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Troubleshooting Missing Fields e.g. Location Field Not Showing on Search Form

A field you added can still be missing from the search form because a field dependency is hiding it. This article shows how to check a field's visibility and how to clear the dependency so it shows for every category.

2 minute read

If you notice that a field is missing from the search form even though you correctly added it, it may be hidden due to field dependency settings.

The Elementor Edit Search Form V2 panel listing the Category and Location fields with Location expanded, and arrows pointing at the search bar in the preview, which shows only a Category select and a search button.

Check whether the field is hidden

Here's how to check:

  1. 1 Open Custom Fields

    In wp-admin, go to Listivo Panel > Custom Fields.

  2. 2 Check the field's visibility

    Scroll down to "Check Field Visibility", select the field you need to check and click "Check Visibility", as shown below:

    The end of the custom fields list — Virtual Tour, Video, Gallery, Attachments and Location — above a Check Field Visibility box; arrows point at the select, set to Location, and at the Check Visibility button.
  3. 3 Review the terms listed

    After clicking, review the terms listed. For example, if it states "Terms that must be selected before the field is visible" with a list of terms, ensure the appropriate fields are selected. If the Location field does not appear, it might be because the right category was not selected in the form.

    The Check Field Visibility box with Category chosen in the select, showing the heading Location and, under "Terms That Must Be Selected Before the Field is Visible", the entries Real Estate (Category) and Vehicles (Category).

Understanding Field Dependency: How It Affects Your Search Form

To learn more about this option, you can refer to the following article: The field dependency on the custom field

Modifying the Field Dependency: Making the Location Field Visible by Default

If you want the field to be visible by default, you need to make sure that the Field Dependency row is empty. Here's an example to help you understand better:

Go to Listivo Panel > Custom Fields > Category (edit)

The Custom Fields screen in wp-admin listing the Category and Price fields; arrows point at Listivo Panel and Custom Fields in the sidebar and at the Edit button on the Category row.

You will see a list of fields that should be displayed for each category.

A grid of fields against categories — Community, Electronics, Fashion, For Kids, Health & Beauty, Jobs, Pets, Real Estate, Services and Vehicles — with the Location row outlined and none of its checkboxes ticked.

If you select at least one checkbox, the field will be hidden until someone selects the matching category. If the field is not displayed, it is likely because the Field Dependency row is not empty. Make sure that the row is empty if you want the field to be visible by default.

A close-up of the Location row of the grid, with all five of its checkboxes empty.
After ensuring that the Field Dependency row is empty, check whether the field now appears on the search form. In most cases, this step will solve the issue of the missing field.

Verifying Subcategory Settings: Ensuring Location Field is Displayed for All

In order to verify this, it is important to ensure that the "Location" field is consistently deselected for all subcategories. You can begin by confirming that the option labelled "Display Field Dependency on Term Pages" has been checked, as shown in the screenshot below. This option can be found directly below the table.

The same field-and-category grid, with the option Display Field Dependency on Term Pages ticked below the table next to its explanatory description.

Start with the first subcategory and check all the others to ensure that the "Location" field is set to be displayed by default in all of them.

The Listings > Category taxonomy screen, with the Add New Category form on the left and the term list on the right; arrows point at Listings and Category in the sidebar and at the Edit link under the Small Furries term.

It should look like the screenshot below for all categories and subcategories:

A term's field dependency options — Location, Gallery and Price — with every checkbox empty, above a blue Update button and a Delete link.

When none of the checkboxes are selected, you can test your search form and confirm that the Location field is visible from the beginning.

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