bellhop by actabl

When to use

Use autocomplete inputs when users need to search and select from a large list of options.

Large Option Lists

Enable search when dropdown has many options (10+).

Known Values

Let users type known values instead of scrolling through lists.

Multi-Selection

Allow selecting multiple items with search filtering.

When not to use

  • For small, fixed lists (under 10 items)—use radio buttons or a simple select
  • When exact matches are required—use a select dropdown
  • For creating new entries—allow free text input without suggestions
  • When network latency makes suggestions impractical

Selection Modes

Supports both single and multi-select modes.

Single Select

Select one option from the list

Multi Select

Select multiple options with tag display

Features

Input autocomplete includes powerful features for selection.

Search Filtering

Type to filter options in real-time

Keyboard Navigation

Navigate options with arrow keys

Min Search Length

Configurable minimum characters to trigger search

Max Options

Limit displayed results for performance

Leading Icon

Optional search or custom icon

Help Icon

Tooltip for additional guidance

Interaction

Input autocomplete supports various states for different scenarios.

Required

Indicates field must be completed.

Error

Shows validation error with message

Disabled

Non-interactive, reduced opacity

Best Practices

Follow these guidelines when using input autocomplete.

Do

  • Use for lists with 10+ options
  • Provide clear placeholder text
  • Set appropriate minimum search length (2-3 characters)
  • Show helpful hint text for guidance
  • Limit max displayed options for performance
  • Use multi-select for related grouped selections
  • Display selected items as removable tags

Don't

  • Don't use for short lists (- 5 options)
  • Don't require too many characters to search
  • Don't hide important options from initial view
  • Don't use without clear labels
  • Don't make min search length too high

Common Use Cases

Examples of where input autocomplete works best.

Property Selection

Search and select hotels or properties from large lists

Country Picker

Type to find countries instead of scrolling

User Assignment

Search and assign users or team members

Tag Selection

Multi-select tags or categories with search

Location Search

Find and select cities, addresses, or locations

Product Catalog

Search and select from large product inventories

Accessibility

Input autocomplete is designed to be accessible to all users.

Keyboard Navigation

  • Type - Filter options by search term
  • Arrow Down/Up - Navigate through options
  • Enter - Select highlighted option
  • Escape - Close dropdown
  • Backspace - Remove last tag (multi-select)

Screen Reader

  • Combobox role with proper ARIA attributes
  • Option count and position announced
  • Selected items are announced
  • Filtering results are communicated
  • Error and required states are announced

Visual Design

  • Clear focus indicators for input and options
  • Sufficient color contrast for all states
  • Highlighted option is visually distinct
  • Selected items have clear visual indicators
  • Error state uses color and icon

Resources

Design and development resources for the Input Autocomplete component.

Figma

Available
View in Figma →

Web Components/Angular

Available
View in Storybook →

React

Available
View in Storybook →