In general search will follow this pattern: [Type]:[Instance].[Name].
User always can pin (check) items to keep them through multiple searches.
You can do a simple search when your search consists of only alphanumerical characters. All pins, ports, instances, and nets that satisfy the search pattern will appear. If the search pattern has the '.' separator symbol, SmartDesign treats the part before the separator as an instance name and the part after as a pin name. In this case, only pins and pinned items appear.
You can also search by the following keywords: "port:", "pin:", "instance:", "net:", and "*:". Alternatively, you can use their abbreviated versions. You must be specify keywords at the beginning of the search pattern.