Category filtering is a powerful feature that allows your visitors to organize and filter map markers in real-time. Whether you are building a store locator, a restaurant guide, or a directory of landmarks, categories help users find exactly what they are looking for quickly.

Note: Category Filtering is a Premium feature. Make sure you have the Pro version installed and activated.

Step 1: Create Your Categories #

Before you can filter markers, you need to define the categories they belong to.

1. Navigate to WP Google Map > Categories from your WordPress dashboard.
2. In the Add New Category form, enter a Category Name (e.g., Restaurants, Hotels, Gas Stations).
3. Choose a Category Icon by clicking Choose Icon.
   • This icon represents the category in the filter panel.
   • You can upload your own or choose from the library.
4. (Optional) Select a Parent Category if you want to create a hierarchical structure (e.g., Fast Food under Restaurants).
5. Click Save Category.

You will see your categories listed in the table on the right side of the page.

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Step 2: Assign Markers to Categories #

Once your categories are created, you can assign them to your marker pins.

1. Go to WP Google Map and click Edit on the map you want to manage.
2. Switch to the Markers tab.
3. Click the Edit icon on an existing marker, or click New Marker to create a new one.
4. Find the Category multi-select dropdown.
   • You can assign a single marker to multiple categories.
   • Simply click the categories you wish to include.
5. Click Save Marker.
6. Important: After saving individual markers, remember to click the Update Map button at the bottom of the map editor to save all changes.

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Step 3: Enable the Filter on the Frontend #

By default, the category filter is hidden. You must enable it for each map where you want it to appear.

1. In the Map Editor, navigate to the Marker Listing tab.
2. Scroll down to the Search & Filtering section.
3. Find the Enable Category Filter option and toggle the switch to On.
4. Click the Update Map button at the bottom of the page.

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Step 4: How it Works on Your Site #

When a visitor views your map, they will now see the following:

• Filter Panel Access: A toggle icon appears (typically near the search bar or inside the map).
• Checkbox Selection: Users can select one or multiple categories to filter.
• Instant Result: The map instantly hides markers that do not match the selection.
• Hierarchy Support: If parent categories were used, users can expand/collapse sub-categories.

If you need please see demo here

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Troubleshooting Tips #

• Categories not appearing? Ensure you have assigned at least one marker to the category and that “Enable Category Filter” is toggled on in the map settings.
• Caching Issues? If you add categories but they don’t appear on the frontend, clear your site’s cache (WP Rocket, LightSpeed, etc.).
• License Check: If the settings are locked, verify that your Pro License is active under the “Settings” page.