Universal ID Lookup
export const meta = { title: 'Universal ID lookup', description: 'Open supported records directly from shared prefixed IDs and route to the correct page automatically, even when organization switching is required.', tags: ['reference'], };
Universal ID lookup lets you open supported records from a shared prefixed ID instead of navigating through the app manually. Use it when a teammate shares an ID and you want Canary to take you to the correct record automatically.
01When to use Universal ID lookup
Use Universal ID lookup when you already have a record ID and want to jump straight to the matching page. This is especially useful in handoffs, bug reports, release reviews, and internal discussions where teams share IDs across links, notes, or messages.
Universal ID lookup helps you move between supported records without first opening the owning area of the product. If the record belongs to another organization that you can access, Canary prompts you to switch before opening it.
02How prefixed IDs work
Universal ID lookup relies on shared IDs that include a type prefix. The prefix tells Canary which kind of record to open, so the app can route you to the right page automatically.
A prefixed ID is a user-facing identifier such as tsk_1234 or rel_1234. Enter or open the shared ID exactly as provided so Canary can recognize the record type and send you to the correct destination.
Supported record types
Universal ID lookup supports a defined set of record types. Supported prefixes may expand over time, but only records with a recognized shared prefix open through this flow.
| Record type | Example prefixed ID | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Task | tsk_1234 | Opens the matching task record |
| Release | rel_1234 | Opens the matching release record |
| Supported shared record | prefix_1234 | Routes to the matching page for that record type |
If Canary does not recognize the prefix, it cannot route the ID to a record page. In that case, verify that the ID was copied correctly and that the record type is currently supported.
Organization switching behavior
Some shared IDs point to records in a different organization than the one you currently have open. When that happens, Canary checks whether you have access to the destination organization.
If you do, Canary prompts you to switch organizations before opening the record. If you do not have access, you cannot open the record from that ID.
03Opening records from shared IDs
Open a supported record from its prefixed ID in just a few steps:
- Copy the full shared prefixed ID.
- Paste or open the ID through the Universal ID lookup entry point in Canary.
- Confirm the organization switch if Canary prompts you.
- Review the destination record page that opens automatically.
Use the full ID, including the prefix. If you remove or change the prefix, Canary may not be able to identify the record type correctly.
04Limitations and expected prompts
Universal ID lookup only works for supported record types with recognized shared prefixes. Not every record in Canary is available through this entry point.
Expect a prompt when the destination record belongs to another organization you can access. You may also need to verify the ID if it is incomplete, mistyped, or copied without its prefix.
Universal ID lookup does not bypass permissions. You can only open records that are available to your account in the destination organization.
05Best practices
- Share the complete prefixed ID, not just the numeric or trailing portion.
- Confirm that teammates have access to the destination organization before sending cross-org IDs.
- Use shared IDs in task discussions, release reviews, and support handoffs to reduce navigation time.
- Re-copy the ID from Canary if a pasted value does not open as expected.
- Treat Universal ID lookup as a quick entry point, then continue your work from the destination record page.