Tracy Rotton

<p>By default, the “Search” widget in WordPress will include the searchform.php template file in your theme (if it exists), or the search code in wp-includes/general-template.php (if it doesn’t). However, if you want a distinctive search form (or forms!) to use as a widget, this allows you to enter it in using the “searchform-identifier.php” format that you can use to distinguish other templates elsewhere in your theme.  You just have to have that file set up in your theme with the HTML you want to use.</p>
<p>Example: If you want to have a distinct searchform file specifically for your widgets, create the template file and call it something like “searchform-widget.php” (what goes between the dash and the dot is up to you, so long as it meets filename requirements). In the “Template” field of the widget settings, enter only “widget”, and that searchform file will be called in your widget automagically.</p>
<p>Note: Actually coding the search form is up to you. That requires some theming skillz, but I have confidence in you!</p>
<p>To Do: Make a short-code version of this, for use in pages and posts.</p>


TC Specify Search Form

Replaces the default WordPress "Search" widget with one that will use a customized searchform template in your theme.

ezPlugins

<p>ez Ajax Search allows your visitors to search your WordPress site in real time without having to reload the page. Get instant results of selected post types such as pages, posts and even WooCommerce products.</p>
<p>The plugin is simple to use and comes with an intuitive user interface that lets you create an ajax search feature within minutes!</p>
<h4>Live Demo</h4>
<p><a href="http://ez-ajax-search.ezplugins.de/" rel="nofollow ugc">Frontend</a></p>
<h4>Features</h4>
<ul>
<li>Create a search box for your WordPress site with ease</li>
<li>Instant search results without page reloading (AJAX)</li>
<li>Two in-built themes + style customizer</li>
<li>Choose the content to search from like pages, posts, products, portfolio etc.</li>
<li>WooCommerce ready (search products)</li>
<li>Translation ready (e.g. WPML)</li>
<li>All settings are documented and easy to understand. The plugin also comes with a quick-start guide.</li>
<li>Satisfy your customers’ searching experience!</li>
</ul>


EZ Ajax Search

ez Ajax Search allows your visitors to search your WordPress site in real time without having to reload the page. Get instant results of selected post …

TC Specify Search Form vs EZ Ajax Search