Platform 2 Guide — This article applies to the new platform. Looking for classic platform docs? Browse the Platform 1 collection.
Why: Enhance your members' experience by making it easy for them to find exactly what they're looking for. A well-configured search system saves time and keeps members engaged with your content.
Navigate: App Station > Pages & Menu > Add Block > Search
Quick Start
Go to App Station > Pages & Menu.
Select the page where you want to add the Search Block.
Click Add Block and choose Search.
Configure the Search Block variant (default, hero, minimal).
Save your changes.
The Search Block
The Search Block is a standalone search bar that you can add to your app pages using the Page Builder. It provides a simple and effective way for members to search for content.
Visual Variants: The Search Block comes in three styles:
Default: Standard size for general use.
Hero: A large, prominent search bar ideal for landing pages.
Minimal: A compact design that takes up less vertical space.
When a member types a search query, the Search Block updates the page URL with search parameters, making it easy to share search results.
How Search Connects to Content Grids
It's important to note that the Search Block does not display results itself. Instead, it interacts with Content Grid blocks on the same page. Each Content Grid can be configured with a searchBehavior setting:
Respond: Filters its content to match the search (this is the default).
Hide: Disappears when search is active, useful for promotional blocks.
Ignore: Always shows its content regardless of search.
Search-only: Hidden by default and only appears when search is active, perfect for a dedicated search results grid.
For example, if you set collection showcases to hide and a single Content Grid to search-only, you can create a clean search results view when members search.
When a page has multiple Content Grids displaying different content types (like recipes and meal plans), the Search Block shows a content type dropdown. Members can choose which type to search, and only the matching Content Grid will respond.
What Members Can Search
Members can search across various content types, including recipes, meal plans, resources, journeys, and blog posts. Here are some key points:
The search requires at least 3 characters.
For recipes, the search looks at:
Title
Summary
Ingredient names
Tag names
Results are ranked by relevance, with exact matches scoring the highest, followed by word boundary matches, prefix matches, and partial matches. Members can also use advanced search syntax, such as:
Commas or OR for alternatives
AND or + for required terms
- for exclusions
Quotes for exact phrases
Sorting
Members can sort search results using various options, including:
Recently Added
Recently Updated
Most Popular
Most Loved
Highest Rated
Alphabetical
Start Date (for meal plans)
By default, search results are sorted by relevance, but members can override this with any sort option. The sort dropdown appears in both the Search Block and in Content Grid blocks, and sort selections sync to the URL, making searches shareable.
Recipe-Specific Filters
When searching for recipes, the Search Block provides advanced filter options:
Ingredient Include/Exclude: Members can type ingredient names, and the system will find matches even with slight spelling differences.
Tag Filters: Members can filter by tags with match modes (match ANY or ALL selected tags).
Difficulty Filter: Options include Easy, Medium, and Hard.
Cook Time and Prep Time Ranges: Specify time limits for recipes.
Servings Range: Filter based on the number of servings.
Nutrition Filters: Members can filter by calories, protein, carbs, fat, fiber, sugar, and sodium, each with min/max options.
Filter Presets (Quick Filters)
Admins can create filter preset chips that appear above the search results for quick filtering. Default presets include:
Low Calorie
High Protein
Low Carb
Low Fat
Time-based presets (15 min, 30 min, 1 hour)
Servings presets
You can manage these presets in App Station > Settings > Content Settings > Filters.
Base Tags and Filtered Sections
Content Grid blocks can have base tags configured, which are always applied. When a member searches within a base-tagged grid (e.g., a Vegetarian Recipes section), the search operates within that subset. This allows you to create focused content sections where search respects the section boundaries.
Collection Pages
On collection pages, the Search Block automatically scopes search to that collection. Members will see the collection name in the search placeholder, and results will be filtered to that collection.
URL Sharing
All search parameters sync to the URL, enabling members to share a search link. Others will see the same results when they use the link. The browser back button also works with search history, making navigation seamless.