Search
Search is an essential pattern for navigation or discovery. We live in the age of search, where a search engine is often the primary entry point into the internet. User expectations are high for the way search should work, and consistency is critical.
Overview
Searching is an intuitive method of discovery, offering users a way to explore a website or application using keywords. Most searches begin broad, with the scope narrowing as filters are applied.
The method of search you use depends on the size of the data set being searched and the location of the search within your product.
The placement of your search field depends on the construction of your application and the scope of the search. For global searches, see the global header pattern for placement guidance. See the data table component for search placement within a data table.
Anatomy

- Scope filter (optional): The optional scoped search allows users to limit their searches to a section or category of content on a website.
- Search icon: Signifies a search field. The magnifying glass icon is a universal way to indicate search.
- Placeholder text: Useful and short text hinting at what the user can search for. For example, “Search for networks or devices.”
- Text entry field: The place where a user enters their search query.
Types of search
- — Searching a catalog
— Searching a small website
— Searching a small data set within a table
— Searching a subset of information embedded within a product or application’s page
- — Assigned tasks
— Product catalogs
— Personal repositories
— Work created by the active user
Best practices
Avoid dead ends
If a search returns “No results”, suggest a follow-up action. Provide suggestions and helpful resources to aid the user in finding what they are looking for. For more on no results for searches, see the empty states pattern.
Include a loading indicator
If the search will take longer than a moment or two, include a loading indicator. Your loading state should reflect your empty state with useful helper text signaling that the search is still ongoing. Include a progress bar for advanced, resource-intensive searches. Let the user know how far along the search is, and roughly how long it will take to finish.
Display the number of results
Always include the number of search results, including for searches with no results. If you plan to offer a scope filter, also include the number of results for each scope selector.
Don’t include a label
Avoid adding a label to your search field. Users expect and understand search fields, and no label is necessary. A search icon along with useful placeholder text should clearly indicate that the field is intended for search.

Provide useful placeholder text and include a search icon.

Don’t include a label for search fields.
Localize the search field
For languages that read right to left, flip the layout of the search box as shown in the next example.
