How to Apply OR Conditions Using Add Field to Filter Magento 2?

• What is AddFieldtoFilter in Magento 2?

• Why Add Field to Filter in Magento Stores?

• How to Apply OR Conditions Using AddFieldToFilter Magento 2?

• Common Use Cases of addFieldToFilter in Magento 2

• Supported Condition Types in addFieldToFilter

• Difference Between addFieldToFilter and addAttributeToFilter

• FAQs

• Summary

What is AddFieldtoFilter in Magento 2?

Magento 2 uses the addFieldToFilter method to apply filter conditions on collections. Developers use it to retrieve specific data from models, such as products or orders.

The method builds SQL queries based on defined parameters. It supports equality, pattern matching, null checks, and other comparisons. Instead of loading full datasets, Magento loads only relevant records. It reduces load time and improves performance.

Use addFieldToFilter with either single or many conditions. For a simple filter, pass the field name and value. To compare with operators like greater than or like, use arrays such as ['gteq' => 100] or ['like' => '%name%']. When applying different AND conditions, repeat the method call. For OR conditions, pass nested condition arrays in one call. This structure maintains the code's readability and efficiency.

Filter logic stays consistent across all Magento collections. Developers can combine addFieldToFilter with sorting, limits, and pagination for better control. It simplifies query building in custom modules or third-party extensions. Every data-driven feature in Magento relies on precise filters. Knowing how to use this method ensures clean, optimized code. Build faster and smarter with this essential tool.

Why Add Field to Filter in Magento Stores?

Reason	Explanation
1. Precise Data Retrieval	Use addFieldToFilter to get only the records you need. It targets specific fields with defined values. Magento skips unrelated data and reduces clutter. Clean queries result in accurate outputs. Filtered collections save time in both coding and data processing. This method ensures the application responds with purpose.
2. Faster Page Load Times	Filtering data at the source keeps the response time short. Magento loads fewer records, which improves speed. Use this method to boost performance across admin and frontend. Faster loading improves navigation and user actions. Pages respond in real-time with minimal lag. That speed enhances the entire store experience.
3. Better Resource Management	Stores with large datasets need smarter data handling. Use filters to reduce memory consumption and server load. Targeted queries free up system resources. Lighter processes allow more transactions at once. Reduced pressure on the backend improves uptime. Magento performs better under traffic when data stays lean.
4. Dynamic Custom Features	Custom modules often depend on filtered logic. Use addFieldToFilter to fetch condition-based records. Show content based on customer actions or product status. Create flexible blocks, widgets, or reports with filtered results. Add real-time adaptability to the store without complex SQL. It keeps the code structured and Magento-compliant.
5. Cleaner Admin Grids	Admins work faster when grids stay relevant. Use filters to limit what shows up in product, order, or customer views. Display only what matters, pending orders, featured items, or VIP customers. Keep large datasets from overwhelming the interface. Refined grids help users act without confusion. Quick access leads to better decisions.
6. Easier Debugging and Testing	Magento developers need focused data during testing. Filter conditions help isolate issues. Work with predictable records instead of massive lists. Set up specific test cases using well-defined filters. Clear results simplify troubleshooting. Fewer variables lead to faster solutions.
7. Compatibility with Magento Standards	Magento recommends using its own collection methods. addFieldToFilter aligns with those best practices. Use it to avoid raw SQL and keep code maintainable. Standard filters support upgrades and extensions better. Write clean code that works across modules. That consistency supports long-term development.

How to Apply OR Conditions Using AddFieldToFilter Magento 2?

1. Understand the Purpose of addFieldToFilter

Use addFieldToFilter to apply conditions on Magento collections. This method supports both AND and OR conditions. To apply OR logic, pass an array of conditions inside another array.

2. Apply Simple OR Conditions

For a condition like:
(email LIKE '%test@webkul.com%') OR (default_billing = 1)

Use this code:

$this->customFactory->create()

 `->getCollection()`

 `->addFieldToFilter(`

     `[`

         `['attribute' => 'email', 'like' => '%test@webkul.com%'],`

         `['attribute' => 'default_billing', 'eq' => 1]`

     `]`

 `);`

Each inner array represents an OR condition.

3. Use Nested OR Conditions for Complex Filters

For conditions like:

(start_date >= '2020-01-01')

OR (end_date < '2020-01-31')

OR (status IS NULL OR status = 'complete')

Use this code:

$this->customFactory->create()

 `->getCollection()`

 `->addFieldToFilter(`

     `[`

         `['attribute' => 'start_date', 'gteq' => '2020-01-01'],`

         `['attribute' => 'end_date', 'lt' => '2020-01-31'],`

         `['attribute' => 'status', 'null' => true],`

         `['attribute' => 'status', 'eq' => 'complete']`

     `]`

 `);`

Magento groups these as OR conditions, even when they target the same field like status.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Do not pass unrelated condition arrays as separate addFieldToFilter calls.

• Do not mix OR and AND logic in a single call. Use custom logic in repository or collection classes when needed.

5. Test and Confirm Results

Check generated SQL query or debug collection to ensure conditions work as expected. Use logging or Magento debug tools to inspect the collection query.

Common Use Cases of addFieldToFilter in Magento 2

1. Filter Orders by Status

Use addFieldToFilter to retrieve orders with specific statuses. Target only pending or processing orders when building custom reports or dashboards. Narrowing the collection saves resources and improves load speed. Combine status values using the in condition for flexibility. Focused queries deliver only the needed data. Efficient filtering drives clean backend processes.

2. Retrieve Customers by Email or Group

Filter customer collections using email, group ID, or store ID. Load only wholesale customers or segment users based on custom logic. Apply pattern-based conditions like like for partial matches. Targeted filters simplify personalized messaging and promotions. Avoid loading inactive or irrelevant accounts. Every condition brings you closer to precision.

3. Load Products by Visibility or Stock Status

Control catalog data by filtering products by visibility, status, or stock attributes. Show only enabled, in-stock products that are visible in catalog or search. Remove clutter by excluding disabled or out-of-stock items. Use conditions like eq, lt, or in to refine results. Build efficient product lists for custom views or feeds. Your collection stays optimized and relevant.

4. Show Only Active CMS Pages

Magento CMS collections include is_active and identifier fields. Filter out disabled pages by checking for active status. Load only approved pages into dynamic menus or blocks. Avoid exposing drafts or test content on the frontend. Keep the site clean and user-facing elements trustworthy. Filter logic simplifies CMS-driven layout control.

5. Fetch Reviews by Customer or Product

Pull reviews linked to a specific customer ID or product ID using addFieldToFilter. Limit output to approved reviews for display on product pages. Exclude pending or spam entries to keep feedback clean. Improve page integrity by showing only relevant user content. Support better decision-making for new shoppers. Review filtering tightens content control.

6. Filter Quotes or Carts by Customer

Magento stores cart data in the quote collection. Retrieve quotes for logged-in users using customer ID. Apply total-based filters like gteq to highlight high-value carts. Identify and act on abandoned carts for remarketing. Direct insights into conversion gaps support marketing strategies. Clean queries return only actionable records.

7. Display Custom Entity Records

Custom modules often rely on filtered data. Use addFieldToFilter in your entity collections to load only valid or active entries. Target fields like status, created_at, or customer_id based on module logic. Keep grids and reports clean by excluding noise. Maintain performance across custom features. Filter-driven modules reduce bugs and enhance reliability.

Supported Condition Types in addFieldToFilter

Condition Type	Usage and Explanation
eq	Checks for exact match. Use it to filter records where the field equals a specific value. Example: 'status' => ['eq' => 'pending'].
neq	Filters records that do not match the given value. It helps exclude specific statuses or entries. Example: 'status' => ['neq' => 'closed'].
like	Filters using pattern matching. Use % as a wildcard. Example: 'email' => ['like' => '%@gmail.com%'].
nlike	Matches values that do not fit a pattern. Use this to exclude unwanted text matches. Example: 'sku' => ['nlike' => '%test%'].
in	Filters values that match any value in an array. Use it for multi-value comparisons. Example: 'status' => ['in' => ['pending', 'processing']].
nin	Returns values not included in a list. Helps when excluding different entries. Example: 'store_id' => ['nin' => [1, 2]].
is / null	Checks for null values. Use 'null' => true to filter empty fields. Example: 'status' => ['null' => true].
notnull	Filters records that are not null. Example: 'customer_id' => ['notnull' => true].
gt	Filters values greater than the given number. Example: 'price' => ['gt' => 100].
lt	Filters values less than the target value. Example: 'price' => ['lt' => 500].
gteq	Filters values greater than or equal to a number. Useful for ranges. Example: 'qty' => ['gteq' => 10].
lteq	Returns records less than or equal to a value. Helps build inclusive filters. Example: 'qty' => ['lteq' => 50].

Difference Between addFieldToFilter and addAttributeToFilter

1. Usage Context

• Use addFieldToFilter when working with collections that rely on flat table structures. These models contain direct database fields without EAV layering. The method supports filters on standard tables in both core and custom modules. Developers use it often in backend forms, reports, and admin views. It works well in modules that don’t store data as attributes.

• Choose addAttributeToFilter when working with EAV-based collections like products or customers. These entities store values across many tables, not in a single row. The method filters based on Magento's attribute system, not actual columns. Magento links the attribute code to its definition and value using internal joins. This method supports flexibility in handling dynamic or custom attributes.

2. Supported Collections

• Apply addFieldToFilter on collections like sales orders, CMS pages, and custom database models. These models follow a traditional table schema with each column mapped. You can use this method for filtering based on timestamps, IDs, flags, or status fields. It also supports advanced conditions like ranges or null checks. You get direct control over database fields with minimal query complexity.

• Use addAttributeToFilter with collections tied to the EAV system. These models don't store values in a single table. Instead, Magento retrieves attribute values by joining separate tables for values, and scopes. The method suits use cases where attributes may vary or evolve. Magento handles these joins behind the scenes based on attribute definitions.

3. Data Source

• The addFieldToFilter method reads from the main table columns. It queries against fixed schema fields, such as entity_id, created_at, or status. These fields come from the core schema of flat resource models. Magento doesn't need to look up any metadata to execute the filter. It reduces query overhead and keeps things simple.

• In contrast, addAttributeToFilter relies on attribute codes and metadata. Magento checks attribute definitions before retrieving values. It then joins EAV tables like catalog_product_entity_varchar or catalog_product_entity_int. Every condition runs through attribute validation and type matching. This dynamic structure allows more flexibility but increases query size.

4. Performance

• Queries using addFieldToFilter execute faster on flat collections. Magento reads from a single table without complex joins. It helps maintain speed during operations like admin grid loads, or cron jobs. You get a better response time under high traffic. Most performance bottlenecks stay out of the way when filters stay tight.

• Filters using addAttributeToFilter load slower due to different joins. Magento combines data from different EAV tables, which takes more time and resources. Complex filters on many attributes further increase execution time. Indexing helps, but it doesn’t cut the cost of joins. Choose this method when you need dynamic filtering and attribute-based logic.

5. Syntax and Structure

• The syntax for both methods looks similar. Use condition arrays like ['eq' => 'value'], ['like' => '%test%'], or ['gteq' => 100]. In addFieldToFilter, the field name must match an actual column in the table. Magento applies the filter in SQL without modifying the query structure.

• With addAttributeToFilter, the name points to an attribute code, not a column. Magento translates it using EAV metadata before applying the condition. It doesn’t run raw SQL. Instead, it constructs a query using joins and attribute mappings. You still use the same syntax, but the processing path changes.

FAQs

1. How does addFieldToFilter improve performance in a Magento store?

It reduces the number of records Magento loads during operations. Fewer records mean less memory usage and faster page loads. This method boosts both frontend speed and backend efficiency.

2. Can I use addFieldToFilter to show results that match any one of several conditions?

Yes, you can apply OR conditions using nested filters. Magento checks each condition and returns records that match at least one. This approach gives flexibility while keeping the logic structured.

3. What is the difference between addFieldToFilter and addAttributeToFilter?

Use addFieldToFilter for data stored in standard database columns. In contrast, apply addAttributeToFilter for dynamic attribute-based data, such as products or customers. Each serves a distinct purpose depending on how Magento stores the data.

Summary

Add Field to Filter Magento 2 method simplifies data handling across Magento collections. It powers faster, more efficient queries and brings clarity to custom logic. Key benefits are:

• Optimized Data Retrieval: Load only what you need by applying direct & clear conditions.

• Improved Store Speed: Reduce server load and speed up frontend and admin responses.

• Cleaner Admin Views: Show only relevant information in grids and reports.

• Flexible Custom Features: Build smart modules and widgets based on condition-based data.

• Better Debugging: Use focused filters to test and isolate issues faster.

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