Use shareable filtered URLs
Faceted Search stores public selections in the query string. Visitors can bookmark a result state, share it, and use browser Back and Forward to revisit earlier choices.
Parameter families
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
pf_<facet-id> |
Selected values for one facet |
pfm_<facet-id> |
Exclude mode for that facet |
pf_sort |
Non-default sort |
pf_per_page |
Non-default page size |
pf_page |
Current numbered page |
pf_loaded_pages |
Pages restored for append-style paging |
pfb_<block-id> |
Page state for a particular result block |
Multiple values for one facet are serialized as a comma-separated value. The theme generates and sanitizes these parameters automatically.
Create a link safely
- Open the public search page.
- Make the intended selections through the visible controls.
- Apply them if the listing uses manual submit mode.
- Confirm the cards and counts.
- Copy the address from the browser.
- Open it in a private window.
Do not guess facet IDs or compose links from visible labels. IDs are context-specific and values may be normalized differently from their labels.
Browser behavior
Facet refreshes update the current page URL without a full navigation. Back and Forward re-read the pf_ state and refresh the result area. Reset removes the relevant parameters.
Unrelated query parameters are retained when the live page updates its Faceted Search state. Search Gateway is stricter: only non-facet parameters named under Preserve GET parameters are carried to its destination.
Publication cautions
A saved link depends on the context and facet IDs remaining available. After restructuring a context, test important campaign, navigation, and support links again.
Avoid using a filtered URL as the only canonical route to a permanent collection. Create a stable archive or landing page when the collection needs its own navigation and editorial identity.