> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://staylime.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://staylime.com/docs/avante-themes/theme-settings/filter-swatches.md).

# Filter swatches

{% hint style="info" %}
**Theme Editor → Theme settings → Filter swatches**
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/wSDrYZpvWIdpnZm3sG20" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Filters must be configured in **Shopify Admin → Online Store → Search & Discovery** before swatches will appear. See [Shopify's guide on visual filters](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/storefront-search/search-and-discovery-filters#visual-filters) for setup instructions.
{% endhint %}

***

### Visual filters — find it faster, buy with more confidence

Text-based filters work. Visual filters work better. When a customer is searching for a blue coat, seeing a grid of color circles in the filter panel is faster and more satisfying than reading "Blue, Navy, Cobalt, Midnight" in a dropdown. Avante's filter swatch settings transform your Search & Discovery filters into a visual browsing experience.

***

### Color swatches

With Color swatches enabled, filter options matching your label appear as clickable color circles instead of text checkboxes. Customers spot the shade they want instantly — no reading required.

<figure><img src="/files/WuewLJEMO8PGgkbdpkho" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% columns %}
{% column %}
**Grid** — compact and scannable, fits more colors without scrolling. Best for stores with many color variants.
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
**List** — shows the color name alongside each circle. Better when subtle shades (cream, ivory, ecru) look too similar as small circles.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

<figure><img src="/files/5dnCODH2gGFoBFStIon6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Thumbnail swatches

For attributes where a color circle tells you nothing — material, pattern, finish, fabric — Thumbnail swatches use actual images as filter options. A customer filtering by "Linen" sees the texture, not just the word. This reduces filter-and-return behavior and builds purchase confidence before the customer even opens a product page.

<figure><img src="/files/YXCoUbEtctSpR9kJAkZs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" icon="sparkles" %}
**Pro tip:** The filter label must match your Shopify filter option name exactly.&#x20;

Start with your most-browsed attribute — even one visual filter label meaningfully improves the collection page experience.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://staylime.com/docs/avante-themes/theme-settings/filter-swatches.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.