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PLS by browser search

PLS by browser search without noise

Vasil Dachev avatar
Written by Vasil Dachev
Updated over a week ago


What is PLS by browser search

PLS by browser search compares Perceived Load Speed (PLS) between pageviews where users performed an in-page search (e.g., using Ctrl+F or ⌘+F) and those where they did not. This helps uncover whether users feel the need to search through content — potentially influenced by how fast or ready the page feels when it loads.

PLS (Perceived Load Speed) is Uxify’s real-user metric that measures when the page appears visually ready to users, based on all meaningful content — not just the largest element.

When users quickly see what they need, they’re less likely to initiate a browser search. If they can’t locate key content immediately — either due to layout delays or slow perceived speed — they may resort to Ctrl+F to find what they’re looking for. This often correlates with reduced satisfaction or less intuitive page structure.

Healthy PLS by browser search sample


Should you worry

In a healthy PLS by browser search lens, both searched and non-searched pageviews show strong performance — ideally green across the board. It suggests your content is easily accessible and loads smoothly regardless of user interaction style.

If PLS is significantly slower for pageviews with in-page search activity, it may indicate layout or visibility issues that delay content discovery. This can impact user trust, increase friction, and reduce conversions — especially for content-heavy or informational pages.

Unhealthy PLS by browser search sample

When users who use in-page search consistently experience slower perceived loading, it may be a sign that important content takes too long to render visually, or that the page appears incomplete when they first view it.

Resolving unhealthy PLS by browser search

Go-to action plan to resolve an unhealthy PLS by browser search:

  1. Ask Uxi to analyze your PLS by browser search and suggest improvements.

  2. Use Filters to narrow down pages with slow perceived speed and high in-page search activity.

  3. Simulate LCP of the suspected lens to see if fixing it will resolve the PLS by browser search. If yes, this is where the resolution focus should be.

  4. Use an automated optimization tool like Navigation AI to improve your PLS by browser search.

  5. Once you’ve improved PLS, set an alert to be the first to know if it starts worsening again.

Try it yourself

Discover how your website performs with real user data.

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