How to Filter & Search on AO3
AO3's filtering system is incredibly powerful once you know how to use it. This guide will help you find exactly the fics you want to read.
Click the minus to exclude a tag
Multiple filters combine with AND
Asterisk matches partial words
The Basics: Using Sidebar Filters
When browsing any fandom, ship, or tag page on AO3, you'll see a sidebar on the right (or at the top on mobile) with filtering options. Here's how to use them effectively:
Include Filters
Check any tag to filter works that include that tag. For example, checking "Slow Burn" will only show works tagged with Slow Burn.
Exclude Filters
Click the minus sign (-) next to any tag to exclude it. This is incredibly useful for filtering out content you don't want to see, like specific pairings, tropes, or warnings.
Using Advanced Search
For more precise filtering, use AO3's Advanced Search. Click "Search" in the main menu, then "Advanced Search" to access these powerful options:
Title & Creator Search
- Title - Search for specific words in fic titles
- Author/Creator - Find works by a specific author
Date & Status
- Date Posted - Use format YYYY-MM-DD or ranges like "2023-01-01 - 2024-01-01"
- Complete - Check to show only finished works
- Single Chapter - Check to show only oneshots
Word Count
Filter by word count to find the length you prefer:
<5000- Short fics under 5k words5000-20000- Medium length fics20000-50000- Longer fics>100000- Epic-length fics over 100k
Tag Filtering Tips
Include Tags
Enter tags you want to find. Separate multiple tags with commas. Works must include ALL tags you specify.
Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers Exclude Tags
Enter tags you want to filter out. This is essential for avoiding content you don't enjoy.
Major Character Death, Graphic Violence Wildcard Searches
Use * as a wildcard to match partial tags. This is useful when a tag might have variations.
*coffee* - Matches "Coffee Shop AU", "Coffee", "I need coffee"
Harry* - Matches "Harry Potter", "Harry Styles", etc.
Sorting Your Results
Once you've filtered your results, choose how to sort them:
Kudos
Most popular/well-loved fics first
Date Updated
Recently updated works first
Date Posted
Newest works first
Word Count
Longest or shortest fics first
Hits
Most-viewed fics first
Bookmarks
Most-saved fics first
Pro Tips
Save Your Searches
Bookmark URLs of your filtered searches to quickly return to them later.
Use "Choose Not to Warn" Filter
If you prefer warnings, exclude "Choose Not to Warn" to only see works with specific archive warnings.
Find Hidden Gems
Sort by bookmarks instead of kudos to find works that readers loved enough to save for re-reading.
Filter by Language
Don't forget to set your preferred language in the filters if you're seeing works in multiple languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I exclude tags on AO3?
On the work search page, scroll down to "Other tags to exclude" and enter the tags you want to filter out. You can also click the minus sign next to any tag in the sidebar filters.
How do I find only completed fics on AO3?
In the sidebar filters or advanced search, check the "Complete" checkbox to only show finished works. This is great if you don't want to start a WIP that might never be finished.
How do I search for specific word counts on AO3?
Use the "Word Count" field in the advanced search. Enter a range like "10000-50000" to find medium-length fics, or just ">100000" for epic-length stories.
Can I filter by multiple fandoms?
Yes! In the "Fandoms" include field, enter multiple fandoms separated by commas. This is useful for finding crossover fics between specific fandoms.
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