Workaround: Members Selecting Multiple Top Level Categories

Link: https://support.brilliantdirectories.com/support/solutions/articles/12000057947

The way that the software is designed, all members can only select one Top Level Category. There is a workaround however that will allow members to select Multiple Top Level Categories. 


The site owner will need to create a General Top-level category that captures all of the members, then have the rest of the categories as sub and sub-subcategories. 


Step 1 - Add Categories to CSV File

Edit the CSV file that has been used to upload the Category Structure and add a new column or create a new CSV. file for this process.




With this workaround, here’s the updated file structure:


  • The old Top Level Categories now function as Sub-Categories.
  • The old Sub-Categories now function as Sub-Sub-Categories.


We’re using “Hidden Top Category” as an example name, but you should replace it with something that fits your site. This label will appear on the front end in links, so choose a name that makes sense for your visitors.




Now proceed to re-upload the new category structure using the CSV file. To access this file, feel free to click on this link: http://managemydirectory.com/admin/member-category-structure-import-sample.csv or use the option that can be found on the screen after clicking on the Import Categories in the backend of the site. (see image below)




Make sure to select the option to delete the existing categories. This will also mean that any member that has previously selected a category will have to do this again. This is why is very important to do this before uploading many members to the site.



Step 2 - Pre-Select the Top Level Category


1.  Finance » Membership Plans » Edit:




2. Once inside the "Edit" screen search for the setting inside the General tab » Pre-Select Top Category:



Step 3 - Hide the Hidden Top Level Category

To get started complete the following steps:


1. Toolbox » Form Manager » Listing - Contact (or whichever form the membership level is using as the Contact Form)




2. Inside the form look for the "profession_id" field, click on the gear icon and disable the "Input View" option and save the changes: 




Member Form: Category Workaround 

Logging in as a member, it is now possible to select more than one Category and Sub Category from the Listing Details Tab:




Homepage Search Module

Go to Settings » Design Settings. Homepage Layout Tab » Search Type » Hidden Top-Level Filter/Any Sub or Sub Sub Category filter:




Hide Top-Level Category From Member's Profile Page

Follow the steps outlined here in order to hide the top-level category from the frontend: