1. A method for searching for graphical objects in a graphical design using a computer system, the method comprising: defining a graphical search pattern based on input received from a user in a graphical interface displayed on a display device, wherein the search pattern is a graphical object and is defined with a plurality of types of characteristics; searching the graphical design for all matching instances of graphical objects in the graphical design that match the search pattern and match the characteristics specified by the search pattern; and causing a display of at least one of the matching instances on the display device as a result of the searching.