Horizon theme doesn't display search results properly based on tags

Store Design
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Topic summary

Horizon (Dwell) theme’s predictive search pop-up does not show results based on product tags, even though the same query returns tag-matched results on the full search results page after pressing Enter. This creates a UX inconsistency where customers may assume no results exist if the pop-up appears empty.

Tags are product keywords used for filtering and search, while metafields are custom data fields; the poster notes Shopify’s shift away from tags but highlights that metafields aren’t searchable yet, leaving a gap for stores relying on tag-based discovery.

The client cannot budget for a third‑party search app, so a native theme solution is desired. The poster characterizes this as a theme oversight.

Screenshots are provided to illustrate the discrepancy between the pop-up and full search results and are central to understanding the issue.

No fix, decision, or workaround is presented. The discussion is open, with key unresolved questions: can Horizon’s predictive search include tag results, or when will Shopify make metafields searchable?

Summarized with AI on January 11. AI used: gpt-5.
1

In Dwell (Horizon theme) tags results don’t display in the pop up search bar even though there are results for them (which get displayed when Enter is pressed). Problematic from a UX perspective as I don’t expect customers to press Enter if the pop up is displaying no results.

I totally understand that Shopify is trying to get everyone to move away from relying so much on tags but until they make metafields searchable there is a big gap to fill.

My client doesn’t have budget to spend on an additional search app and frankly this is just an oversight from the Shopify theme team.

Screenshot 2026-01-11 at 18.22.36
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Screenshot 2026-01-11 at 18.22.48
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1 Like
4

Shopify is trying to get everyone to move away from relying so much on tags

This is not true.

By default, predictive search is a bit limited and not quite matches “full” search, but you can control this with parameters.

You may want to check the solution at How can i use predictive search using SKU and UPC/Barcode in theme? - #3 by tim_1, which is a very similar topic.

That topic needed sku, you need tag.

5

Hi,

Hope this will help

  • Horizon’s popup search does not search product tags
  • Full search (Enter key) does which causes the inconsistency
  • This is a Shopify platform limitation not a theme bug

Best fixes without apps:

  • Move critical tags into searchable fields
  • Use collections as a bridge
  • Adjust the “no results” messaging
  • Reduce reliance on tags for customer facing search
1 Like
6

Hi @alice_lgr,

Kindly provide your store URL please and if it is password protected, please share the password as well.
Thanks!