Disable Search Suggestions When Using the Custom Link Variation

[getdave]

What

When a user selects the Custom Link variation in LinkControl, the component continues to search for and display entity-based suggestions (Pages, Posts, Categories, etc.)

• on initial render
• as the user types.

This is inconsistent with the user’s explicit intention to create a custom URL.

This task disables entity search suggestions entirely within the Custom Link variation, while still allowing URL-like suggestions to appear when appropriate.

⚠️ Note: This behaviour must be validated through user testing. It is not yet certain whether users expect entity search to be disabled entirely within the Custom Link variation, and feedback may indicate a need to adjust or refine this approach.

Why

If a user has chosen the Custom Link variation, they have signalled their intention to enter a URL manually.

Showing entity results in this context creates confusion, increases cognitive load, and shifts attention away from the primary task.

Removing entity results creates a focused, predictable experience.

At the same time, URL-like suggestions (e.g. turning www.example.com into a “custom link” suggestion) remain important and must continue to function. See #73292.

How

⚠️ Contributors must also verify this behaviour using the inline link format within the Paragraph block, as LinkControl is shared across contexts and changes here must not introduce regressions in inline linking.

• Detect when the Custom Link variation is active.
• Disable all entity-based search (posts, pages, taxonomy terms, etc.) when typing.
• Continue to show URL-like custom link suggestions (e.g. "https://www.wordpress.org").
• Ensure that disabling entity search does not affect other variations or inline link use.
• Provide a clean, accessible empty state when input does not match URL-like patterns.
• Ensure the behaviour is fully perceivable via assistive technology.