> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shovels.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Shovels Online Works

> Learn how to use Shovels Online to search for building permits and contractors anywhere in the USA, including search functionality, permit statuses, and data export options.

Shovels Online is a powerful web-based tool to help you find building permits and contractors anywhere in the USA.

## Search Functionality

### How Does the Search Work?

The Shovels dashboard uses an **"AND" search logic**. When you select multiple search criteria, the results show permits that match ALL selected criteria, not just one or the other.

### Keyword Search

You can search by description keywords. This is useful for finding:

* Specific brand names (like Tesla)
* Building materials
* Equipment types (such as heat pumps)

<Info>
  The search system does not account for typos or terminology variations. Contractors may use different abbreviations (like "SFR" instead of "single family residence"), so keep this in mind when searching.
</Info>

## Permit Statuses

Permits in Shovels Online can have the following statuses:

| Status          | Meaning                                             |
| --------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| **Applied For** | The permit is in review                             |
| **Active**      | The permit has been approved                        |
| **Finaled**     | The permit is fully completed                       |
| **Inactive**    | No date changes observed for this permit in a while |

Learn more in our [permit status details](/docs/knowledge-base/data/permits/permit-statuses) article.

## Contractor Search

Search for contractors based on the types of permits they've pulled. The contractor search provides:

* Business names
* Total lifetime number of permits pulled
* Detailed contractor information (for subscribers)
* Contact information
* History of permits pulled

<Warning>
  Not all permits include contractor information. Some jurisdictions don't require contractors to provide their contact details.
</Warning>

## Permit Search

When viewing permits, you'll see:

* Permit status
* Address (when available)
* Detailed information about the work being done

Note that some permits may not have addresses—this is common with new construction permits where an address hasn't been assigned yet.

## Data Export

Paying customers can download search results as CSV files. This feature is not available on trial accounts.

## Contact Information

* **Support questions:** [support@shovels.ai](mailto:support@shovels.ai)
* **Sales inquiries:** [sales@shovels.ai](mailto:sales@shovels.ai)

## Related Articles

* [Free trial guide](/docs/knowledge-base/getting-started/free-trial-guide)
* [Search functionality](/docs/knowledge-base/shovels-online/search-functionality)
* [Filters and sorting](/docs/knowledge-base/shovels-online/filters-and-sorting)
* [Why am I getting so few results?](/docs/knowledge-base/data/quality/few-results)
* [How do I cancel my subscription?](/docs/knowledge-base/shovels-online/cancel-subscription)