Advanced AI search: reasoned search

Reasoned search is the most advanced search mode in Polimake. It combines semantic search with AI reasoning to understand complex concepts and find images that match not only visually, but also conceptually with what you're looking for.

This guide will show you when and how to use reasoned search, what sets it apart from other modes, and how to get the most out of it for complex searches.

What is reasoned search?

Reasoned search is a two-step process:

1. Initial semantic search: Finds relevant candidates using embeddings
2. AI reasoning: An advanced AI model analyzes and re-ranks the results based on deep contextual understanding

The result is a search that not only finds similar images, but also understands the context and intent behind your search.

How it works

Two-stage process

Stage 1 - Semantic search:

• Your query is converted into an embedding
• Candidate images are found by similarity
• An initial set of results is obtained

Stage 2 - AI reasoning:

• An advanced AI model (such as Gemini) analyzes each result
• It compares the content of each image with your search
• It re-ranks the results by contextual relevance
• It delivers more precise and contextually relevant results

The advantage of reasoning

AI reasoning makes it possible to:

• Understand context: Grasp the intent behind your search
• Relate concepts: Connect related ideas intelligently
• Prioritize relevance: Show what you really need first
• Filter out noise: Eliminate results that only match superficially

When to use reasoned search

Ideal cases

Reasoned search is best for:

• Complex searches with multiple related concepts
• Abstract concepts that require interpretation
• Very specific searches where precision is critical
• Cases where simple semantics isn't enough

Usage examples

Complex search:

• "images that convey professionalism and trust for a corporate presentation"
• Reasoned search understands the combination of concepts and the context of use

Abstract concept:

• "photographs that capture the essence of Mediterranean summer"
• It understands not only visible objects, but also the "feeling" or "essence"

Specific search with context:

• "luxury products on an elegant background for a premium campaign"
• It combines multiple criteria (product, style, background, purpose)

How to use reasoned search

Activating the mode

To use reasoned search:

1. Click the search bar
2. Select "Reasoned" mode (advanced brain or AI+ icon)
3. Type your search as you normally would
4. Press Enter and wait for the results

Visual indicator: The icon in the search bar shows that you're in reasoned mode.

Writing effective searches

To take advantage of reasoning:

Be descriptive and contextual:

• ✅ "images of tech products on a minimalist background for a website"
• ✅ "nature photographs that convey calm and peace"
• ✅ "professional corporate images for a company presentation"

Include the context of use:

• Mention what you'll use the image for
• Describe the desired mood or feeling
• Specify the required style or aesthetic

Combine related concepts:

• Don't be afraid to be specific
• Combine multiple criteria
• Describe the intent, not just objects

Waiting for results

Reasoned search:

• Takes more time than semantic search (it can be 10-30 seconds)
• Shows progress while processing
• Delivers more precise and relevant results

Patience: The extra time is worth it for the improved precision.

Comparison with other modes

Reasoned vs. Semantic

Semantic search:

• Fast (seconds)
• Good for discovery
• Based on visual/conceptual similarity
• Ideal for most searches

Reasoned search:

• Slower (10-30 seconds)
• More precise and contextual
• Uses advanced reasoning
• Ideal for complex searches

When to use each: Use semantic for quick, general searches, reasoned for complex searches where precision matters.

Reasoned vs. Basic

Basic search:

• Instant
• Searches by file name
• Requires knowing the name

Reasoned search:

• Slower but smarter
• Searches by content and context
• Doesn't require knowing the name

They're complementary: Use basic when you remember the name, reasoned when you're searching by a complex concept.

Reasoned search results

Improved ranking

The results are shown:

• Re-ranked by contextual relevance: The most relevant first
• With better precision: Results that truly match your intent
• Intelligently filtered: Fewer irrelevant results

Interpreting results

Reasoned results:

• Match your intent better
• Understand the context of use
• Relate concepts intelligently
• Prioritize relevance over quantity

Tip: The first results are usually very precise. If you don't find what you're looking for, consider refining your search or using more specific terms.

Best practices

Use it for complex searches

Reserve reasoned for:

• Searches with multiple criteria
• Abstract or emotional concepts
• Cases where precision is critical
• Searches with specific context

Be specific but natural

Write the way you'd describe the image to a designer:

• ✅ "photographs of fashion products on a neutral background with professional lighting for a catalog"
• ✅ "nature images that capture the serenity of dawn in the mountains"
• ❌ "photos"
• ❌ "jpg images of products"

Combine it with other methods

For maximum efficiency:

1. Start with semantic for fast discovery
2. Refine with reasoned if you need more precision
3. Use basic if you remember the file name

Limitations and considerations

Processing time

Reasoned search:

• Takes longer than other modes (typically 10-30 seconds)
• Requires more processing resources
• Is worth it for complex searches

Tip: Use semantic first, and only use reasoned if you need more precision.

Very generic searches

For very simple searches:

• It may be overkill - semantic may be enough
• There's no advantage over semantic for simple searches
• Better to use semantic for general searches

Availability

Reasoned search:

• May require that images be analyzed
• Depends on external AI services
• May have limits depending on your plan

FAQ about reasoned search

How long does a reasoned search take?
Typically 10-30 seconds, depending on the complexity of the search and the number of images in your project.

Can I use reasoned for all searches?
Technically yes, but it's slower. Use reasoned for complex searches where precision matters, semantic for quick searches.

Are the results better than semantic?
Yes, for complex searches. For simple searches, the difference may not be noticeable and semantic is faster.

Can I combine reasoned with filters?
Yes, you can combine reasoned search with folder filters or others that are available.

Does it work better with certain types of images?
It works well with most images, but it's especially effective when images have clear, recognizable content that can be analyzed contextually.

Is there a limit to search complexity?
There's no technical limit, but extremely complex searches may take longer. Be specific but concise.

Conclusion

Reasoned search is your tool for complex searches where precision and context matter. Although it takes more time than other modes, the improved results are worth it for specific cases.

For most everyday searches, semantic search is faster and sufficient. Use reasoned when you need that extra precision.

Next steps

1. Try reasoned search with a complex query
2. Compare results with semantic search
3. Experiment with abstract concepts and context
4. Integrate it into your workflow for critical searches
5. Combine it with other modes depending on the situation

Master Polimake's smartest search!