I’ve been an advocate of trying free WordPress theme especially if you are starting out or want to try a different framework.
Speaking of framework, I recently installed GeneratePress in one of my blogs. I downloaded it’s free theme and tinker with what I can do with it. All the while I am thinking if it’s better than Genesis Framework.
Here are my favourite settings for Genesis.
It’s a waste of time to compare because, for now, I only used the free theme of GeneratePress. For $49.95, I could get the GP Premium; I will some time.

In using GP, I ran into the trouble of having two search bars after installation.
I’ll show you how to remove search bar in GeneratePress. Choose which search bar you want to keep because a blog only needs one. Really.
Remove Search Bar in Navigation
I chose to keep the search bar in navigation; nonetheless, I’ll show how to remove it for those who wants it gone.
Step 1: Select Appearance in the Dashboard then GeneratePress.
Step 2: Select Layout Options (or All Options) under Start Customizing.

Step 3: Select Layout > Primary Navigation. Change the Navigation Search to Disable. Then click Publish.

This is the outcome: the only search bar is in the header. Do you prefer this style?

Remove Search Bar in Header
Next will remove search bar in header and place it instead in navigation.
Step 1: Select Appearance in the Dashboard then GeneratePress.
Step 2: Select Layout Options (or All Options) under Start Customizing.

Step 3: Select Widgets > Header. Click Remove/Delete. Or you can click the pencil icon in the search bar.

The search bar in navigation remains while the header has site title and site tagline.

You can replace search bar with ads, social media icons, or other widgets. For me, this space is reserved for ads (image); I can use WP Insert to add code in a widget.
Which Search Bar to Keep
It depends. I like to have a search bar in navigation so it will stay on top whether in desktop or mobile view.
I want the readers to focus on the content and not in a search bar which should be accessible at all times. You probably want to have the search bar in the header and it’s perfectly fine.
The deciding factor would be the user experience. Allow the user easily search information on your blog.
So where are you going to place the search bar in a blog using GeneratePress?
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