# CQL Reference

CQL (Crisisworks Query Language) provides a way to build structured queries including multi-field and multi-register queries which can also be used in many ways including to export data and prepare reports.

The are two main ways to perform a CQL query are:

1. Using the search box within [Register Filters](https://docs.cw.crisisworks.com/concepts-and-fundamentals/on-a-computer/searching-filtering-and-querying-registers#register-filters) (for field based filtering)
2. From the [Search bar](https://docs.cw.crisisworks.com/concepts-and-fundamentals/on-a-computer/searching-filtering-and-querying-registers#search-bar) (for more advanced queries across one or more registers)

Both methods must be performed within a specific register.

For more general information on these methods refer to [Searching & Filtering](https://docs.cw.crisisworks.com/concepts-and-fundamentals/on-a-computer/searching-filtering-and-querying-registers).

Queries are built by performing operations on fields. A full list of available fields can be found in the [Data Dictionary](https://docs.cw.crisisworks.com/security-and-support/technical-reference/broken-reference).