Working with Filter Categories and Subcategories
Filter categories and filter subcategories are called menu categories and menu items on the user interface.
In catalogs, filter categories (called menu categories) are broad groups that organize filter subcategories (called menu items) and filters by shared traits. Filter subcategories break categories down into more specific groups to help users refine their search. You can organize categories and subcategories into sections using a category or subcategory as a heading.
Categories and subcategories are always visible on the catalog interface. However, you can use rules to hide them under certain conditions. For more information about rules, see Activating or Hiding Building Blocks with Rules. To use categories or subcategories in rule fields, enter MENU_CAT/CATEGORY_CODE or MENU_ITEM/SUBCATEGORY_CODE. MENU_CAT and MENU_ITEM identify the type of record.
To work with filter categories and subcategories, follow these steps:
For more information about filters and filter options, see Working with Filters and Working with Filter Options.
Step 1: Creating Filter Categories and Subcategories
Create filter categories before creating the associated subcategories. To create a filter category or subcategory:
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Filter Category (Called Menu Category) |
Filter Subcategory (Called Menu Item) |
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Continue with the tasks in step 2 to create a filter category or subcategory. These tasks are similar for both records.
Step 2: Setting Up Filter Categories and Subcategories
After clicking the button to create a filter category or subcategory, continue with the following steps.
To set up a filter category or subcategory:
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Enter a descriptive name for the filter category or subcategory.
This name is for internal reference only and is automatically copied to the Label field the first time you enter it.
To change the name visible to users, edit the text in the Label field.
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In the Label field, enter the text displayed to users for this filter category or subcategory.
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In the Code field, enter a unique identifier for this filter category or subcategory.
The code must contain only uppercase letters, numbers, and underscores. You can use a shortened version of the name as the code.
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Provide a sequence number to sort the filter category or subcategory on the catalog interface.
You can enter a negative or positive number, for example, -2 or 5. Filter categories and filter subcategories are sorted from lowest to highest sequence number.
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(Filter categories only) The search starts when users click a filter subcategory by default. To start the search when users click on the filter category, check the Show results box.
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Filter categories and subcategories can be organized into sections. To use a category or subcategory as a section heading, check the Is group label box. The filter category or subcategory will change color and display other categories or subcategories beneath it.
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To include a filter category or subcategory in a section, select the section in the Group field.
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In the Hide Rule field, enter the conditions that determine when the filter category or subcategory should become hidden.
To write conditions, enter filter and filter option codes separated by a forward slash, for example, A/1. Use operators to combine multiple conditions, for example, A/1&B/2. For more information, see Activating or Hiding Building Blocks with Rules.
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Depending on whether you use the default or advanced catalog template, define a basic or advanced filter expression. For more information, see Working with Basic or Advanced Filter Expressions.
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Click Save.