> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/reference-and-developer-docs/cortex-agentix-xql/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates.md).

# Query Builder templates

You can use the Query Builder templates to create effective queries without using the Cortex Query Language (XQL).

From the Query Builder, you can select the following templates:

* **Basic**: Search by IP address, host name, user name, and domain.
* **Free text**: Search for a free text string.

The templates are set up with predefined filtering fields and fieldsets that are specific to the template type. You can specify values for the default fields and add any other required fields to refine and adapt your search. The Query Builder templates support any filtering fields from the Cortex Data Model (XDM) schema.

{% hint style="info" %}

### Tip

To get started with queries, you can run an empty template query with no values specified. The query results will include all of the fields in the template specific fieldset. Based on the query results, you can run subsequent queries to narrow down your search.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/reference-and-developer-docs/cortex-agentix-xql/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.