Building Custom Search Filters in Wix with Velo
TL;DR:
- Use Velo to create custom search functionality that goes beyond Wix's basic options
- Connect a dataset to your content collection to make it searchable
- Add dropdown menus and checkboxes for users to filter results
- Set up onChange events to update results instantly as users interact with filters
- Custom filters improve user experience and can help with SEO through better engagement
Creating custom search filters transforms how visitors navigate your content. Whether you're running an online shop, portfolio site, or blog, giving people precise ways to find what they need keeps them engaged and reduces bounce rates.
The key is using Velo, Wix's development platform, to build something more sophisticated than the standard search box. You get full control over how filtering works and what options to offer users.
Getting Your Dataset Ready
Start with your content collection. This might be products, blog posts, portfolio pieces, or any other content type you want to make searchable.
Connect a dataset to this collection through the Wix Editor. The dataset becomes your bridge between the raw data and your search interface. Make sure it's set to read-only if users won't be adding content through the search page.
Choose which fields from your collection will be searchable or filterable. Common examples include categories, tags, price ranges, or publication dates.
Building the Filter Interface
Add your input elements to the page. Dropdown menus work well for categories with clear options. Checkboxes suit situations where users might want multiple selections at once.
Text input boxes let users search by keywords, while range sliders work perfectly for numeric filters like price or date ranges.
Name each element clearly in the Properties panel. You'll reference these names in your code, so keep them simple and descriptive.
Writing the Filter Logic
Here's where Velo comes in. You'll write JavaScript that listens for changes to your input elements and updates the dataset accordingly.
Use onChange events to detect when users interact with filters. Each time someone selects a new option or types in a search box, your code should rebuild the dataset filter.
The wixData.query() function is your main tool here. You can chain multiple filter conditions together to create complex searches that respond to all active filters at once.
Test thoroughly with different combinations of filters. Users will try unexpected combinations, and your search should handle them gracefully.
Making It Fast and Responsive
Large datasets can slow down filtering if you're not careful. Consider limiting initial results and adding pagination for better performance.
Add loading states so users know something's happening when they apply filters. A simple spinner or "Loading…" message works.
Clear filter options should be obvious and easy to use. Include a "Clear All" button and individual clear options for each filter type.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't try to filter everything at once if you have thousands of items. Break large collections into logical chunks or use server-side filtering through Velo's backend functions.
Remember that empty results frustrate users. Show helpful messages when filters return no matches, and suggest ways to broaden the search.
Mobile users need bigger touch targets and simpler interfaces. Test your filters on smaller screens and adjust accordingly.
FAQs
Do custom search filters help with SEO?
Yes, they can. Better user experience signals like longer time on site and lower bounce rates are positive SEO factors. Plus, filtered content can create unique URLs that search engines can index.
Can I filter blog posts with this approach?
Absolutely. Blog posts work just like any other content collection. You can filter by categories, tags, publish dates, or even custom fields you've added.
How much coding knowledge do I need?
You'll need basic JavaScript skills. Wix provides good documentation and code examples, but understanding variables, functions, and events makes the process much smoother.
Will this work with existing Wix apps?
It depends on the app. Some third-party apps don't play well with custom Velo code. Test thoroughly if you're mixing custom filters with existing app functionality.
Jargon Buster
Velo – Wix's development platform that adds JavaScript capabilities to your site
Dataset – A connection between your page elements and a content collection that enables dynamic functionality
onChange Event – Code that runs automatically when a user changes an input field value
Content Collection – Wix's database system for storing structured content like products, blog posts, or custom data
Query – A request to find specific items in your content collection based on filter criteria
Wrap-up
Custom search filters give you control over how visitors discover your content. The initial setup takes some work, but the payoff in user experience makes it worthwhile.
Start simple with one or two filter types, then expand as you get comfortable with the code. Your visitors will appreciate being able to find exactly what they're looking for without endless scrolling.
Ready to level up your Wix development skills? Join our community of developers sharing tips, code snippets, and real-world solutions at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership.