Can I achieve these results using Smart Search?

[knightreader]

Hello and thanks in advance for your assistance and guidance.

Is it possible to recreate the same search functions using Smart Search as shown in this example?
Please refer to example image attached.

[knightreader]

Hi Sakiss, the "Research" tab and others would drop down to display all joomla categories. Once selected all articles under that chosen sub category would display

[knightreader]

To clarify, there would be 4 filters/search bars as shown and when clicked into a dropdown displaying relevant categories would display. Please refer to the image I've attached as an example.

[knightreader]

Is it possible to provide you the url directly so you can see the functions of the search landing page I'm hoping to set up? Also, I'm unsure how to display 4 different filters across the page as the menu link requires linking to 1 specific filter.

Thankyou

[Pavel-ww]

I'm unsure how to display 4 different filters across the page as the menu link requires linking to 1 specific filter.

Hi. I don't think this is possible with Smart Search? Use custom fields in articles and JFilters for them.

A filter and a search are different things working on different principles. A search increases the load on the server and significantly increases the database. A filter does not do this.

In addition, Smart Search is not intended for large catalogs. With an increase in the number of articles, sooner or later you will encounter its restrictions and come to a dead end. Read about its restrictions in Joomla documentation.

[Pavel-ww]

Pavel there are ways to mitigate the Smart Search db tables size, through the SS component configuration.

Hi @sakiss.

Perhaps you are right. But in my opinion, the use of SS in this case is a crutch that can continue to cause a headache. Therefore, it is best to completely abandon it and not waste time. (IMO)

[knightreader]

Thank you both Sakiss and Pavel for your helpful responses. I am using custom fields in articles and JFilters now and working through the documentation in order to achieve the functionality.