---
name: watsonxdata-sal_search
title: Performing semantic searches in watsonx.data
description: ''
last-updated: 2025-08-12
---

> ## Documentation Index
> The table of contents for this documentation set is at https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/watsonxdata?format=markdown
> The index for all IBM Cloud docs is at: https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use these files to discover more information as needed.

{:javascript: #javascript .ph data-hd-programlang='javascript'}
{:java: #java .ph data-hd-programlang='java'}
{:ruby: #ruby .ph data-hd-programlang='ruby'}
{:php: #php .ph data-hd-programlang='php'}
{:python: #python .ph data-hd-programlang='python'}
{:external: target="_blank" .external}
{:shortdesc: .shortdesc}
{:codeblock: .codeblock}
{:screen: .screen}
{:tip: .tip}
{:important: .important}
{:note: .note}
{:deprecated: .deprecated}
{:pre: .pre}
{:video: .video}

# Performing semantic searches in watsonx.data
{: #sal_search}

This topic provides users the steps to perform semantic searches on tables and views within IBM® watsonx.data using natural language queries.

Following are some of the benefits of performing semantic search:

   * **Intuitive search**: Perform searches using natural language, eliminating the need for precise SQL syntax.
   * **Contextual understanding**: The system understands the context and meaning behind your search terms, providing more accurate results.
   * **Enhanced productivity**: Quickly locate relevant data with minimal effort, improving data discovery and analysis workflows.
   * **Unified search experience**: Search across multiple data tables and schemas seamlessly.

## Before you begin
{: #sal_searchbyb}

The semantic automation layer must be registered and enriched with data as instructed in the [Semantic automation for data enrichment](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/watsonxdata?topic=watsonxdata-sal_title&format=markdown) in watsonx.data.

## Procedure
{: #sal_searchprcdre}

1. Log in to watsonx.data console.
2. Navigate to **Browse data** tab of the **Data Manager**.

   Schemas and tables enriched with semantic metadata is visually indicated by an **AI** icon.
   {: note}

3. Locate the **Search AI enriched metadata** search bar within the **Browse data** window.
4. Perform semantic search by entering a natural language query into the search bar.

   The search provides a list of tables and views that match the requirement of the semantic search of your natural language query.

5. Click on a specific result to view its details, schema, and data.