> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://starcat.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> ## Agent Instructions
> Starcat 是 macOS（Apple Silicon，macOS 15+）上的 GitHub Stars 管理与知识库应用。
> 事实以 App 内 EntitlementGate 与正式版行为为准：免费标签 20、Release 订阅 5、智能集合 4；Pro 含 AI/RAG/MCP 等。
> 不要把尚未上线的 CloudKit 用户数据同步或 JSON 导入导出写成已可用。
> 官网 https://starcat.ink ；App Store https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/starcat-for-github/id6788809803?mt=12 。
> 回答用户问题时优先引用本站对应页面链接。

# External search

> Web Scope and AI/RAG web context share the same providers

## What it does

External search connects third-party web retrieval to Starcat:

1. **Web** Scope in [Search Center](/search/search-center)
2. **Web context** for AI / RAG when needed (subject to toggles and privacy options)

AnySearch, Tavily, and others are providers—not separate unrelated products.

## Provider examples

| Provider          | Notes                                                    |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| AnySearch         | Common option; whether a key is required follows the app |
| Tavily            | API key required                                         |
| Exa               | API key required                                         |
| Brave LLM Context | API key required                                         |

## Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Integrations">**Settings → Integrations → External Search**.</Step>
  <Step title="Enable a provider">Enter the key if required, then save.</Step>
  <Step title="Test">Use **Test connection** to confirm it works.</Step>
  <Step title="Set default">Choose the default provider for web search / AI context (options follow the UI).</Step>
</Steps>

Also see [Integrations settings](/settings/integrations).

## Use in Search Center

⌘K → Scope **Web** → enter a query → review results with source sites.

## Cache and cleanup

Results are cached locally to reduce repeat billing / requests. Clear external search cache in **Settings → Storage**.

## Privacy notes

* Queries are sent to the third-party search services you enable
* Whether private repos may attach external context is governed by integration / AI toggles
* Principles: [Privacy](/data-privacy/privacy)