Google Search Tips #3 - File Types

Jenny Marsden --October 18, 2018

Google Search Tips #3 - File Types

Have you ever known that you had previously found a PDF file with the elevation of the next hike you want to do, but of course you just can't find it again? Using Google's filetype filter in your search will ensure the chances of this happening again are greatly reduced.

How To Search Using File Types

This is one of my favourite search tools, however you do have to be quite specific in your terms to make the very best use of it. If I type camino elevation filetype:pdf I get LOTS of info on the town called Camino in California. If I type camino frances elevation filetype:pdf my results are much more accurate. So this is one instance where your search term needs to be pretty good. Using an explicit search will lessen results in this case too. As you can imagine if you use a specific phrase, google will only show you results with an exact match AND that is a PDF in this case. So " camino frances elevation" filetype:pdf will greatly lessen the results. So remember - no exact match and try for a fairly accurate search term.

For Example:
Search Term - camino frances elevation
Result - Returned to me is a reasonably broad set of results showing a lot of info on elevation gain and multiple images, but no PDF files that I can see. While the images are good, what if my reader will only view PDF files? I need the PDF so I need to specify my file type.

Better Results:
Search Term - camino frances elevation filetype:pdf
Result - you can see that I get a list of results that are PDF files. They might not be exactly what I'm looking for but at least they are the file type I'm after.

My Results

The image on the left shows the text search without the quotes, and the image on the right shows it with the quotes. 

Add a recovery email or an alternative email you can access anywhere.
By Jenny Marsden January 28, 2025
So you don't find yourself locked out of your Google account, add a recovery email or an alternative email you can access anywhere.
By Jenny Marsden March 27, 2023
Are you having challenges with Chrome Browser using all your system RAM and slowing everything down? This Feature Flag from Chrome will help you to stop Chrome being such a RAM pig and set you on the path to better browsing.
By Jenny Marsden March 22, 2023
If you are considering designing and developing your small business website yourself, there are a few considerations you should be aware of. Check out my list of what to think about when doing your own DIY website Vs getting a professional web design expert.
By Jenny Marsden May 20, 2021
Things you can do and that I will be doing in response to Google's latest Web Core Vitals update.
Google tips for searching effectively.
By Jenny Marsden April 27, 2021
Google Tips Number 7 - How to get back into the search box on Google's results page. This simple keystroke can save you HOURS each month.
By Jenny Marsden April 20, 2021
While it is far from perfect, if you have a good clean clear photo with a very contrasting background, this tool might be what you need. I tested it with 3 different photos and you can see my results here.
By Jenny Marsden March 23, 2021
Blogging isn't as easy as it once was. With over 7 billion (yes that's a B) blogs now online getting found can be a huge challenge. Learn how to research and create a blog post that will keep your readers coming back for more.
By Jenny Marsden September 15, 2020
Blogging can be really hard. Don't add extra pressure by not formatting a catchy blog post title which could mean you blog post never gets read. Use these tips to have your readers clicking through on every single post.
By Jenny Marsden May 14, 2020
Choosing keywords and phrases for your website can be a challenging process. This guide will help you to work out what you are looking to achieve and how to go about it.
Show More