How to use a WordPress Plugin In WordPress
Utilizing a plugin is the easiest and most straightforward method to add autocomplete search functionality to your WordPress site. Plugins come with pre-built features and settings, allowing you to implement autocomplete without any coding knowledge.
Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “autocomplete search” or a specific plugin like “Ajax Search Lite”.
- Install and activate the plugin.
Autocomplete Plugin
Step 2: Configure the Plugin Settings
- Once activated, go to the plugin settings.
- Customize the search settings as per your requirements.
- Adjust the appearance, data sources, and other options.
Step 3: Embed the Search Form
- Use the provided short code or widget to place the search form on your desired location, such as the sidebar or header.
// In a widget area
echo do_shortcode('[wpdreams_asp_search]');
Autocomplete Plugin Active
Example: Using the “Ajax Search Lite” plugin:
- Install and Activate:
- Configure Settings:
- Embed Search Form
Output: When users start typing in the search box, they’ll see suggestions based on their input, providing an intuitive and fast search experience.
Ajax Search Lite Plugin
How to Add Autocomplete Search to WordPress?
Adding an autocomplete search feature to your WordPress website can significantly enhance user experience by providing instant search suggestions as users type. This functionality is particularly useful for websites with a large amount of content, helping users find what they’re looking for more efficiently. In this article, we will explore various approaches to implementing autocomplete search in WordPress, detailing each method step-by-step.
These are the following approaches:
Table of Content
- Using a WordPress Plugin
- Implementing Custom Code with jQuery UI
- Using an External Service (e.g. Algolia)
- Implementing Custom Code with JavaScript and AJAX