Advanced Search With a Real Query Language
Some questions are too specific for a filter panel. Type the question instead, get the exact set of work items back, and save the query so you can run it again next week.
Available in the Self-Hosted edition - runs on your own servers
This capability is available in the Self-Hosted (on-premise) edition. It is not part of the Cloud edition today.
What is a work item query language?
A work item query language lets you describe the set of tasks you want as a short piece of text rather than by clicking through filter menus. Orangescrum reads a query such as status = "In Progress" AND assignee = currentUser(), turns it into a scoped database query, and returns the matching work items. Queries can combine fields with AND, OR, and NOT, sort with ORDER BY, and be saved and re-run like any other filter.
Why filter panels run out of room
Ask for exactly the set you want
A documented grammar
Combine predicates with AND, OR, NOT, and brackets, then sort with ORDER BY. For example: type = Bug AND priority IN (High, Medium) ORDER BY created DESC.
Operators that fit the field
Use =, !=, >, >=, <, <=, IN, NOT IN, IS EMPTY, ~ for contains, and ~~ for a typo tolerant match. Each field allows only the operators that make sense for it.
The fields you actually work with
Query status, type, priority, assignee, reporter, labels, sprint, project, story points, estimated hours, due date, and created date, with friendly aliases for each.
Your custom fields
Reference a custom field by name or by id, such as cf["Risk Level"] = High, so the data you added is as searchable as the built in fields.
Change history
Ask what changed, not just what is true now. status_changed_to = "Closed", priority_was = "High", and status_changed_on >= 2026-01-01 all work.
Saved queries
Save a query with a name and run it again later. Saved queries sit alongside your existing saved filters.
How it works
Useful when the question is specific
Which edition includes what
| Capability | CloudManaged SaaS | Self-HostedOn-premise / private cloud | Open SourceCommunity Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saved filters and point and click filtering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Structured query language | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Saved and re-runnable queries | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom fields in queries | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Change history in queries | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Typo tolerant matching | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Advanced search FAQ
Does Orangescrum have an advanced search?
Yes. The Self-Hosted edition includes an Advanced Search page with a structured query language, so you can describe the set of work items you want as text instead of clicking through filter menus.
Is advanced search available in Cloud?
No. The query language is in the Self-Hosted edition only. Cloud and the free Community Edition both include saved filters and point and click filtering, but not the query language.
What does a query look like?
A query is a list of conditions joined by AND, OR, and NOT, with an optional sort. For example: status = "In Progress" AND assignee = currentUser() ORDER BY due_date ASC, or sprint IS EMPTY AND story_point >= 5.
Which fields can I search on?
Title, description, work item key, status, type, priority, assignee, reporter, labels, sprint, project, story points, estimated hours, due date, and created date. Common aliases such as assigned_to, points, and milestone resolve to the right field.
Can I query my custom fields?
Yes. Reference a custom field by name or by id, for example cf["Risk Level"] = High. Exact matches and substring matches are both supported.
Can I search on what changed rather than what is true now?
Yes. Change history fields let you ask questions such as status_changed_to = "Closed", priority_was = "High", or status_changed_on >= 2026-01-01.
Can I save a query and run it again?
Yes. A saved query is stored with your existing saved filters and is scoped to you and your organisation, so it reloads and can be shared the same way.
Will a query show me work I should not see?
No. Every query runs inside the same scope as your normal task list, which covers your organisation, your project membership, and your view permissions. Values you type are bound as parameters, and field names come from a fixed catalogue rather than from your input.
Ask harder questions of your work items
Advanced Search is included in the Orangescrum Self-Hosted edition, running entirely on your own infrastructure.