---
title: Search multiple data streams and indices
description: There are two main methods for searching across multiple data streams and indices in Elasticsearch: Query Level: Directly specify indices in the search...
url: https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/reference/elasticsearch/rest-apis/search-multiple-data-streams-indices
products:
  - Elasticsearch
applies_to:
  - Elastic Stack: Generally available
---

# Search multiple data streams and indices
There are two main methods for searching across multiple data streams and indices in Elasticsearch:
- **Query Level**: Directly specify indices in the search request path or use index patterns to target multiple indices.
- **Index level**: Use [index aliases](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3028/manage-data/data-store/aliases), which act as pointers to one or more backing indices, enabling logical grouping and management of indices.

To search multiple data streams and indices, add them as comma-separated values in the [search API](https://www.elastic.co/docs/api/doc/elasticsearch/operation/operation-search)'s request path.
The following request searches the `my-index-000001` and `my-index-000002` indices.
```json

{
  "query": {
    "match": {
      "user.id": "kimchy"
    }
  }
}
```

You can also search multiple data streams and indices using an index pattern.
The following request targets the `my-index-*` index pattern. The request searches any data streams or indices in the cluster that start with `my-index-`.
```json

{
  "query": {
    "match": {
      "user.id": "kimchy"
    }
  }
}
```

You can exclude specific indices from a search. The request will retrieve data from all indices starting with `my-index-`, except for `my-index-01`.
```json

{
  "query": {
    "bool": {
      "must": [
        {
          "match": {
            "user.id": "kimchy"
          }
        }
      ],
      "must_not": [
        {
          "terms": {
            "_index": ["my-index-01"]
          }
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

To search all data streams and indices in a cluster, omit the target from the request path. Alternatively, you can use `_all` or `*`.
The following requests are equivalent and search all data streams and indices in the cluster.
```json

{
  "query": {
    "match": {
      "user.id": "kimchy"
    }
  }
}


{
  "query": {
    "match": {
      "user.id": "kimchy"
    }
  }
}


{
  "query": {
    "match": {
      "user.id": "kimchy"
    }
  }
}
```


## Index boost

When searching multiple indices, you can use the `indices_boost` parameter to boost results from one or more specified indices. This is useful when hits coming from some indices matter more than hits from other.
<note>
  You cannot use `indices_boost` with data streams.
</note>

```json

{
  "indices_boost": [
    { "my-index-000001": 1.4 },
    { "my-index-000002": 1.3 }
  ]
}
```

Aliases and index patterns can also be used:
```json

{
  "indices_boost": [
    { "my-alias":  1.4 },
    { "my-index*": 1.3 }
  ]
}
```

If multiple matches are found, the first match will be used. For example, if an index is included in `alias1` and matches the `my-index*` pattern, a boost value of `1.4` is applied.