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If you store a lot of files in Google Drive, you've likely had to search for one at some point. But if you know your item is in a particular folder, you can save time by limiting your search to that folder.

First, you can quickly search inside of a folder without opening the Google Drive search tool. If you don't immediately find what you need, you can use advanced search techniques to narrow your search within that folder as well.

Related: How to Quickly Search Google Drive

To find what you need in a particular folder, select it from your My Drive section. Then, right-click it or select the three-dot menu button to open More Actions and pick "Search Within [folder name]."

Search Within folder in the More Actions menu

When the folder opens, just pop your word, phrase, or term into the search box at the top and press Enter or Return.

Search within a Google Drive folder

Use an Advanced Search for a Folder

If you want to narrow down your results while searching within the folder, you can use advanced Google Drive search fields.

Related: How to Find and Delete Large Files across Google Drive, Photos, and Gmail

Click the Search Options icon on the right side of the Search box at the top. Use the Has the Words or Item Name box to enter your search term.

Search Options and boxes for keywords

Next to Location, click "Anywhere." You can then navigate to the folder by picking the arrow to the right of My Drive.

My Drive in the Anywhere drop-down menu

Choose the folder you want to search from the list and click "Select."

Selected a folder in My Drive

Complete any of the remaining fields you want to use to narrow down the type of file, like the date it was modified or if you shared it with someone. Select "Search."

Advanced search in a folder in Google Drive

You'll then see results for files within that folder only.

Rather than searching your entire Google Drive for a document, image, or other item, you can start with the folder that you know contains the item. This saves you time and a few steps so you can find what you need quickly.

For more, look at how to search Google Drive right from Chrome's address bar.

Related: How to Search Google Drive Directly from Chrome's Address Bar