1. A method for searching for graphical objects in a graphical circuit design using a computer system, the method comprising: defining a graphical search pattern as a graphical object in a graphical interface displayed on a display device, wherein the graphical search pattern is defined with a plurality of types of characteristics, wherein the plurality of types of characteristics include a graphical edge of the graphical search pattern; receiving a tolerance parameter applying to the graphical edge, wherein the tolerance parameter defines a range of positions for the graphical edge of the graphical search pattern such that any instance having an edge within the range of positions is considered to match the graphical edge; graphically displaying the tolerance parameter on the display device as a graphical area shape displayed adjacent to the graphical edge, the graphical area shape having a size based on the range of positions defined by the tolerance parameter; searching the graphical circuit design for all matching instances of graphical objects in the graphical circuit design that match the graphical search pattern and match the characteristics specified by the graphical search pattern based on the tolerance parameter, wherein the searching includes comparing the characteristics specified by the graphical search pattern to characteristics of a plurality of instances of graphical objects in the graphical circuit design; and causing a display of at least one of the matching instances on the display device as a result of the searching.