Behavior comparison
Choose Search field for: Searching a site, catalog, or results collection. Choose Text field for: Entering a name, email, code, or other short value.
| Dimension | Search fieldSearch field | Text fieldText field |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Focus and type a query, then submit explicitly or meet documented live-search criteria. | Focus the labeled field, then type or paste a single-line value. |
| Modality | Non-modal query input within a named search region. | Non-modal form input. |
| Placement | In a header or search region directly connected to its results. | Inline in a form with a persistent label and nearby help or error text. |
| Interactivity | Supports query entry, clear, submit, and result feedback; it is not an unlabeled generic text field. | Edits one line of text and exposes validation, required, disabled, and autocomplete behavior. |
| Focus | Submitting leaves focus in the search form while results update below; clearing returns focus to the query field. | A visible focus indicator surrounds the field without hiding its value, label, or error. |
| Dismissal | Not applicable: results update inline; Clear removes the query, submitted results, opened-result status, and errors. | Not applicable: the entered value remains until edited, reset, or intentionally submitted. |
| Accessible role | search landmark containing native search input | native textbox |
| Use case | Searching a site, catalog, or results collection | Entering a name, email, code, or other short value |
| Mobile behavior | Use the search keyboard and keep clear, submit, and results reachable while the keyboard is open. | Select the correct software keyboard and autocomplete purpose, and avoid text sizes that trigger viewport zoom. |