Expert Mode allows you to enter a complete Boolean search string instead of building a Topic using the standard OR, AND, and NOT fields. This provides greater flexibility for complex monitoring requirements.
Note: Expert Mode is intended for users who are comfortable writing Boolean search expressions. If you're new to Boolean searching, we recommend using the standard Topic builder or the AI Topic Builder.
🔹 Video Guide
🔹 Step 1: Switch to Expert Mode
"Expert Mode" can be used to manually create Boolean search strings to create your Topics, rather than using Agility's standard three fields of OR, AND, and NOT fields. This allows you to enter long-form Boolean expressions which gives more flexibility when building your search queries.
Please note that Expert Mode is made for users who have experience and knowledge of creating Boolean search strings. Those unfamiliar with Boolean search strings may find this feature difficult to use and may find the standard mode more user-friendly.
If you would like to learn more, please reach out to your Client Success Specialist or Support to learn more!
To switch to Expert Mode, simply click "Switch to expert mode" on the topic creation page:
🔹 Step 2: Build Your Search
Expert Mode supports the following Boolean operators.
OR
Returns results containing either term.
Apple OR Samsung
Matches articles containing Apple, Samsung, or both.
AND
Returns results containing all specified terms.
Apple AND iPhone
Matches only articles containing both Apple and iPhone.
AND NOT
Excludes unwanted terms.
Apple AND NOT Samsung
Matches articles containing Apple, while excluding any that also contain Samsung.
Note: Boolean operators must be entered in uppercase.
Use Quotation Marks
Quotation marks search for an exact phrase.
"media monitoring"
Without quotation marks, Agility searches for the words independently.
Use Parentheses
Parentheses group related expressions and control the order in which Boolean logic is evaluated.
(Apple OR Samsung) AND smartphone
This searches for articles containing either Apple or Samsung, together with smartphone.
🔹 Step 3: Proximity Search
A proximity search finds words that appear close together without requiring an exact phrase.
"product launch"~3
This returns mentions where product and launch appear within three words of each other.
Possible matches include:
product launch
new product launch
launch of a new product
Proximity searches are useful when wording may vary but the concepts remain closely related.
🔹 Step 4: Wildcards
Wildcards let you search for multiple variations of a word.
Single-character wildcard (?)
Matches one unknown character.
reali?ed
Returns:
realized
realised
Multi-character wildcard (*)
Matches zero or more characters.
bio*
Returns terms such as:
biology
biometrics
biotechnology
biodiversity
Limitations
Wildcards:
may not work for Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) content
cannot be used inside quoted phrases
Instead of:
"media monitor*"
use:
(media AND monitor*)
or explicitly list each phrase:
("media monitor" OR "media monitoring" OR "media monitored")
🔹 Step 5: Special Characters
Special characters are non-alphanumeric characters that can be used in your searches. These are the plus sign (+), the ampersand (&), and the dash (-). These characters allow you to search keywords such as Disney+, Ben & Jerry's, or Coca-Cola, and receive the resulting mentions you expect to see.
🔹 Step 6: Other Key Points
Check the case-sensitive box to make the search case-sensitive. This option can be found under "Other search settings" at the bottom of the right-hand panel.
You will get real-time feedback to help guide you in creating the Boolean search in a bar along the bottom of the text box. Please refer to this throughout the creation of your search string to ensure the formatting is correct.
When switching from standard to expert mode, your keywords will carry over and be properly structured as a Boolean expression. However, you cannot switch back to standard from export mode.
🔹 Step 7: Examples
Consider the following Boolean search string:
("press release" OR "media coverage")
AND ("event launch"~3 OR campaign)
AND (sustainab* OR innovation)
AND NOT "job posting"This example uses multiple Boolean operators to create a precise and targeted search:
("press release" OR "media coverage") → Finds mentions that include either “press release” or “media coverage.”
("event launch"~3 OR campaign) → Returns results where event and launch appear within three words of each other (e.g., new event launch, launch of event), or mentions the word campaign.
(sustainab OR innovation)* → Finds variations of sustainable, sustainability, and innovation.
AND NOT "job posting" → Excludes any results that contain the phrase job posting.
This Boolean expression would retrieve media content discussing press releases or coverage related to sustainable or innovative event launches and campaigns—while filtering out irrelevant job postings.
🔹 Best Practices
Start with a simple search, then add complexity as needed.
Use parentheses to group related terms.
Use quotation marks for exact phrases.
Use wildcards to capture spelling variations and word endings.
Test your search and review the validation messages before saving.
If you're unsure whether Expert Mode is necessary, use the standard Topic builder or AI Topic Builder instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use Expert Mode?
Use Expert Mode when you need advanced Boolean logic that can't be created using the standard Topic builder.
Can I switch back to Standard Mode?
No.
Once a Topic has been converted to Expert Mode, it can't be switched back.
Are Boolean operators case-sensitive?
Yes.
Use AND, OR, and AND NOT in uppercase.
Can I use wildcards inside quotation marks?
No.
Wildcards can't be used within quoted phrases.
How do I know if my Boolean search is valid?
Agility validates your search as you type and displays feedback beneath the Boolean editor.