JSON Saving and Reusing a Search (Create Lists)

The Create Lists JSON feature can be used to save a search on your personal computer to reuse later. JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It is easy for humans to read and write. It is easy for machines to parse and generate. It is based on a subset of the JavaScript Programming Language.


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Reasons to Use the JSON feature

The JSON feature in Create Lists can be used for many different reasons:

  1. To save a search on your computer to use at a later date

  2. To redo a search in Create Lists

  3. To run a very similar search

  4. To redo a search that did not work correctly

  5. To redo a search on a different record type

  6. You realize you made an error in a search, and you want to cancel it.  However, canceling means you cannot get the search back with Use Existing Search.  This is when JSON can be the most helpful.

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Suggestion: If you have a recurring task that requires a search, create a recurring calendar appointment, and store the JSON for the search in the calendar note.

Save a Search Using JSON

If you have constructed a search in Create List that you would like to use again, you can use JSON to save that search strategy on your local computer.

Click on the Review File to highlight it. Click the Search Records button.

Click on the Edit existing query button.

Click on the JSON tab.

Click on the Save JSON button.

The Select file box will appear. Choose the location on your computer you would like to save the file. Name the file and click the Save button.

Click the Close button to close out the Review File.

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Loading a Search Using JSON

Once you have saved a search using JSON on your computer, you can reuse that search.

Click to highlight an empty Review File. Click the Search Records button.

You will need to fill in the Review File Name. The default Store Record Type is Bibliographic. You may have to change the Store Record Type to match any other record type. It will need to match the one from your saved search. Click on the JSON tab. Click on the Load JSON button.

Find your file and click on the Load button.

You can run the search by clicking on the Search button. If you want to edit the search first, click on the Classic tab.

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You can use this process if you made an error in a search, and you want to cancel it.  However, canceling means you cannot get the search back with Use Existing Search.  This is when JSON can be the most helpful. You can also use this method if you do not want to edit the search and use the Save JSON button.

Find the review file that you would like to copy. Click on the Review File to highlight it.

Click on the Show Info button.

This will bring up the search information.  Click JSON.

This will show the search in JSON format.

Put your cursor anywhere on the text in the JSON box.  Use the keyboard command Ctrl + A (highlight all), and Ctrl + C (copy all).

Now, you need to decide if you are going to redo the search using the same review file or redo the search using an empty review file.  If you redo the search using the same review file, you will get a message warning you that you are about to overwrite the file.

In this example, we are going to use an empty review file.  Make sure to try to pick a review file that has the current number of records that will match your search. You will need to click the Search Records button to start the search process.

You will have to fill in the Review File Name, and make sure to pick the Store Record Type for your search.  

Note: The default Store Record Type will be Bibliographic. 

Note: If you change the record type after you paste in the JSON, it will delete the JSON.  You always have to paste after you set the record type.

Note: If you are reusing the same review file, the Review File Name will already be filled out.  You will just need to change the Store Record Type if your search is not Bibliographic.

Click on the JSON tab.  Next, you would remove the two brackets {  }.

Click anywhere in the JSON box, and use the keyboard command Ctrl + V (paste).  Your JSON search will appear in the box. Note: you can save your JSON search to your computer by clicking the Save JSON button.  

Depending on what you want to do with this search, you would click either Search or Classic. Clicking Search will begin the search.  Clicking Classic will allow you to make changes to the search with the familiar interface. In this example, we are going to click Classic.

When clicking Classic, you can see and edit any of the fields.  Note: To edit the review file click on any of the terms or lines. Click Search when you have finished making your edits.

If this were a search strategy you will need in the future, you can paste the JSON search into Notepad and save it.  You can reuse this search at any time.

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