Step 1. Select data providers you wish to search for. When selecting multiple providers, hold down 'Ctrl' key while clicking. If you wish to search through all providers, click on 'Select All Providers' button. You must select at least one provider for query to be submitted.

Step 2. The search parameter category specifies in which Darwin Core category you wish to perform your search. The comparator indicates the specificity of your search string. For example, if you are searching specifically for the string 'Centrarchidae', you may use the comparator 'equals' as it will search for that particular string. The comparator 'contains (% for wildcard)' can be used for less specific searches, such as 'Centrarch' or 'C%ntrarchi' as search strings for the example above. If you wish to search other parameters in conjunction to the first, click on 'Add another condition' for another set of search parameters to appear. You must then select an operator to relate the two conditions. For example, if you are searching all the members of the family Centrarchidae in North America, your search would look like this:

Step 3. The next section specifies how you would like to display your results. 'Count' shows the total number of records that match your result. 'Records' will give you details of these records. 'Mapping result set' shows the basic data fields for the records. 'Full specimen result set' shows all the information available for the particular record. 'Custom result set' allows you to specify which data information you would like displayed. This last option activates the grey box. Select the categories on the left and click on the single arrow pointing right if you wish them t to be displayed. Categories shown on the right box will be displayed once your query is sent. If you don't wish a data field displayed, select it on the right box, and click on the single arrow pointing left to move the field back to the left box. Double arrows move all data fields. Finally, specify the number of records to be displayed. To display all records, do not specify any limit, but some providers may limit the number of records to be returned.

Step 4. If you wish, you may also specify a timeout time for the return of your records.

Step 5. Click on 'Submit query' to send your query.