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How to use the Directory plugin

Create a searchable, configurable directory of users with profiles, badges, categories, and optional messaging or location features.

Amr Alshareef avatar
Written by Amr Alshareef
Updated yesterday

The directory plugin lets you display a list of app users in a structured, searchable directory. You control who is listed, what profile information is visible, and what actions users can take when viewing other profiles. This makes it useful for member directories, employee lists, communities, or any app where users need to discover and connect with one another.

You can enhance the directory with badges based on tags, categories for filtering, profile visibility rules, messaging actions, and optional location features. All configuration happens inside the plugin tabs, and the experience adjusts automatically based on the settings you choose.

Requirements

  • This is a Maximize plugin, available on the Growth and Business plans

  • User registration enabled in your app

  • Optional plugins depending on features used:

    • Inbox or Chat (for messaging)

    • Location Tracker (for live location sharing)

How to use the directory plugin?

  1. Log in, go to Builder in the left navigation

  2. Click the + button to open the Plugin Marketplace

    • Search for Directory, then click Add Plugin

    • Name your plugin and click Add

  3. Stay in the Content tab

    • Configure badges to visually identify users

      1. Add a badge icon and name

      2. Select a tag and tag count that qualifies users for the badge

      3. (Optional) Add an action item that appears when the badge is tapped

    • Configure categories to help users filter the directory

      1. Enable or disable default categories (such as age)

      2. Add new categories based on tags

      3. Assign icons and labels for each category

  4. Click the Design tab to choose how the directory is displayed

    • Select a list view or grid view depending on how prominently you want profile images shown

  5. Click the Settings tab to control user behavior and access

    • Configure action items shown on user profiles (for example, message user via Inbox or Chat)

    • Choose whether users are auto-enlisted or prompted to join the directory

    • Limit feature access based on tags

    • Enable full profile access so users can view additional profile fields

    • Turn on badge-earned push notifications if desired

    • Choose how user subtitles appear (hidden, email, or phone number)

    • Set how users are sorted (name, badge count, join date, or tag count)

    • Enable optional directory features as needed

      1. Personal directory to let users create private contact lists

      2. Import contacts to invite or match users from a device’s address book

      3. Location tracking (requires the Location Tracker plugin)

      4. Map view to display users based on profile addresses

      5. Category-based filtering in search results

  6. Click the Security tab

    • Turn on Require Login to restrict access

    • (Optional) Apply tag-based restrictions

  7. Click the Tagging tab

    • Add tags automatically to users when they visit the directory

  8. Click the Purchase tab

    • Require a purchase or subscription before users can access the directory

  9. Click the Analytics tab

    • Review views, users, and engagement data over time

Pro tips

  • Use badges sparingly to highlight meaningful roles or achievements

  • Categories work best when tied to clearly defined tags

  • If you enable messaging, test the flow in the App Preview to confirm conversations open as expected

  • Location features require users to opt in and grant location permissions

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