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Cursor focus in search field when opening a new tab

  • February 3, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 28 views
Ryan Hannebaum

Let’s follow the desktop browser mental model of putting cursor focus in the search input field after opening a new tab so users can immediately begin typing a filename without having to use the mouse to click into the search field first.

I’m so used to being able to open a new tab with Cmd+T and immediately begin typing my file name without my fingers leaving the keyboard in Chrome, that it would honestly save me quite a bit of time in the long run in Figma too. 😅

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened a new tab and begun typing before realizing my cursor wasn’t in the search field yet. (The number would be embarrassing, and continues to climb!)

    2 replies

    mmmm
    • mmmm
    • New Member
    • February 9, 2026

    This used to be the case. I regularly use cmd+T to open files and up until recently it would focus the search input so you could go straight into typing. You know, like basically every other `cmd+T` interaction ever… Now it takes multiple tabs to get to the field via keyboard.

    Not being able to immediately start typing into that field anymore trips me up multiple times a day.

    Seems like it’s because of the suggestions that launch when you focus the search input, but I’d much rather have the cmd+T → typing combo back. It’s already on a view with space for suggestions.

      Ryan Hannebaum
      • Ryan Hannebaum
      • Author
      • New Member
      • February 9, 2026

      This used to be the case. I regularly use cmd+T to open files and up until recently it would focus the search input so you could go straight into typing. You know, like basically every other `cmd+T` interaction ever… Now it takes multiple tabs to get to the field via keyboard.

      Not being able to immediately start typing into that field anymore trips me up multiple times a day.

      Seems like it’s because of the suggestions that launch when you focus the search input, but I’d much rather have the cmd+T → typing combo back. It’s already on a view with space for suggestions.

      I thought it used to behave properly! But then I thought maybe I’m losing my mind. Thank you.

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