Step 1: Set up Your Content

Facets use Content fields. For each vertical you want to enable facets for, you’ll need to determine which fields to enable facets for, make sure the fields exist on the entity types for that vertical, and that the fields are populated with content.

Determine Fields to Enable Facets For

Facets are best for structured enum/option fields for which there are a finite number of options, such as categories (for any entity type), product attributes, and sections of a menu. When deciding whether to implement facets, think about the types of queries your users are searching for and how they would want to refine these searches. In most cases, facets are encouraged, but too many facets can be overwhelming.

For best practices and tips on what fields to use, check out the Searchable Fields Best Practices reference doc.

Enable Fields

There are several ways to tell whether the fields exist on the relevant entity type:

• Attempt to add fields as searchable fields to the vertical (see step 2 of this guide).
• View an entity of the relevant entity type to see all fields it has. Check out the Edit Entity Information help article to learn how.
• View the configuration for the entity type. Check out the View Field API Name (Content) help article to learn how.

If you determine the field is missing from the entity type, add it:

• If the field already exists on a different entity type, but is not enabled on the relevant entity type, add it. Follow the steps to add additional fields in the Customize Entity Type Field Configurations help article.
• If the field does not already exist, create a field for it. Follow the steps in the Add Custom Fields help article.

Populate Content for Fields

Once the field exists, make sure it is populated with content so you can actually use it! Check out the Edit Entity Information help article for steps on how to edit a single entity and other options for editing.