> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hex-rays.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hex-rays.com/ida-9.5/ida-actions/askbinarytext.md).
# AskBinaryText
## Description
This command searches for the specified substring in the file being disassembled. This command can be used for fast lookups of text strings in the executable file or even to find references to a data. You can interrupt it pressing Ctrl + Break.
If a range is selected using anchor (`Anchor` action), IDA will search for the specified substring in the range.
The substring is specified like this:
```
"This is substring to search"
```
i.e., in the double quotes. Also you can specify individual byte values as numbers:
```
6A 10
```
Follow this link to learn more about the format of the input string.
For example, if you want to find a reference to the following string:
```
35F2:106A db 'Hello',0
```
you could search for number 106A in the file.
See also:
* [Binary string format](/ida-9.5/core/disassembler/concepts/binary-string-format.md)
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://docs.hex-rays.com/ida-9.5/ida-actions/askbinarytext.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.