Customizing Search Panel Explorer using ui_config.json – Unable to Set Tag Root Path

Hi everyone,

I’m working with the Search Panel Explorer in the AEM Editor interface, based on the documentation below:
https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-manager-guides/using/user-guide/author-content/work-with-editor/editor-interface-features/search-panel-explorer

What I’m doing

I’m adding custom search filters using the ui_config.json approach, similar to the solution described here:
https://experienceleaguecommunities.adobe.com/adobe-experience-manager-guides-11/aem-guides-search-customization-not-working-as-documented-14210?postid=435242#post435242

Using this method:

• I’m able to successfully add new filters to the Search Panel

• The custom Tags filter appears and functions correctly

Issue I’m facing

For the custom Tags filter, I’m not able to restrict or configure the tag root path.

Even after setting the desired root (for example /content/cq:tags/products), the Tags field still shows tags from the entire global tag tree instead of the expected subtree.

My questions

1. When adding filters via ui_config.json, is there a supported way to define a custom tag root path for a Tags filter?

2. Is this a known limitation of the Search Panel Explorer customization?

3. Are there any other supported approaches (other than ui_config.json) to:

   • Add custom filters to the Search Panel, and

   • Control tag root paths or tag suggestions?

4. If not supported, are there any recommended workarounds (JS override, predicate customization, etc.)?

Happy to share snippets from my ui_config.json if required.

Thanks in advance for any guidance!