How can I filter and sort "multi-reference" collection items in Webflow?

TL;DR
  • Create a collection list with filters referencing the desired field and use categories or tags for indirect filtering.
  • Use conditional visibility rules to refine displayed items based on attributes or related fields.
  • Sort collection lists using options for fields directly on the primary collection.
  • Implement custom JavaScript for advanced sorting/filtering beyond Webflow's native capabilities.

Filtering and sorting "multi-reference" collection items in Webflow requires using some of the platform's built-in features alongside workarounds for limitations. While direct filtering and sorting aren't as straightforward as with single-reference fields, you can achieve it with the following approach:

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1. Use Collection Lists With Filters

  • Create a collection list on your page where you want to display multi-reference items.
  • Add a filter to the collection list that references the field you want to filter by. Unfortunately, you can't directly filter by nested multi-reference fields, so consider using categories or tags.

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2. Leverage Conditional Visibility

  • Use conditional visibility rules to further refine which items display within the list. You can set conditions based on the attributes or related fields of the collection item.

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3. Sort Collection Lists

  • Select sorting options when configuring your collection list. You can only sort by fields that are directly on the primary collection, not multi-references directly, so pick a field that relates to your intended sort order.

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4. Utilize Custom Code

  • If further sorting/filtering is needed beyond Webflow's capabilities, consider using custom JavaScript to manipulate the DOM after page load, sorting elements based on data attributes or other factors.

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Summary

Filtering and sorting multi-reference collection items in Webflow involves leveraging filters on collection lists, using conditional visibility, sorting by related fields, and potentially implementing custom JavaScript. While direct manipulation of multi-reference fields isn't possible, these methods provide a viable workaround.

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