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SearchInput

A SearchInput allows users to enter and submit a search query.

Guidelines

Using search inputs

Use the SearchInput component when you need users to perform text-based searches for specific content, like finding results on a page.

Avoid using SearchInput if you require a predictive list of options in a menu while users type within the input field. In such cases, use TypeaheadSearch instead.

Avoid using SearchInput to enable users to search a dataset of options for a form field. Instead, use Lookup.

Specifications

Specification of SearchInput.

Search inputs may include the following elements:

  1. Input
    A text input where users can type their search queries. The input features the 'search' icon for clarity and should also include a placeholder to clarify its purpose.
  2. Button (optional)
    The input can be accompanied with a button, either a text button or an icon-only one, in order to trigger the search action. It's crucial not to customize the label of the search button and consistently employ the term "Search" or its appropriate translation. Additionally, avoid using long text within this button.

Since the SearchInput component uses a TextInput), the input's minimum width defaults to @size-1600 (equivalent to 256px in the default Codex theme). However, it can be adjusted to a narrower width if necessary. The SearchInput button, if visible, does not contribute to this minimum width.

There's no maximum width constraint. If the input text exceeds the available space, it will overflow horizontally.

Refer to the SearchInput component in Codex Figma.

Types

The SearchInput component can be categorized based on the visibility and type of button it contains:

Without button

The SearchInput can consist of the input field alone or include the decorative icon. In this scenario, using the icon is suggested to emphasize that the input serves as a search input, distinguishing it from a simple text input.

SearchInput without button.

With text button

The SearchInput also has the option to feature a text button to initiate the search process.

SearchInput with text button.

With icon-only button

The SearchInput can also include an icon-only button, particularly useful when space needs to be conserved by omitting the button text, such as on mobile devices. In such instances, since the 'search' icon will already be present on the button, there's no need to replicate it within the input. In this case, refrain from using an icon within the input field to avoid duplication with the icon in the button.

SearchInput with icon-only button.

Interaction states

Search inputs have the following visually separate states:

Interaction states of SearchInput: default, hover, active-focus, and filled.

  1. Default
  2. Hover
  3. Active - Focus
  4. Filled

Best practices

Consider the following recommendations when using SearchInput.

Icon

SearchInput using the ‘search’ icon.

Do:
  • Use the ‘search’ icon in the SearchInput.

SearchInput using the ‘userActive’ icon.

Don't:
  • Replace the ‘search’ icon with any other icon.

Search button

Two SearchInputs: one with an icon-only search button and the other with a text-only search button.

Do:
  • Use the icon-only button when necessary, especially on small screens like mobile devices.
  • Ensure the copy is concise and includes the term "Search" or an appropriate translation when using the text button.

SearchInput with a lengthy search button and a ‘search’ icon in both the input field and the button.

Don't:
  • Duplicate the term "Search" in both the search button and the placeholder text. In such cases, consider hiding the placeholder.
  • Use the ‘search’ icon simultaneously in both the input field and the button.
  • Customize the copy of the search button or make it lengthy.

Keyboard navigation

KeyFunction
EnterIt submits the search query or performs the search action when the focus is placed on the search button.
EscIt clears the input when there is typed text there.

Demos

Open the console to see emitted events.

Default, with placeholder

The placeholder attribute will be passed down to the <input> element.

NameValue
View
Reading direction

With button

This example provides a buttonLabel prop, which enables the submit button.

Clearable

The clearable prop from the TextInput component adds a "clear" button when input is present.

Form field

A SearchInput can be wrapped in a Field component, but this is not recommended. Although SearchInput uses a TextInput, it's not a form item intended to collect user input; instead, it triggers an action. Refer to the Field guidelines for more information.

Vue usage

This component contains a TextInput with a preset start icon and input type. A button can be added by providing the buttonLabel prop.

The default slot allows you to pass in an options menu that can be absolutely positioned to line up with the text input, e.g. a list of autocomplete options. Refer to TypeaheadSearch for an example.

TextInput props apply

This component contains a TextInput component. You can bind TextInput props to this component and they will be passed to the TextInput within.

Attributes passed to input

This component will pass any HTML attributes applied to it, except for CSS class, to the <input> element within the component.

Props

Prop nameDescriptionTypeDefault
modelValueValue of the search input, provided by v-model binding in the parent component.string|number''
buttonLabelSubmit button text.

If this is provided, a submit button with this label will be added.
string''
disabledWhether the search input is disabled.booleanfalse
statusstatus property of the TextInput componentValidationStatusType'default'

Methods

Method nameDescriptionSignature
focusFocus the component's input element.Returns: void

Events

Event namePropertiesDescription
inputevent InputEventWhen the input value changes via direct use of the input
changeevent EventWhen an input value change is committed by the user (e.g. on blur)
focusevent FocusEventWhen the input comes into focus
blurevent FocusEventWhen the input loses focus
update:modelValuevalue string|number - The new valueWhen the input value changes
submit-clickvalue string|number - The current inputWhen the submit button is clicked.

Slots

NameDescriptionBindings
defaultA slot for passing in an options menu that needs to be positioned

CSS-only version

Markup structure

The basic CSS-only SearchInput component is a CSS-only TextInput with type="search" and a start icon, wrapped in a <div> with the CSS class .cdx-search-input. The CSS-only search icon is set up for you, so you do not need to include it in your Less code.

With button

To add a button to the CSS-only SearchInput, do the following:

  • Add the .cdx-search-input--has-end-button class to the root element
  • Wrap the CSS-only TextInput component in a div with the class .cdx-search-input__input-wrapper
  • Add a CSS-only button with the classes .cdx-button and .cdx-search-input__end-button