Search shortcode doesn't return anything

Hi Evelyn,

It can be slightly tricky to use the pdb_search shortcode because you often need to tell it which “pdb_list” is supposed to show the results.

Each instance of a plugin shortcode has an index number that identifies it. You need to look at the HTML to see it. In your case, the list is instance 2, so you need to set the “target instance” for that shortcode to 2:

[pdb_search target_instance=2]

Hi Xnau,

Thanks! I’ll give it a try.

Evelyn

Hello,

I have used that shortcode in the page and it acts like it is doing something, but no results are displayed – Is there something else you think I should try?

Thanks,
Evelyn

Is the [pdb_list] shortcode on another page? If so, you’ll need to tell the search shortcode where that is. Use the “target_page” attribute for that:

[pdb_search target_page="list-display"]

Using the name of the page your list shortcode is on, of course.

Hi,
Thanks for your help. I don’t think there is a list shortcode on a page. I guess I need to do that? If I put it on this same page, then I just use the list instance? If I have it on another page, I need the page also? Do I still put the list instance in the shortcode?

Thanks again,
Evelyn

The purpose of the [pdb_search] shortcode is to allow you to place the search control in a different location from the [pdb_list] shortocode. The list shortcode does the displaying of the results, so it’s necessary. If you just want to have the search control at the top of the list, you don’t need the search shortcode at all, just enable the search on the list shortcode like this:

[pdb_list search=true]

then you don’t need to think about the instance number because it’s already attached to the list.

HI,
I think I figured it out with your help, thanks!
Evelyn

here’s what worked for any others with this issue.

[pdb_search target_page=”talent-list”]

talent-list is the slug for where the [pdb_list] lives.