> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.experro.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Semantic vs Keyword Search

Experro offers two distinct search modes tailored to different use cases:

| Feature                       | AI Search (Keyword Search)                                                                            | Gen-AI Search (Semantic Search)                                                                                       |
| ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Core Approach**             | Direct term matching against titles, descriptions, and tags                                           | Vector-based intent matching that understands meaning and context                                                     |
| **Control & Precision**       | Exact control over which terms match; ideal for precise, governed setups                              | Automatic handling of synonyms, slang, and higher-level concepts without manual rules                                 |
| **Query Handling**            | Fuzzy matching (typo tolerance), prefix/suffix options, custom synonyms, stop-words, and phrase rules | Holistic interpretation of long-tail and conversational queries (“cozy winter boots”), as well as pure-image inputs   |
| **Multimodal Capabilities**   | Text-only search                                                                                      | Unified vector space for text + images—mix keywords, questions, or uploads seamlessly                                 |
| **Maintenance & Tuning**      | Requires ongoing manual tuning of synonyms, dictionaries, and phrase lists                            | Self-learning model that adapts to new products, trends, and visual styles with zero manual effort                    |
| **Performance & Scalability** | Lightweight footprint; predictable latency; suited for smaller catalogs or lower-traffic sites        | Optimized for large, dynamic catalogs; minimal performance impact thanks to precomputed embeddings                    |
| **Best-Fit Scenarios**        | Controlled environments requiring exact matches or strict governance                                  | Ambitious brands needing richer relevance, zero-maintenance synonym management, and cutting-edge multimodal discovery |

<Tip>
  **When to Use Which Mode**

  * Start with **Keyword Search** for controlled, exact matches and minimal overhead. It’s a solid choice for smaller catalogs or when you need tight governance over term handling.
  * Upgrade to **Semantic Search** to unlock powerful Gen AI-driven discovery: richer relevance, true multimodal queries, and zero-maintenance synonym management—ideal for ambitious brands seeking a competitive edge.
</Tip>