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There are two main ways to conduct a search. First is using the Sign to Word Search, and the other is to search with an English word. For the English search, you only need to type the word that you are looking for.

The Sign to Word Search is for searching features that create an ASL sign, for example handshapes, locations, and movements. By clicking on the symbols on the top of this page, the search box will be filled with codes to aid in your search.

The basic structure of all signs follow a SignSpelling order. First is the first hand's handshape. Then the location of that handshape. Next is the second hand's handshape and its location. This can be replaced by the "null" handshape (Ø) if there is no second hand for the sign, such as a one-handed sign. If both hands are in "neutral space" (񏁡), either surface contact (񆞁) if hands are touching or spatial relation (񎾡 or 񏀁) if hands don't touch. Then the sequence of contact and movement are used following the temporal sequence as they occur. Finally, any facial or body movements necessary for the sign are used. So the basic order of SignSpelling is primary hand handshape, primary hand location, second hand handshape, second hand location, surface/spatial, contacts/movements, and facial/body movements.

To search for any feature within a group, click on the group's title. For example, to search for a sign that has a handshape that uses all 5 fingers, click on the title for the "Five Fingers" group.

It is possible to refine the search by using palm facing (or fills for symbols not relating to handshapes) and rotations found by clicking on the "more" button. Selecting a symbol in the Palm Facing or Fill group will give a specific palm facing or fill. For handshapes, 񀀁 is when the palm faces the signer, 񀀑 is when the side of the hand faces the signer, 񀀡 is when the back of the hand faces the signer, 񀀱 is when the palm faces up, 񀁁 is when the side of the hand faces up, and 񀁑 is when the back of the hand faces up. Selecting a symbol in the Rotation group will give a specific rotation, where last 8 (񀀉 񀀊 񀀋 񀀌 񀀍 񀀎 񀀏 񀀐) are a mirror reflection of the first 8 (񀀁 񀀂 񀀃 񀀄 񀀅 񀀆 񀀇 񀀈).

To search for a symbol or range of symbols that are used in the writing of a sign rather than in the spelling order, use the escape code "T" before selecting the corresponding symbol or range of symbols.