facets_max_facets
This module works to restrict the number of facets a user can select. While it's primary purpose is to disrupt bots that are selecting an exceptionally large amount of facets, this module differentiates itself from
the current (as of early 2026) suggested module facet_bot_blocker (https://www.drupal.org/project/facet_bot_blocker) by instead of just returning a 410 or 403 error, Drupal returns the page, but no new facet options are available, and a message is displayed to the user.
Features
-Allows setting a maximum number of searched facets and when that number is exceeded displays a message to visitors letting them know they've reached the maximum number of facets.
Post-Installation
-Install module as normal
-Navigate to /admin/config/search/facets/max-facets
-Set the max amount of facets you want, and the message you wish to display.
-Navigate to your particular set of facets, edit all facets you wish to affect, and check the box "Respect global max facets"
Recommended modules/libraries
We highly recommend you also integrate, when feasible, facet_bot_blocker. You will want to set facet_bot_blocker to trigger at your max facets + 1, so in the event a bot attempts to pass additional facets via the URL, the but gets the expected not allowed response. This should ensure humans never get an unexpected response or experience, bots just crawling on page links won't delve unreasonably deep into your content, and if a particularly clever bot figures out how to trying to pass additional facets via get parameter, they will not get any results.
Similar projects
The module facet_bot_blocker can get you similar results, though it is a bit more heavy handed and click happy humans can accidentally trigger unintended responses.
Release Version Plans
- This is currently available as dev only.
- Once it is released and working without issue on the primary site that this was intended for, it'll get an alpha release.
- Once more than one site are using it with success, It'll get a beta release.
- Once somebody sponsors a pizza party to celebrate it's success, I'll give it a stable release.