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Use Test Search to check how a knowledge base responds before you connect it to a workflow or agent.

Overview

The knowledge base detail page includes a Test Search action in the header. It opens a side sheet where you can enter a query, override search settings, and review the chunks that match your query. Test searches use the selected knowledge base. They do not create or change knowledge base items, but they do create search activity that appears in knowledge base analytics and search records.
  1. Open Knowledge Bases from the sidebar.
  2. Open the knowledge base you want to test.
  3. Click Test Search in the header.
  1. Enter a Search Query.
  2. Choose a Search Type.
  3. Set Chunk Limit.
  4. Set Score Threshold.
  5. Click Run.
Fetch Hive shows matching chunks in the sheet after the search completes.

How do I read test results?

Each result card shows the returned chunk content and a match score. Higher scores mean the chunk is a stronger match for the query. Use the collapse action on a result card when you want to scan results quickly. If no results appear, try a broader query, lower Score Threshold, or increase Chunk Limit. If results are too broad, raise Score Threshold or switch Search Type. Hybrid is the recommended starting point. Vector is useful for conceptual matches. Full Text is useful for exact words or phrases.

How do I tune search settings?

Start with the knowledge base defaults:
  • Search Type set to Hybrid
  • Chunk Limit set to 5
  • Score Threshold set to your knowledge base default
Run a few realistic queries. Review whether the returned chunks contain enough context for the workflow or agent that will use them. Increase Chunk Limit when answers need more source context. Raise Score Threshold when too many weak matches appear. Lower Score Threshold when relevant chunks are missing. After you find a better default, edit the knowledge base settings from the knowledge base detail page.

Where do test searches show up?

Test searches are stored as knowledge base search activity. The detail page analytics update after test searches run, including total searches and average search duration for the selected date range. Use Logs for processing runs such as custom text, document upload, and website scrape activity. Use the knowledge base detail analytics when you want a quick view of search volume and search duration. See also: Search Knowledge Base and Vector Search