Key Differences Between Form and Board Searches in Advanced Search
Key Differences Between Form and Board Searches in Advanced Search
📌 Summary
Ontraccr’s Advanced Search allows you to run powerful queries on both Forms and Boards. While the search mechanics are similar, there are important differences in how each one works, what you can filter, and how results are displayed.
This article outlines the key distinctions to help you choose the right tool for the job.
📊 Comparison Table
| Feature / Behavior | Form Search | Board Search |
|---|---|---|
| Search Source | Submitted forms (based on form templates) | Board cards (based on card designs) |
| Primary Use Case | Audit data collected from forms | Track or analyze board activity |
| How You Start | Select a form template | Select a card design |
| Scope | Global and project-specific forms | One or many boards using the same card design |
| Standard Fields Available | Status, Customer, Project, etc. | Title, Status, Linked Project, etc. |
| Custom Fields | Pulled from selected form template | Pulled from selected card design |
| Group Results By | N/A | Board → Stage (column) |
| Inline Editing | ❌ View only | ✅ Edit directly from results |
| Click to View Full Record | ✅ Opens the form | ✅ Opens the board card |
| Filter Columns After Query | ✅ Column-based filtering | ❌ Not available (all filtering done upfront) |
| Export to CSV | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not available |
| Save & Reuse Queries | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
🧪 When to Use Each
✅ Use Form Search When:
- You’re reporting on submitted data
- You want to filter by form responses or custom inputs
- You need to export results to CSV
✅ Use Board Search When:
- You want to find or track cards across boards
- You want to group results by board/stage
- You need to edit cards directly from the search