Save and manage find and replace queries

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to save, run, and delete searches to make repeated find-and-replace tasks faster in Adobe InDesign.

Saved queries let you rerun and share complex searches by storing text and formatting settings in the Query list of the Find/Change dialog box. You cannot save the search range with a query, so specify the range each time you run it.

Save a custom GREP query

Select Edit > Find/Change.

Select Text or GREP to perform the search you want.

Construct your search expression in the Find what field using GREP syntax or Special characters for search .

Enter replacement text or patterns in the Change to field.

Configure any format settings using Specify attributes to find icon and Specify attributes to change icon.

Select options such as Include Locked Layers and Locked Objects (Find Only) icon, Include Locked Stories (Find Only) icon, or Include Footnotes icon as needed.

Select the Save Query icon and enter a name for your query.

Select OK.

Run a saved GREP query

Select Edit > Find/Change, then select the GREP or Text tab.

Select your query from the Query drop-down menu.

Specify a search range from the Search drop-down menu (Document, All Documents, or Story).

Select Find Next to locate the first match.

Select Change, Change All, or Change/Find to replace text and continue searching.

Delete a saved query

Select Edit > Find/Change.

Select the query you want to remove from the Query list.

Select the Delete Query icon.

Note

Custom queries are stored as XML files in your user preferences folder. The names of customized queries appear in the Query drop-down menu in the Find/Change dialog box.

macOS: Users/<username>/Library/Preferences/Adobe/InDesign/<Version>/<Language>/Find-Change Queries/<query type>

Windows: Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\InDesign\<Version>\<Language>\Find-Change Queries\<query type>