> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/algolia/docsearch/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Learn about DocSearch and how it can transform your documentation search experience

DocSearch is a free search solution for documentation sites, built and maintained by Algolia. It provides a fast, beautiful, and accessible search experience for your users with minimal setup required.

## What is DocSearch?

DocSearch consists of two main components:

1. **DocSearch Crawler** - A web crawler that extracts content from your documentation and indexes it in Algolia
2. **DocSearch UI** - A JavaScript library that provides a ready-to-use search interface

Together, these components create a seamless search experience that requires minimal configuration and maintenance.

## How It Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Apply for DocSearch">
    Submit your documentation site to the DocSearch program. If you're running an open-source project or technical documentation, you'll get free access to Algolia's search infrastructure.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Crawler Indexes Your Site">
    The DocSearch crawler automatically visits your documentation site, extracts the content, and indexes it in Algolia. This happens regularly to keep your search index up-to-date.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add DocSearch to Your Site">
    Install the DocSearch library and add a few lines of code to your documentation site. The library provides a fully-functional search interface out of the box.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Users Search Your Docs">
    Your users can now search your documentation using keyboard shortcuts, AI-powered answers, and get instant results as they type.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key Features

### Lightning-Fast Search

Powered by Algolia's search engine, DocSearch delivers results in milliseconds, even for large documentation sites with thousands of pages.

### Ask AI

Get intelligent, conversational answers from your documentation using AI. Users can ask natural language questions and receive contextual responses with source citations.

### Multiple Implementations

DocSearch is available in multiple formats:

* **@docsearch/js** - Vanilla JavaScript for any website
* **@docsearch/react** - React component library
* **@docsearch/docusaurus-adapter** - Native Docusaurus integration

### Customizable

Customize every aspect of DocSearch to match your brand:

* Custom colors and themes
* Custom hit templates
* Custom search parameters
* Custom keyboard shortcuts

### Accessibility First

DocSearch is built with accessibility in mind:

* Full keyboard navigation
* ARIA labels and roles
* Screen reader support
* Focus management

### Recent and Favorite Searches

DocSearch remembers your users' search history and allows them to favorite important searches for quick access.

## Who Uses DocSearch?

DocSearch powers search for thousands of documentation sites, including:

* Bootstrap
* React
* Vue.js
* Webpack
* Babel
* MDN Web Docs (previously)
* And thousands more

<Note>
  DocSearch is completely free for open-source projects and technical documentation. If you're building commercial documentation, you can still use DocSearch by setting up your own Algolia account.
</Note>

## Next Steps

Ready to add DocSearch to your documentation?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Get started with DocSearch in minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Apply to DocSearch" icon="paper-plane" href="/crawler/apply">
    Apply for free access to DocSearch
  </Card>
</CardGroup>