A Search Preset is a saved configuration that controls how a NivoSearch search bar looks, behaves, and searches your WooCommerce products.
Think of a Search Preset as the settings and design behind a search bar.
It determines things such as what customers can search for, what information appears in the results, how many products are shown, and how the search bar looks.
You can create multiple Search Presets and use them in different locations across your WooCommerce store.
Quick Answer
A NivoSearch Search Preset is a reusable configuration for an instant WooCommerce product search bar.
Each preset has its own search settings, result display options, styling, and search behavior. You can use the same preset in multiple locations or create separate presets for different parts of your website.
Why Do Search Presets Matter?
Search Presets make it easier to manage multiple NivoSearch search bars.
Instead of configuring every search bar separately, you can create a Search Preset and use it wherever you need it.
For example, you might use:
- One preset for your website header
- Another preset for your homepage
- A different preset for a dedicated product search page
This lets you create different search experiences for different parts of your WooCommerce store.
What Can a Search Preset Control?
A Search Preset controls the settings for the NivoSearch search bar that uses it.
Search Scope
You can choose which product information NivoSearch searches.
Depending on your settings, this can include:
- Product titles
- Product descriptions
- Product excerpts
- Product SKUs
NivoSearch can also search product categories and tags as part of its product search capabilities.
Search Results
You can choose which information appears in the instant search results.
Depending on your settings, results can display:
- Product images
- Product names
- Prices
- Sale prices
- SKUs
- Stock status
- Category badges
- Short descriptions
- Add to Cart buttons
- Quantity selectors
This lets you decide how much product information customers see before they open a product page.
Search Behavior
A Search Preset can control important parts of the search experience, including:
- Minimum characters before searching
- Search delay
- Number of results displayed
- Placeholder text
- Fuzzy Search
- Typo Tolerance
- “Did You Mean?” suggestions
These settings help you create a search experience that matches your store and your customers’ needs.
Search Bar Appearance
You can customize the visual appearance of each Search Preset.
Depending on the available settings, you can control elements such as:
- Search bar colors
- Border colors
- Text colors
- Results panel colors
- Search bar dimensions
You can customize your search bar without writing custom CSS.
Can I Create Multiple Search Presets?
Yes.
NivoSearch supports unlimited Search Presets.
Each preset can have its own settings and styling.
For example:
| Website Location | Search Preset |
|---|---|
| Header | Header Search |
| Homepage | Homepage Search |
| Product Search Page | Product Search |
| Sidebar | Sidebar Search |
You can use the same preset in multiple locations or create separate presets when you need different search experiences.
How Do I Use a Search Preset?
Once you have a Search Preset, you can display it on your website in several ways.
Use a Shortcode
Every Search Preset has its own shortcode.
For example:
[nivo_search id="14"]The ID is different for each preset because every Search Preset has its own unique WordPress post ID.
You can find your presets and their shortcodes at:
NivoSearch → Search Presets
Learn more: Using the Shortcode
Use the Gutenberg Block
If you use the WordPress Block Editor, you can add the NivoSearch Gutenberg Block and select the Search Preset you want to display.
Learn more: Using the Gutenberg Block
Replace Your Theme Search
You can also use a Search Preset to replace your theme’s existing search form.
Go to:
NivoSearch → Settings → Search Integration
Enable Replace Theme Search and select the Search Preset you want to use.
Learn more: Replace Theme Search
Does NivoSearch Create a Default Search Preset?
Yes.
When NivoSearch is activated, it automatically creates a default Search Preset.
This means you can start using NivoSearch without creating a new preset first.
You can:
- Use the default preset as it is.
- Edit the default preset to match your store.
- Create additional presets for different search experiences.
For most users, the default preset is enough to get started.
Do I Need to Create a Search Preset Before Using NivoSearch?
No.
NivoSearch automatically creates a default Search Preset when you activate the plugin.
If you only need one search bar, you can use the default preset.
Create a new preset when you want a separate search bar with different settings, behavior, or styling.
Can I Change a Search Preset Later?
Yes.
You can edit a Search Preset whenever you need to.
Go to:
NivoSearch → Search Presets
Open the preset you want to change, update its settings, and save your changes.
The updated settings will apply wherever that Search Preset is being used.
You don’t need to create a new shortcode when you change the preset’s settings.
Can I Use One Search Preset in Multiple Locations?
Yes.
You can use the same Search Preset in multiple locations.
For example, you could use the same preset in your:
- Header
- Homepage
- Product search page
All of these search bars will use the same Search Preset settings.
If you update that preset, the changes will apply to all locations where it is used.
If you want different settings or designs, create a separate Search Preset.
Search Preset vs. Search Bar
A Search Preset and a search bar are two different things.
A Search Preset is the saved configuration that controls the search experience.
A search bar is the visible interface that customers interact with on your website.
Think of it this way:
Search Preset → Controls the search settings and appearance
Search Bar → Displays the search experience to customers
The same Search Preset can be used to display multiple search bars across your website.
When Should I Create a New Search Preset?
Create a new Search Preset when you want a search bar to have different settings or styling from another search bar.
For example, you might create a separate preset if you want:
- A different search scope
- A different number of results
- Different product information in results
- Different search behavior
- A different visual design
- Different settings for a specific location
If all your search bars should work and look the same, you can reuse one Search Preset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Search Preset in NivoSearch?
A Search Preset is a saved configuration that controls how a NivoSearch instant WooCommerce product search bar looks, behaves, and searches products.
How many Search Presets can I create?
You can create unlimited Search Presets in NivoSearch. Each preset can have its own search settings, result display options, and styling.
Does NivoSearch create a Search Preset automatically?
Yes. NivoSearch automatically creates a default Search Preset when the plugin is activated.
Can I use one Search Preset in multiple locations?
Yes. You can use the same Search Preset in multiple locations using its shortcode or other supported integration methods.
Can different Search Presets have different designs?
Yes. Each Search Preset can be configured independently, allowing you to create different search bar designs and behaviors for different locations.
Where can I manage my Search Presets?
Go to:
WordPress Dashboard → NivoSearch → Search Presets
From there, you can create and manage your Search Presets.
Do I need coding knowledge to use Search Presets?
No. Search Presets are managed from the WordPress dashboard. You can configure them without writing code.
Next Step
Now that you understand Search Presets, you can create your first one and customize it for your WooCommerce store.
Next: Create Your First Search Preset