# Step 1: Locate the Search Mask

You can start a search directly from the home page of the database using the **Search** **Mask**:

<figure><img src="https://32133529-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQXkdVwY1QIoMKRN8Omas%2Fuploads%2F5S9WS368T719R8up9Uif%2FScreenshot%202024-09-01%20at%2006.33.00.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1009ad8f-cfae-4fc6-b588-8407437d17d8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Search Mask consists of the following elements:

* The **Search Bar,** where keywords can be entered. Pressing the ENTER key or the magnifying glass symbol at the end of the line starts a search. More about the Search Bar can be found [here](https://docs.census.de/navigating-and-searching/examples-of-typical-searches/search-functions/the-search-bar).
* The **Advanced Search** function, which offers further search method&#x73;*.* More about Advanced Search can be found [here](https://docs.census.de/navigating-and-searching/examples-of-typical-searches/search-functions/advanced-search).