Fern search scope by product before cross-doc noise
Scope docs search to the reader's current product or version before one broad index starts answering the wrong product's questions.
Why this can grow a startup
Multi-product docs often become less trustworthy as they grow because search pulls in adjacent but irrelevant answers. Fern's search configuration is unusually direct about that failure mode. It gives teams a softer ranking boost or a stricter default filter tied to the current product or version. That matters because the reader is usually not searching for everything your company ships. They are searching for the answer that fits the page they are already on.
Company example
Fern's `settings.search` options can prioritize the current product in ranking or filter results to the current product by default while still allowing users to broaden the search later.
Source and metric
Source: Fern Docs: Search configuration
Fern documents two current-context search modes: `prioritize-current-product` and `default-filter-by-current-product`.
When to use it
Use this when API docs, Conversion, Developer Tools is relevant to docs search, product fit, versioning and you can run a bounded test with a low budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read Fern Docs: Search configuration and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: API docs, Conversion, Developer Tools.
- Define the test around Fern documents two current-context search modes: `prioritize-current-product` and `default-filter-by-current-product`..
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Turn isolated search tactics into a crawlable visibility system tied to demand and proof.