Searching with Custom Fields

In this article: 

• Search Custom Fields Using Search Options
• Search Custom Fields Using a Query 

In Onna, once an admin (or member with special permissions) has added a custom field to your site, you are then able to search for data using custom fields values throughout your Onna site. 

You can search using custom fields in two ways: using the search options dropdown (found in the search bar) or using a query. Below you will find detailed steps on how to search with both options. 

Search Custom Fields Using Search Options

When performing a basic search, including searching using custom fields, you’re able to build out your search using the Search Options dropdown located in the search bar. To do so, follow the steps below: 

Step 1 Click the arrow in the search bar to bring up the ‘Search options’ window.
Step 2 From the ‘Search options’ window, click on ‘Add Custom Field’ in the bottom left corner of the window.
Step 3 You’ll now see a Custom field section appear. Click on the arrow in that field to bring up a drop down of all custom fields you can search. Select the custom field you want to search from that list.
Step 4 Once you’ve selected the custom field you want to search, enter the value for that field in the ‘Custom field value’ space (a) to the right. If you’d like to add additional custom fields to your search you can again click on ‘Add Custom Field’ (b) in the bottom left corner of the window.  When you’re done including all options for your search click on the blue ‘Search’ button (c) to run your search.

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Search Custom Fields Using a Query

Please note that if using a query to search a date custom field, the correct syntax for the date value must be entered using mm-dd-yyyy format including dashes (04-03-2023) NOT backslashes (04/03/2023).

Please note that the appropriate syntax for a custom field search query is: 

cf-name of custom field:value for that field

Step 1 To search custom fields using a query start by typing ‘cf-’ into the search bar (a) at the top of the page.  Then, select the custom field you want to search against from the drop down that appears (b).
Step 2 You’ll now notice that your search syntax is underlined in red. This means that your syntax is incorrect.
Step 3 To correct your syntax and run your search you need to add the value of the custom field you want to search after the colon. You’ll then see the syntax underlined in green which means it is good. Then, hit the enter key and your search query will run.

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Additional Resources 

• Creating, Adding, and Managing Custom Fields