a page you could not open yourself.

Quick answers, then back to work.