Predictive search theme settings
The Predictive search theme settings in Local extend the search popup to match products by SKU, barcode and tag.
Applies to: Local 4.2.1 and later. Added in: Local 1.0.0. Last checked: 2026-10-13 against Local 4.2.1.
Predictive search shows results while the customer types in the header search. By default it looks through the product title, product type, variant title and vendor. These settings add three more fields to that search.
Where to find it: Theme settings → Predictive search
Search fields
- Search by SKU also matches the SKU of every variant.
- Search by barcode also matches variant barcodes (ISBN, UPC, GTIN or other).
- Search by tag also matches product tags.
The settings change the results that appear while typing. The full search results page uses Shopify's search, which you tune in the Search & Discovery app.
Can predictive search find products by SKU?
Yes. Turn on Search by SKU. Customers can then type a full or partial SKU in the header search and see the matching products while they type.
How do I change which products appear first?
Search ranking is controlled by Shopify, not by Local. Use the Shopify Search & Discovery app to add synonyms and boost or bury products. See Search & Discovery in the Shopify Help Center.
All Predictive search settings
Every setting, with its type and default.
By default, predictive search looks through product title, type, variant title and vendor.
You can extend it with additional options below.
Search by SKU (checkbox, default: off): Also matches variant SKUs in the header search results that appear while typing.
Search by barcode (checkbox, default: off): Also matches variant barcodes (ISBN, UPC, GTIN or other) in the header search results.
Search by tag (checkbox, default: off): Also matches product tags in the header search results.
Related pages
- Search page: the full search results page.
- Header section: Show search and the compact search on mobile.