Search Field Mapping
Introduction
Field Mapping is the process of connecting Search Form fields to fields stored in the Target Form. When a user performs a search, Gravity Search uses these mappings to determine which Target Form fields should be searched and how the search query should be built.
Every search experience created with Gravity Search relies on Field Mapping.
How Field Mapping Works
Each Field Mapping Rule connects a Search Form field to a Target Form field. Gravity Search reads the value entered by the user in the Search Form and compares it against the mapped field in the Target Form using the selected operator.
A mapping rule consists of:
- Source Field: The Search Form field.
- Target Field: The Target Form field.
- Operator: The comparison method.
Mapping Rules
You can create one or multiple mapping rules for a Search Form. Each rule adds another search condition to the query.
For example:
- Keyword → Business Name
- City → City Field
- Category → Category Field
These mappings allow visitors to filter entries using multiple criteria at the same time.
Supported Field Types
Gravity Search supports mapping a wide range of Gravity Forms field types.
- Single Line Text
- Paragraph Text
- Drop Down
- Radio Buttons
- Checkboxes
- Multi Select
- Number
- Date
- Address
- Hidden Fields
Available operators are determined automatically based on the selected Target Field and its data type.
Filter Match Mode
Filter Match Mode determines how multiple mapping rules are combined.
Match All Rules (AND)
Entries must satisfy every mapping rule in order to be returned in the search results.
Example:
- Category = Restaurant
- City = Miami
Results must match both conditions.
Match Any Rule (OR)
Entries can satisfy any mapping rule in order to appear in the search results.
Example:
- Category = Restaurant
- Category = Cafe
Results matching either condition will be returned.
Field Mapping Examples
Keyword Search
Map a Search Form text field to a Target Form business name field using the Contains operator.
Category Search
Map a dropdown or checkbox field to a Target Form category field using the In operator.
Date Search
Map a Date field to a Target Form Date field using comparison operators such as Equals, Greater Than, or Less Than.
Price Search
Map a Number field to a Target Form price field using numerical comparison operators.
Best Practices
- Use descriptive labels for Search Form fields.
- Keep search forms focused on the filters users actually need.
- Use Match All Rules (AND) when building highly targeted searches.
- Use Match Any Rules (OR) when broader matching is desired.
- Test field mappings after making changes to the Target Form.