Try setting minlength to 0
$( ".selector" ).autocomplete({ minLength: 0 });
See also: http://api.jqueryui.com/autocomplete/#option-minLength
Question
I have a textfield with autocomplete. I want to be able to user the arrow keys even if the user haven't entered any character yet.
Is this achievable?
Solution
Try setting minlength to 0
$( ".selector" ).autocomplete({ minLength: 0 });
See also: http://api.jqueryui.com/autocomplete/#option-minLength