A search bar is an essential feature for improving user experience, allowing visitors to quickly find relevant content on your website. Adding a search bar to your WordPress menu makes navigation more intuitive and increases engagement. In this guide, we’ll cover multiple ways to add a search bar to your WordPress menu.

Why Add a Search Bar to Your WordPress Menu?

• Enhances User Experience – Visitors can easily find content without browsing through multiple pages.
• Improves SEO – Helps users discover relevant content, increasing page views and reducing bounce rates.
• Boosts Engagement – Encourages visitors to explore more content on your site.

Methods to Add a Search Bar to Your WordPress Menu

1. Using the Built-in WordPress Search Widget

WordPress includes a built-in search widget that you can add to widgetized areas, but it doesn’t automatically appear in the menu. Here’s how you can integrate it:

Steps:

1. Navigate to Appearance → Widgets.
2. Locate the Search widget and add it to a widgetized area, such as the sidebar.
3. If your theme supports widgetized menus, drag the search widget into the menu widget area.

This method works only if your theme allows widgets in menus.

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2. Using a WordPress Search Plugin

Plugins offer a simple way to add a search bar to your menu with additional customization options.

Recommended Plugins:

• Ivory Search – Adds an advanced search bar to menus and pages.
• SearchWP Live Ajax Search – Provides a real-time, dynamic search experience.
• Relevanssi – Improves search accuracy and relevance.

Steps to Use a Plugin:

1. Install and activate a search plugin (e.g., Ivory Search).
2. Go to Ivory Search → Search Form and customize the search settings.
3. Copy the generated shortcode.
4. Navigate to Appearance → Menus.
5. Click Custom Links, paste the shortcode, and save.

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3. Adding a Search Bar Using Code (for Developers)

If you prefer a manual approach, adding a search bar via code ensures flexibility and control.

Steps:

1. Go to Appearance → Theme Editor.
2. Open the functions.php file.

Add the following code to enable a search form in the menu:
function add_search_form_to_menu($items, $args) {

    if ($args->theme_location == ‘primary’) {

        $items .= ‘<li class=”menu-search”>’ . get_search_form(false) . ‘</li>’;

    }

    return $items;

}

add_filter(‘wp_nav_menu_items’, ‘add_search_form_to_menu’, 10, 2);

4. Save changes and refresh your website.

This method requires basic PHP knowledge but offers full control over styling and placement.

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4. Adding a Search Bar via Theme Customizer

Some WordPress themes come with built-in search options for the menu.

Steps:

1. Go to Appearance → Customize.
2. Check if your theme has a Menu Search option under Header or Navigation settings.
3. Enable it and adjust styling if available.

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Final Thoughts

Adding a search bar to your WordPress menu enhances website usability and improves navigation. Whether you choose a plugin, a simple widget, or custom code, this feature will make it easier for visitors to explore your content efficiently.