How to Use Parentheses in the Criteria Tab of a NetSuite Saved Search

In NetSuite saved searches, parentheses (parens) are used in the Criteria tab to group logical conditions — similar to how you would use parentheses in SQL or boolean logic. This allows you to build complex AND/OR logic combinations effectively.

How to Use Parentheses in Criteria Tab

Steps:

1. Go to Reports → Saved Searches → All Saved Searches (or your custom record’s search).
2. Edit or create a Saved Search.
3. In the Criteria tab:

• Click “Add Filter” to add your filters.
• Once filters are added, click “Use Expressions” (checkbox at the top).
• This will expose a new column called “Formula”.

1. In the “Formula” column, you can:

• Assign AND / OR between conditions.
• Use ( ) to group related conditions.

Example:

Grouping Conditions with Parentheses

You want to return records where:

• (Type = Invoice OR Type = Sales Order)
• AND
• (Status is not Closed)

Your saved search criteria would look like:

You set:

• “(” before the first condition
• “)” after the last OR condition
• “AND” before the final standalone condition

Tips

• Always enable “Use Expressions” to activate parens and logic options.
• Nesting works too, e.g.:

((Type = Invoice OR Type = Sales Order) AND (Location = California OR Location = Nevada))

• Watch for logical priority mistakes, especially with OR clauses — grouping ensures the right evaluations