Life Detection alerted the Force-sensitive as soon as the Force-user pointed their senses toward a location or specific being, even at long range. The Force user could also determine if another being was a friend or foe through noticing the life signatures, but that could change should they grow hostile or docile toward the user. The signatures of friendly colleagues or locals usually gave off a warm, reassuring glow that would be instantly distinguishable from the anger of an enemy. Some Padawans could even feel the living presence of their Jedi Master light-years away thanks to the shared Force Bond.
The power was even active subconsciously, with a general range of ten meters around the Force-sensitive. When a life form entered within range of the Force user, they got a warning that the individual or creature was there, as well as their location. The Force user could also determine whether or not the new arrival had access to the Force, and if the arrival was known to the Force user, then their identity was known to them. The power also allowed the user know when one was accessing the Force. Life Detection could also determine whether or not a Force-sensitive in a hibernation trance was still alive or not.