diff --git a/apps/client/src/widgets/ribbon/SearchDefinitionTab.tsx b/apps/client/src/widgets/ribbon/SearchDefinitionTab.tsx
index 29cbb8212..a5343fd3b 100644
--- a/apps/client/src/widgets/ribbon/SearchDefinitionTab.tsx
+++ b/apps/client/src/widgets/ribbon/SearchDefinitionTab.tsx
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ export default function SearchDefinitionTab({ note, ntxId, hidden, noteContext }
 
         await refreshResults();
 
-        if (noteContext?.viewScope?.viewMode === "default") {
+        if (noteContext?.viewScope?.viewMode === "default" && note.children.length > 0) {
           parentComponent?.triggerCommand("toggleRibbonTabBookProperties", {});
         }
       }