Displaying search results on a user device using a layout file

A method for displaying search results on a user device using a layout file includes receiving search results containing one or more result objects. Each result object includes a layout identifier, an access mechanism used to access a state of an application, and result data. For each result object the method includes retrieving a layout file of a plurality of layout files from a storage device based on the layout identifier, obtaining content based on the result data, and generating the user selectable link based on the access mechanism, the layout file, and the content. The layout file defines a template that is used to generate a user selectable link and corresponds to the application referenced by the one or more access mechanisms. The method further includes generating displayable search results using the generated user selectable links and providing, by the processing device, the displayable search results for display.