Better Search Pro extends Better Search, replacing default WordPress search while working with theme search forms without code edits or a custom search template.

Indexing and multisite

Better Search adds MySQL FULLTEXT indices to the wp_posts table for post_content, post_title, and combined title and content searches. These indices support relevance-based search and are required for full functionality. On multisite installations, activation adds the indices to each blog.

Matching and ranking

Sort results by relevance or date, adjust the weights for titles and content, and set a relevance threshold. Search can cover public post types and fields such as excerpts, meta fields, authors, tags, taxonomies, and comments. Pro adds fuzzy matching, post slug searches, and a LIKE-based fallback. Optional recency weighting is disabled by default; additional ranking weights can cover slugs, metadata, authors, and comments.

Search tools and customization

REST API integration connects search with the WordPress REST API. AJAX Live Search can show results as visitors type, and a heatmap of popular searches can appear in a widget or shortcode. Custom templates and CSS let you adapt the results to your theme. A profanity filter removes selected words from search queries.

The plugin includes its own caching system and works with WP Super Cache and W3 Total Cache. It works with WPML and Polylang, and detects TranslatePress's active language when caching results. Caches are separated by language. For TranslatePress, Pro's REST search responses and live suggestions use the active language, but the add-on does not create a separate index of translated text. Search-term highlighting can interrupt translation of a complete title; disable highlighting if titles remain in the default language.

Optional AI answers

Pro can generate AI answers grounded in Better Search results, with source links, cached answers, usage limits, and a Content gaps report.

Setup

Install and activate Better Search, then configure it under Settings > Better Search. On multisite, activation adds the required FULLTEXT indices to each blog. Review the search fields, ranking controls, templates, styles, and optional capabilities for the site's needs.