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Search and replace in a document lets you find a word or phrase in the open document and change it in one place or everywhere. It’s often used when revising long drafts or planning docs.

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What does it do?

You can quickly find a word and replace it with another. Examples:
  • “said” → “murmured”
  • “really” → delete
  • “suddenly” → “in an instant”
  • Change a setting or term name
Use it to clean up repetition and wording across the document.

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When to use it

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1. After the first draft

Repetition is normal in a first draft. Clean up wording when revising.

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2. When one expression repeats too much

The same verb or phrase can make the prose feel flat.

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3. When a setting or term changes

If a world or character name changes, you can update it across the document quickly.

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How to use it

  1. Open the document.
  2. Open find (search icon in the header or its shortcut).
  3. Enter the search term.
  4. Enter the replacement.
  5. Choose:
    • Replace one by one, or
    • Replace all
You can review each match or apply to the whole document.

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How to use it well

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1️⃣ Check repeated verbs

See if the same verb appears three or more times.

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2️⃣ Trim filler words

Words like “really,” “very,” “actually,” “suddenly” can weaken sentences. Sometimes deleting them works better.

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3️⃣ Vary paragraph openings

Check that consecutive paragraphs don’t all start with the same word.

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What to watch

  • Don’t use “Replace all” without checking.
  • Always confirm the result in context.
  • Don’t overuse synonyms; accuracy in context matters more than variety.

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Summary

  • Search and replace is a revision tool.
  • You can find and replace words quickly.
  • It helps with repetition and term changes.
  • Checking context matters more than mechanical replacement.
This feature tidies the text; it doesn’t make it flashy.