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.

philhoyt

<p>The Search Modal Block enhances your WordPress site with a modern, popup search interface that’s both beautiful and functional. Built specifically for the block editor (Gutenberg), it provides a seamless way to add search functionality to any part of your content.</p>
<p><strong>Key Features:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Clean, minimal design that works with any theme</li>
<li>Fully responsive layout</li>
<li>Accessibility-ready with ARIA labels and keyboard navigation</li>
<li>Customizable text elements:
<ul>
<li>Search input placeholder</li>
<li>Search button text</li>
<li>Screen reader labels</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Focus-visible support for better keyboard navigation</li>
<li>Seamless integration with WordPress search</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Perfect For:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Minimalist themes needing an elegant search solution</li>
<li>Sites wanting to improve their search UX</li>
<li>Accessibility-focused websites</li>
<li>Any WordPress site using the block editor</li>
</ul>
<h3>Development</h3>
<p>This block is built using the WordPress Create Block tool, ensuring compatibility with modern WordPress standards and practices. The source code is available in the plugin’s <code>/src</code> directory.</p>
<h4>Building from Source</h4>
<p>To build the plugin from source:</p>
<ol>
<li>Clone the repository</li>
<li>Install dependencies with <code>npm install</code></li>
<li>Run <code>npm run build</code> to build the production files</li>
<li>For development, use <code>npm run start</code> to start the development server</li>
</ol>
<p>The build process uses @wordpress/scripts to compile and minify the JavaScript and CSS files. The source code for the compiled files in the <code>/build</code> directory can be found in the <code>/src</code> directory.</p>
<h4>Development Dependencies</h4>
<ul>
<li>@wordpress/scripts: ^27.9.0</li>
<li>@wordpress/eslint-plugin: ^21.4.0</li>
<li>@wordpress/stylelint-config: ^21.41.0</li>
<li>eslint: ^8.57.1</li>
</ul>
<p>The complete source code is available on GitHub: https://github.com/philhoyt/search-modal-block</p>
<h3>Credits</h3>
<p>This plugin uses the following third-party libraries:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://micromodal.vercel.app/" rel="nofollow ugc">MicroModal</a> – A lightweight, configurable modal library for web applications.</li>
</ul>


Search Modal Block


I tried this plugin just now for a site that I am building. It does its focused task very well! I wish the function were there in core, but this one fills the gap perfectly! Thanks to the developer for building and sharing this!


Lightweight and works great!

A customizable search modal block that adds an elegant and accessible search experience to your WordPress site.

TC Specify Search Form vs Search Modal Block