Common ItemSearch Parameters

Topics

Once you decide on a search index value and check Search Index and ItemSearch Parameter Combinationsto determine what ItemSearch input parameters are valid for that search index, you should set values for as many valid parameters as you can to increase the accuracy of the search results.

The most commonly used input parameters are the ones that can be used with the most search indices, including:

The definitions for all ItemSearch parameters are in the API Reference. The following sections describe in greater detail some of the commonly-used parameters.

Searching Across Indices

ItemSearch requests require that you specify a search index. This is because searching across the millions of products in Amazon databases would take too long. Product Advertising API does, however, enable you to search across multiple search indices using the All or Blended search indices.

All Search Index

You can use the All search index to do an ItemSearch search through all search indices. There are, however, a number of restrictions placed on this request: the only parameter that you can use in the request is Keywords, and you cannot, for example, sort results.

[Note]Note

You cannot use the All search index in an ItemLookup request.

Blended Searches

ItemSearch searches through a specified search index, or SearchIndex can be set to "Blended." A blended search always searches through the following search indices (only).

  • Apparel

  • Automotive

  • Books

  • DVD

  • Electronics

  • GourmetFood

  • Kitchen

  • Music

  • PCHardware

  • PetSupplies

  • Software

  • SoftwareVideoGames

  • SportingGoods

  • Tools

  • Toys

  • VHS

  • VideoGames