How to design the magnifying glass icon for search design

The magnifying glass icon has become strongly associated with search functions because many websites use it now.

Although the magnifying glass icon is widely used, the transition from a search button to this icon has not been totally smooth. The icon alone on large interfaces, such as desktops, makes it difficult to locate.

Guidelines

The following guidelines can improve the use of the magnifying glass icon and improve visibility:

• Keep the icon simple, with fewer graphic details about the magnifying glass.

• Use a large icon with padding to make it easier to spot the icon.

• Place the icon in the upper right corner, thus making it easier to spot as that is where it is conventionally placed.

• Use contrast so the icon stands out.

• Allow users to submit search queries using the enter button as well to avoid inconvenience.

• Use a growing search box that expands upon clicking so that initially screen space is saved and later the user can see what they are typing.

• Do not crowd the surrounding area with too many other icons, or isolate the search icon completely.

• Display a text field next to the search icon so users do not have to find where they need to type.

Conclusion

The main goal is to allow people to execute searches in a smooth manner, so anything that hinders that is a bad idea and needs to be reconsidered.