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Search
<gcds-search>

Also called: search bar, site search box, search field. Search is a space for entering keywords to find relevant information.
  • Required on Canada.ca
  • GitHub
  • Figma

Search component preview

Search anatomy

  • The input field is a space to enter search keywords.
  • The placeholder text is a prompt visible before a person types. It identifies the search area.
  • The button, labelled with a magnifying glass, initiates a search.
A search box with the words “Search Canada.ca” inside next to a magnifying glass button immediately on the right. Each individual element of the component has a number pointing to it.

Check search requirements

Here’s what’s required for search on GC sites.
  • Search is required in the header on Canada.ca standard and campaign pages.
  • It’s optional for other Canada.ca pages and GC sites.
Always include the search in the header of a standard or campaign page and maintain the default settings.
  • Use default GC Search indexing.
  • Set indexing across Canada.ca content or at an institution or program level.
Canada.ca site-wide search
  • Use “Search Canada.ca” as the search prompt text in English.
  • Use “Rechercher dans Canada.ca” as the search prompt text in French.
Institution, program, or product specific search
  • Use “Search [institution/program/product]” as the search prompt text in English.
  • Use “Rechercher dans [institution/programme/produit]” as the search prompt text in French.
  • Avoid acronyms unless necessary to shorten text for visual accessibility.
Note: As an exception, pages solely intended for a public service audience may apply a customized search indexation in particular contexts. Opt to add a search for other datasets within the content area of the page.
  • If a secondary search is needed with other datasets, place that search within the content area of the page.
  • Clearly identify the search area, so a person searching understands the constraints ahead of time.
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2026-03-09