Setting up URL generation for 1C-Bitrix sections and elements

URL Generation Configuration for Sections and Elements in 1C-Bitrix

Ugly URLs like /bitrix/components/bitrix/catalog/detail.php?ID=123 or /catalog/index.php?SECTION_ID=45 result from components running without SEF mode (friendly URLs). Configuring URL generation for infoblock sections and elements is one of the first tasks when launching a catalog.

SEF Mode and URL Templates

In Bitrix, "human-readable URLs" are implemented through the SEF (Search Engine Friendly) mode of the component. In SEF mode, the component manages URL routing through rules.

In the bitrix:catalog component parameters (or bitrix:iblock.list), SEF settings are:

$APPLICATION->IncludeComponent('bitrix:catalog', '', [
    'SEF_MODE'   => 'Y',
    'SEF_FOLDER' => '/catalog/', // folder where the component operates
    'SEF_URL_TEMPLATES' => [
        'list'    => '',                    // /catalog/
        'section' => '#SECTION_CODE#/',     // /catalog/shoes/
        'element' => '#SECTION_CODE#/#ELEMENT_CODE#/', // /catalog/shoes/sneakers/
    ],
]);

Variables in URL Templates

Available variables for templates:

URL Configuration in Infoblock Settings

Besides component parameters, URL templates are set in infoblock settings:

Content → Infoblocks → [infoblock] → Settings:

• Detail page URL — template for DETAIL_PAGE_URL
• List page URL — template for LIST_PAGE_URL
• Section page URL — template for SECTION_PAGE_URL

Example: /catalog/#SECTION_CODE#/#ELEMENT_CODE#/

These values are stored in b_iblock.DETAIL_PAGE_URL, b_iblock.SECTION_PAGE_URL and used by CIBlockElement::GetDetailPageUrl methods.

Symbolic Code Generation

The symbolic code (CODE) is important for URLs. Without it, the URL will contain #ELEMENT_ID#. Configure automatic code generation:

Content → Infoblocks → [infoblock] → Fields → Symbolic code:

• Transliterate from — select a field (usually "Name")
• Unique — enable to append suffix on duplication
• Maximum length — recommended 100 characters

When editing an element, the code is generated automatically. For existing elements without code — bulk fill via admin panel (Select all → Set symbolic code).

URL Redirect Rules on Change

When changing an element's symbolic code, the old URL stops working. For SEO, configure 301 redirects. Options:

• seo module → "URL for 301 redirects" — stores element URL history in b_seo_url_rewrite
• Handler OnBeforeIBlockElementUpdate — intercept code change and create redirect rule
• Manual addition via Settings → URL redirects

SEF and Friendly URLs for Trade Offers (SKU)

For stores with trade offers, the URL is built from the main product. SKU selection via GET parameter (?sku=123) or via JavaScript when selecting characteristics. Specific SKU typically has no separate URL.

Execution Timeline

Configuring SEF mode, URL templates, and bulk symbolic code generation — 3–5 hours. Configuring 301 redirects for existing elements when changing URL structure — 2–4 hours additional.