Identify

A
Utility

Identify is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that reveals an item’s secrets or active magic on a creature, giving you the key
information

Identify is a Information spell. Information spells provide ways to transmit, perceive, detect, or reveal hidden or unknown information.

See all Information spells →
 you need to use it.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
1 minute or Ritual
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pearl worth 100+ GP)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Artificer, Bard, Wizard
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

You touch an object throughout the spell's casting. If the object is a magic item or some other magical object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires Attunement, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any ongoing spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn that spell's name.

If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn which ongoing spells, if any, are currently affecting it.

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level divination
Casting Time
1 minute or Ritual
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pearl worth at least 100 gp and an owl feather)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Artificer, Bard, Wizard
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

You choose one object that you must touch throughout the casting of the spell. If it is a magic item or some other magic-imbued object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires attunement to use, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn which spell created it.

If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn what spells, if any, are currently affecting it.

Identify 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Identify popularity

How popular is Identify? It is one of the most popular spells in the game, but is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may not be the most inspiring but may still be useful.

Read about how this popularity data is calculated.

Spells similar to Identify