Search input
A search input allows users to look for information from a wide set of possible results.
When to use
Use a search input:
- when you want give users the possibility of finding information that is not immediately visible
- when there could be multiple results from different sources
Don't use a search input:
- when there are limited options a user can pick from (use a dropdown instead)
- if you want users to filter results from a predefined set of options
Best practice
- If you have limited vertical space, use the placeholder instead of the label (but try and use the label wherever possible as it is clearer and more accessible).
- Use the size of the input to suggest how many characters a user should enter — so if you only need a few characters, don’t make it too wide.
- Only use the information message if you have evidence that users need more context.
Content
Label
Label copy should:
be no more than 3 words
be a noun that describes the information the user needs to enter (and not a verb)
Information message (optional)
Information message copy should:
be a single sentence
give some extra context to help the user enter the right information
Placeholder
Placeholder copy should:
be relevant and short
tell the user what to enter (for example, 'Search')
Availability
Platform | Available | Developer documentation |
|---|---|---|
Android | ||
iOS | ||
Web |