Perceptive Enterprise Search - Local Administration Console introduces the ability to create your own customized query dialog. This allows you (or perhaps an administrator) to create a query dialog that prompts the user to input pieces of information on which they want to search. Behind the scenes, it constructs a query that may be far more complex and powerful than the user could otherwise create.
Custom search forms allow you to create your own search forms using a point and click interface, which can be used from Perceptive Enterprise Search - Local Administration Console as well as Perceptive Enterprise Search. This feature is most useful on structured or semi-structured content, where you may want to combine free-text and fielded searching.
For example, if you use a document management system such as TRIM Context, you could easily create a search form that allows your users to build complex searches based on metadata. You could create a form that allowed them to enter:
To access your custom query forms:
Select Query > Custom Query Forms, this will list any forms that are available or give you the option to create your own. See Custom Query Form Editor for details on creating your own forms.