> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pentaho.com/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/read-metadata-pdi-step/options-read-metadata-step/search-criteria-read-metadata-step.md).

# Search Criteria

Select **Search Criteria** if you know general information about the data resource. The search filters all the results by the criteria selected. Type a keyword in the **Keyword** field or select criteria from the drop-down menus, then click **ADD** to include it in the search.

**Note:** If missing or incomplete data is returned, use **Advanced Search** or change the default limit for returned results. See [Data Catalog searches returning incomplete or missing data](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-issues/lumada-data-catalog-searches-returning-incomplete-or-missing-data.md) for information.

![Specify search criteria to find a data resource](/files/XsY3QqBMuv5fUQni6XnE)

| Field               | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Keyword**         | Enter a Data Catalog keyword to use for the search.                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| **Tags**            | Select a Data Catalog tag or tags that might be assigned to the data resource.                                                                                                                                                             |
| **Virtual Folders** | Select a Data Catalog virtual folder in which the data resource is or might be included.                                                                                                                                                   |
| **Data Sources**    | Select a Data Catalog data source that might be associated with the data resource.                                                                                                                                                         |
| **Resource Type**   | Select a resource type to search using the drop-down menu.                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| **Files Size**      | Select a file size range to search using the drop-down menu.                                                                                                                                                                               |
| **File Format**     | Select a specific file format to search for using the drop-down menu. The menu includes CSV and Parquet file formats to read the file format metadata within a transformation that includes a Catalog Input step or a Catalog Output step. |

If you have restricted access to a data resource or a specific data type, PDI notifies you.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.pentaho.com/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/read-metadata-pdi-step/options-read-metadata-step/search-criteria-read-metadata-step.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.