---
title: "ktm collections search"
description: "Search collections and items within a collection sub-tree using the ktm CLI, with support for filtering by query, tags, and owner ID."
sidebarTitle: "search"
lastUpdated: "2026-09-23"
---

> **For AI agents:** the complete documentation index is at [llms.txt](/llms.txt). Append `.md` to any page URL for its markdown version.

{/* GENERATED FILE: do not edit by hand. Regenerate with: node scripts/generate.mjs */}

Search collections and items in a collection sub-tree

## Usage

```bash
ktm collections search [flags]
```

## Examples

```bash
ktm collections search --operator my-op --collection-uid <tests_root> --query login
ktm collections search --operator my-op --collection-uid <uid> --query "Verify" -o json
ktm collections search --operator my-op --collection-uid <uid> --tags 12,34 --owner-id 5
```

## Flags

| Flag | Type | Default | Description |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `--collection-uid` | string |  | Sub-tree to search under (required; use the product tests_root UID for broadest scope) |
| `--operator` | string |  | Operator slug (required) |
| `--owner-id` | int |  | Filter by owner user id |
| `--query` | string |  | Free-text search term |
| `--tags` | string |  | Comma-separated tag ids |

## Details

Search scopes results to a collection sub-tree — pass
--collection-uid (the product's tests_root_collection_uid for the broadest
scope). Omitting --collection-uid fails with HTTP 400.

The search walks sub-collections recursively. Items are matched by substring
on meta.name (the client sends fields=name by default). Returns a payload with
two arrays: collections (sub-collections whose name matches) and items.

## Related

- [`ktm collections`](/cli/commands/collections)

<Note>
  Global flags (`--output`, `--debug`, `--host`, …) apply to every command. See the [command reference overview](/cli/commands/overview).
</Note>

## What's next?

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="All commands" icon="terminal" href="/cli/commands/overview">
    Browse the full CLI reference.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Get started" icon="rocket" href="/cli/getting-started">
    Install the CLI and authenticate.
  </Card>
</Columns>