CQL (Confluence Query Language) is used by confluence_search to find content. You can also use simple text queries that automatically use siteSearch.
Basic Syntax
CQL queries follow the pattern: field operator value
Common Operators
Common Fields
Search Types
CQL Query
Pass a CQL string directly:
Simple Text Search
Pass plain text — confluence_search auto-detects and uses siteSearch:
Practical Patterns
Pages in a Space
Recently Modified Content
Content with Specific Label
Personal Space Search
Personal space keys starting with ~ must be quoted in CQL: space = "~username"
Pages Under a Parent
Full Text Search in Space
Tips
For simple searches, just pass plain text to confluence_search — it uses siteSearch by default, which mimics the Confluence web UI search.
Use siteSearch for relevance-ranked results: siteSearch ~ "important concept"
CQL syntax can differ slightly between Cloud and Server/DC. Test your queries if migrating between platforms.