The address form in PrestaShop often raises questions among users aiming to simplify the checkout process for customers. In this article, we’ll discuss why the form is structured the way it is, which fields can be hidden or made optional, and address specific issues encountered by store owners. We’ll also offer code snippets for modifying the form to better suit your needs.
PrestaShop: Flexible Configuration for Different Countries
The address form in PrestaShop is designed to support stores operating in various countries, which requires flexibility. However, PrestaShop is also suitable for stores that only sell in one country. The platform allows you to adapt the address form, adjusting fields differently for each country to streamline the process for buyers.
For instance, depending on the country’s requirements, certain fields can be made mandatory or visible. This is especially useful in countries where legal requirements for address forms may differ.
Key Issues Faced by Store Owners
1. Need for Country Selection
If your store sells exclusively within one country, the country selection field can become redundant. To simplify the form, this field can be hidden, leaving only relevant data for the single country.
2. Postal Code
Many customers may not know their postal code, which can complicate the checkout process. Making the postal code field optional simplifies the process, especially if postcode-based addressing isn’t critical.
3. City and Additional Fields
Some customers feel fields like “City” may be unnecessary, and for stores focused on specific regions, they might not be needed. Merchants often want to hide unnecessary fields so customers aren’t distracted by extra steps during checkout.
4. Understanding the Field Management System
To manage the required fields in PrestaShop, there are different paths available. For example, to make the "Phone" field mandatory, go to Customers > Addresses > Required Fields Setup. However, for changing field order, disabling the postcode, or setting the country, these parameters are configured in Geolocation > Countries. This structure enables flexible form customization for different countries, though it may not be immediately obvious.
How the Address Form Works and Principles of Its Setup
PrestaShop uses files such as Address.php
to determine field display logic. This file contains a list of required and optional fields used by the system when rendering the address form. For example, the fields id_country
, alias
, lastname
, firstname
, address1
, and city
are mandatory for all addresses as they are essential for basic functionality.
In Geolocation > Countries, you can set up specific fields for each country, enabling or disabling them as needed.
Code Examples: Hiding Fields and Auto-filling Values
If you want to remove some fields and set default values, the following approach can be applied.
1. Hiding Fields in the Template
To hide unnecessary fields, open the form-fields.tpl
file located in themes/your_theme/templates/_partials/
and add the hidden class:
This code snippet will hide the fields alias
, id_country
, lastname
, and city
from the user's view.
2. Filling Default Values in Hidden Fields
For hidden fields that need default values, add this block of code:
This block will populate hidden fields with default values to prevent errors when saving the address.
The address form in PrestaShop offers significant customization potential for various markets and regions, making the platform flexible for worldwide use. However, for stores operating within a single country, some fields may be unnecessary. Understanding the form structure and configuring it flexibly allows for a streamlined checkout process and enhanced customer convenience.
If you have any questions or suggestions about modifying the address form, feel free to leave a comment. We’ll be happy to help you tailor the form to your store’s needs or consider new article ideas!