by Post Types Order WordPress Plugin: A Comprehensive Guide
Organizing content efficiently on a WordPress site is essential for both website administrators and end-users. The Post Types Order plugin addresses this need by offering a simple and intuitive way to reorder posts, pages, custom post types, and other content types directly from the WordPress admin panel. This plugin is particularly beneficial for websites with extensive content, such as blogs, portfolios, e-commerce stores, or directories.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the features, benefits, and use cases of the Post Types Order plugin, along with a step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively.
Overview of the Post Types Order Plugin
The Post Types Order plugin is a lightweight yet powerful tool designed to reorder WordPress content types through a drag-and-drop interface. It works seamlessly with default WordPress post types such as posts and pages and supports custom post types created by themes or plugins.
With over 1 million active installations and a 4.7-star rating on the WordPress Plugin Repository, it’s clear that this plugin is trusted by developers and site administrators worldwide for its ease of use and robust functionality.
Key Features of Post Types Order
1. Drag-and-Drop Interface
The plugin provides a straightforward drag-and-drop interface for reordering content. This eliminates the need for coding or manual database adjustments, making it accessible to users of all technical skill levels.
2. Custom Post Type Support
Post Types Order supports all custom post types, including those created by plugins like WooCommerce (e.g., products), Jetpack (e.g., portfolios), or custom-coded post types. This flexibility ensures compatibility with virtually any WordPress setup.
3. Integration with Taxonomies
You can reorder content within specific taxonomies, such as categories, tags, or custom taxonomies. For example:
- Reorder posts within a specific category.
- Arrange WooCommerce products within a custom taxonomy like “Brands.”
4. Automatic Query Updates
Once you reorder content using the plugin, the changes are automatically applied to front-end queries. This means the order you set in the admin panel will reflect on your website without additional configuration.
5. Compatibility with Popular Plugins
Post Types Order works seamlessly with popular WordPress plugins like WooCommerce, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), Elementor, and more. It ensures your reordered content displays correctly across these integrations.
6. Advanced Settings
The plugin includes advanced settings for greater control over how it operates, such as:
- Enabling/disabling reordering for specific post types.
- Setting user permissions for reordering.
- Excluding certain taxonomies or terms from reordering.
7. Developer-Friendly
For developers, the plugin offers hooks and filters to extend its functionality. This allows for custom implementations or integration with other WordPress features.
8. Lightweight and Fast
Despite its functionality, Post Types Order is designed to be lightweight, ensuring it doesn’t slow down your website.
Benefits of Using Post Types Order Plugin
1. Improved Content Organization
By allowing you to reorder content, the plugin ensures your most important or relevant posts appear at the top of lists. This is particularly useful for:
- Highlighting featured blog posts.
- Arranging portfolios or galleries in a specific sequence.
- Prioritizing key products in an online store.
2. Enhanced User Experience
A well-organized website enhances user experience by helping visitors find content more efficiently. For example, in an e-commerce store, displaying bestsellers or seasonal products first can improve navigation and boost sales.
3. No Coding Required
The drag-and-drop interface eliminates the need for coding knowledge, making it accessible to all users. You can achieve professional-level content organization without hiring a developer.
4. Time Savings
Manually reordering posts through custom code or database changes can be time-consuming. The Post Types Order plugin streamlines this process, saving you hours of work.
5. Versatile Use Cases
The plugin’s flexibility makes it suitable for various types of websites, including:
- Blogs: Reorder articles to highlight evergreen content or trending posts.
- Portfolios: Showcase projects in a specific order to align with your narrative.
- E-Commerce: Rearrange products to display bestsellers, new arrivals, or seasonal offers.
- Directories: Organize listings for better usability and engagement.
How to Use Post Types Order Plugin
Step 1: Installation and Activation
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “Post Types Order.”
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
Step 2: Configure Settings
- Navigate to Settings > Post Types Order in the WordPress dashboard.
- Select the post types you want to enable for reordering. For example, you might enable it for blog posts, WooCommerce products, or custom post types.
- Save your changes.
Step 3: Reorder Content
- Go to the content type you want to reorder (e.g., Posts, Pages, Products).
- Click on the Reorder option at the top of the page (this option appears after enabling the plugin).
- Use the drag-and-drop interface to arrange the items in your desired order.
- Save your changes.
Step 4: Verify Changes
Visit the front end of your website to ensure the new order is reflected correctly. Most themes and plugins automatically respect the order set by Post Types Order, but you may need to adjust custom queries if necessary.
Use Cases for Post Types Order Plugin
1. Blogs
Bloggers can use the plugin to prioritize evergreen content or trending posts. For example:
- Highlight cornerstone content that provides long-term value.
- Display trending articles at the top of categories.
2. Portfolios
For designers, photographers, or artists, the plugin is a perfect tool to reorder portfolio items. You can arrange projects to tell a story or highlight your most impressive work.
3. E-Commerce Stores
WooCommerce store owners can reorder products to:
- Display bestsellers at the top of category pages.
- Promote seasonal or new products prominently.
- Align product listings with marketing campaigns.
4. Directories
If you’re running a directory website, you can use Post Types Order to:
- Reorganize listings based on user feedback or ratings.
- Prioritize premium listings for greater visibility.
5. Event Listings
Event organizers can use the plugin to reorder events chronologically or based on importance, ensuring that upcoming or flagship events are highlighted.
Alternatives to Post Types Order Plugin
While Post Types Order is highly effective, there are alternative plugins for specific use cases:
- Admin Columns Pro: Offers advanced column management along with ordering capabilities.
- ReOrder Posts within Categories: Focuses on reordering posts within specific categories.
- Advanced Post Types Order (Premium): An enhanced version of Post Types Order with additional features for large-scale websites.
However, for most general-purpose content reordering needs, the Post Types Order plugin remains a top choice.
Pricing and Support
The core Post Types Order plugin is available for free in the WordPress Plugin Repository. For users requiring advanced features, the developer offers a premium version called Advanced Post Types Order, which includes:
- Bulk ordering for large content libraries.
- Scheduled reordering based on specific dates or conditions.
- Enhanced WooCommerce integration.
The plugin is well-documented, and the free version comes with community support via the WordPress forums. Premium users benefit from dedicated support and priority responses.
Conclusion
The Post Types Order plugin is a must-have tool for WordPress site owners looking to organize content efficiently. Its user-friendly interface, support for custom post types, and compatibility with popular plugins make it a versatile solution for blogs, portfolios, e-commerce stores, and more.
By streamlining content management and improving user experience, the Post Types Order plugin helps website owners save time and present their content more effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, this plugin empowers you to take control of your site’s content order with minimal effort.
