Theme Showcase Feature Tags Missing
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“Use the search bar at the top of the screen to search for themes by name or feature.”-Support Guide
These very helpful feature tags no longer appear in the drop down menu in the Theme Showcase search bar.
How are we to search now for themes with specific features that aren’t apparent or don’t depend on editing a block theme template, like RTL Language support, Accessibility Ready, Bundled Fonts, etc.?
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Hi there!
Thanks for bringing that up! I know the drop-down search option you’re referring to. I’m checking with my team to see if this is an expected update or if something’s broken. I’ll get back to you here as soon as I hear from them.
In the meantime, were you looking for themes with a specific feature (like RTL)? I’ll be happy to help look for one. :)
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Hi again,
I’ve heard from the team, and it is the intended design as part of simplifying the theme search process. While the features don’t show up as a drop-down, you can still use features or keywords in the search box to search for themes.
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Hey @aisajib Thanks for the follow up.
you can still use features or keywords in the search box to search for themes
How would anyone know to do that? (Other than folks who were here before the change.)
TBH, I would have thought that searching for a feature, like 2 columns or sidebar, would be more common/effective than trying to search for a theme by name, because by name is now the only apparent search available.
When I search for a theme, I might not know its name, but I might know what features I want.
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Hi @2020testjj,
Sorry for replying late. This one fell through the cracks..
How would anyone know to do that? (Other than folks who were here before the change.)
The idea is that they shouldn’t need to know about them. :) Having those options may have been helpful in the past, but our team noticed a sharp decline in their usage.
Having that many features to choose from in the search field also made it complex and somewhat cluttered, which we (you and us, folks who have been using it for a long time :) ) wouldn’t feel because we’re used to it, but new users do (which also explains the declining usage).
They were removed to make the experience cleaner and simpler.
TBH, I would have thought that searching for a feature, like 2 columns or sidebar, would be more common/effective than trying to search for a theme by name, because by name is now the only apparent search available.
I completely agree with you. The search field will still show results for features. It’s not limited to just theme names (we wouldn’t expect new users to know any theme name). So, instead of having to select from all those options in a drop-down menu, you can simply type what comes to your mind (two-column, portfolio, free) and the search results will closely match what you’re looking for.
Notice how it shows only the free themes. Even though the drop-down search feature isn’t there anymore, it will take into account what you type into the field.
When I search for a theme, I might not know its name, but I might know what features I want.
That’s precisely what we’re going for. But instead of showing drop-down menus, which more often than not confuse new users who don’t know what those features are, you can type in the features you want and get the results. :)
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Hm, ok. Understood.
TBH, it sounds a bit “chicken and egg” to me (how do I know what I can search for if there’s no indication of what’s possible). For example, what themes support a video in the header? Or which free themes have breadcrumb navigation built in?
I do understand that with the site editor, site owners can add some features, but when looking for a theme, personally I’d like to know up front if it’s already available in the theme.
I do appreciate your follow up on this. :)
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I totally know what you mean. We’ve been working hard to reduce complexities (which often means cleaning up interfaces to simplify them), and part of this includes examining how various elements are being used (or how many people actually use them). The drop-down happens to be one that doesn’t see a lot of use.
That said, your feedback is valuable and does raise a good point. I shared this with the team that works on this, though I can’t promise any updates. :)
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