Admin Taxonomy Search

A lightweight utility that adds instant search inside taxonomy metaboxes in the WordPress admin editor.
Works with both hierarchical taxonomies (categories-style) and non-hierarchical taxonomies (tags-style) with zero configuration.

Quick Start

1. Copy taxonomy-search.js into your theme’s /js/ folder.
2. Copy the contents of ajax-taxonomy-search.php file to your functions.php or the file where you enqueue scripts.
3. Open any post editor → taxonomy boxes now include a search field.

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Features

• Works with any taxonomy automatically
• Supports:
  • Hierarchical UI (categories with checkbox tree)
  • Non-hierarchical UI (tags style)
• Instant client-side filtering
• Keeps checked terms visible
• Works with “All / Most Used” tab switch
• No database queries
• No dependencies beyond WordPress core

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Installation

1. Add the JavaScript file

• Place taxonomy-search.js inside:

your-theme/js/taxonomy-search.js

2. Add the enqueue code

• Paste the PHP snippet into your theme’s functions.php or an included file.

3. Done

• The search field will appear automatically in all taxonomy metaboxes.

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How to Use

• Open any post, page, or custom post type editor
• Each taxonomy metabox will show a search input
• Typing filters the visible terms instantly
• Checked terms always remain visible
• Works for both categories and tags interfaces

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Optional Filter

Disable for specific taxonomies

You can prevent the search field from appearing on selected taxonomies:

add_filter('admin_taxonomy_search_disabled', function($taxonomies){
    return ['category', 'post_tag'];
});

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Notes

• Pure admin enhancement - no front-end impact
• Safe for large term lists
• Does not modify WordPress core behavior
• Fully generic and theme-agnostic
• Performance friendly (debounced client search)

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