The magnifying glass icon, often used as the search icon in WooCommerce, is a common and crucial element of any eCommerce website’s user interface. While the default icon functions effectively, there may be instances where you want to personalize or modify it to better match your site’s design or branding. Whether for aesthetic purposes or improving user experience, changing the WooCommerce magnifying glass icon can significantly enhance your store’s overall appearance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through various methods for changing the WooCommerce search icon, including adjusting theme settings, using custom CSS, and integrating icon libraries like Font Awesome. Additionally, we’ll share tips on ensuring the icon integrates seamlessly with your site’s responsive design.
Why Change the WooCommerce Magnifying Glass Icon?
Although the default WooCommerce search icon is functional for most stores, there are several reasons to consider customizing it:
- Brand Consistency: Align the icon with your store’s unique branding and visual identity.
- Enhanced Usability: A more eye-catching or user-friendly icon can improve the shopping experience.
- Modern Design: Updating to a more minimalistic or trendy icon can refresh your site’s look.
- Customization: Distinguish your site with a personalized touch that sets you apart from competitors.
Let’s dive into the steps to modify the search icon.
Step 1: Locate the Magnifying Glass Icon
Before making any modifications, you first need to locate where the search icon is stored in your WooCommerce theme. Most themes utilize popular icon libraries like Font Awesome, or they may use custom SVG icons embedded in the theme files or controlled through CSS.
Here’s how to find the icon:
- Inspect the Code: Right-click on the search icon in your WooCommerce store and select “Inspect” (Google Chrome) or “Inspect Element” (Firefox) to open your browser’s developer tools.
- Locate the Icon: Look for HTML tags like
<i>or<svg>in the code, which are often used for icons. You’ll also see a class name or file path associated with the icon.
Once you’ve identified the location of the magnifying glass icon, you can move on to customizing or replacing it.
Also Read: Where Do You Set the Thank You Message in WooCommerce?
Step 2: Modify the Icon via Theme Settings (If Available)
Many modern WooCommerce themes allow users to modify icons directly through the theme’s settings without needing to edit the code manually. If your theme supports this option, it’s the easiest way to change the search icon.
- Access the Theme Customizer: In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Customize.
- Find Search Icon Settings: Depending on your theme, look for options in sections like “Header” or “Search” to customize the search icon.
- Replace the Icon: If available, you can either upload a new icon or choose one from an icon library provided within the customizer.
If your theme doesn’t offer these options, you can proceed with custom CSS or an external icon library.
Step 3: Use Custom CSS to Replace the Icon
If your theme lacks built-in options for changing the magnifying glass icon, custom CSS provides an alternative method. Follow these steps to replace the search icon using CSS:
- Open WordPress Customizer: In your dashboard, go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
- Add Custom CSS Code: Use the following CSS code to replace the magnifying glass icon with a custom icon (such as an image):
css
/* Replace magnifying glass icon */
.header-search .search-icon {
background-image: url('your-custom-icon-url.png');
background-size: cover;
width: 24px;
height: 24px;
}- Replace
'your-custom-icon-url.png'with the URL of your custom icon. - Adjust the
widthandheightproperties as necessary for the best fit.
- Save and Publish: Once the CSS is added, click Publish to apply the changes to your site.
Step 4: Integrate Font Awesome or Other Icon Libraries
Using an icon library such as Font Awesome is another effective way to replace the WooCommerce search icon. If your theme already integrates Font Awesome, you’re good to go. If not, you can easily install and use it.
Steps to Add Font Awesome
- Install the Font Awesome Plugin: In your dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New and search for “Font Awesome.” Install and activate the plugin.
- Insert Font Awesome Icon: After activating the plugin, you can replace the search icon with a Font Awesome icon by adding the following CSS code:
css
/* Replace magnifying glass icon with Font Awesome */
.header-search .search-icon:before {
content: "\f002"; /* Font Awesome search icon */
font-family: "Font Awesome 5 Free";
font-weight: 900;
}- The
\f002code represents the search icon in Font Awesome. You can find other icon codes on the Font Awesome website.
- Further Customize the Icon: Use additional CSS to adjust the icon’s size, color, or positioning:
css
.header-search .search-icon:before {
font-size: 20px;
color: #333;
}
Step 5: Use an SVG Icon for Better Quality
If you want a scalable, high-quality icon, consider replacing the WooCommerce search icon with an SVG file.
Steps for Using an SVG Icon
- Upload Your SVG File: First, upload your custom SVG icon to the WordPress media library.
- Add CSS to Replace the Icon: Use custom CSS to replace the existing search icon with the SVG image:
css
/* Replace magnifying glass with SVG */
.header-search .search-icon {
background: url('your-svg-icon-url.svg') no-repeat center;
background-size: contain;
width: 24px;
height: 24px;
}- Be sure to replace
'your-svg-icon-url.svg'with the URL of your uploaded SVG file.
Also Read: Can WooCommerce Connect to QuickBooks Online (QBO)?
Step 6: Test Responsiveness and Browser Compatibility
After customizing the search icon, it’s crucial to ensure that it looks and functions well across various devices and browsers.
- Test on Mobile Devices: Use responsive testing tools like shrinking your browser window or using developer tools to simulate mobile views. Confirm that the icon scales appropriately on smaller screens.
- Check on Different Browsers: Test the new search icon on popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge to ensure consistency and functionality.
Final Thought On How to Change WooCommerce Magnifying Glass
Changing the WooCommerce magnifying glass icon is a straightforward yet impactful way to personalize your store and enhance the user experience. Whether you’re using theme settings, custom CSS, or integrating icon libraries like Font Awesome, a customized search icon can significantly elevate the look and functionality of your site.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly replace the default search icon with one that aligns with your brand and design preferences. Don’t forget to thoroughly test your new icon across various devices and browsers to ensure optimal performance for all users.
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