Documentation - Getting Started - Manual / Automatic sorting type usage

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Manual / Automatic sorting type usage

The Advanced Post Types Order plugin offers robust sorting capabilities for WordPress posts, supporting two primary types of ordering: Manual and Automatic. Each method caters to different needs, allowing for both highly customized and fully automated post arrangements.

Manual Order

The Manual Order type provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface for manually organizing posts. Utilizing a drag-and-drop, AJAX-enabled list, this method empowers users to customize the post order precisely to their preferences.

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Key Features:

  • Drag-and-Drop Interface: Effortlessly rearrange posts by dragging and dropping them into the desired order.
  • Filtering Options: Advanced filtering tools enable users to locate posts quickly, including date filters, keyword search, and more.
  • Post Management Tools: Additional functionality such as “Move to Top,” “Move to Bottom,” and quick access to the post editor simplifies content management.
  • Thumbnail Display: Enhance post identification within the list by displaying featured images or thumbnails directly in the interface.
  • Extendable Interface: Developers can leverage filters to extend or customize the manual sorting interface, tailoring it to specific needs.

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The Manual Order type is ideal for scenarios where specific post sequences are crucial, such as for featured content, curated lists, or personalized content experiences.

 

Automatic Order

The Automatic Order type is designed for dynamic content management, allowing posts to be automatically sorted based on predefined criteria. This method is perfect for users who want to maintain an up-to-date order without manual intervention.

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Key Features:

  • Real-Time Sorting: Posts are automatically ordered based on the selected criteria, with new posts seamlessly integrated into the existing order.
  • Multiple Order Criteria: Choose from various attributes to sort your posts, including:
    • Default / None
    • Post ID
    • Author
    • Title
    • Slug
    • Date
    • Modified Date
    • Comments Count
    • Random
    • Custom Field
  • Fallback Mechanism: When sorting by multiple criteria, fallback options ensure that posts are sorted logically even when primary criteria overlap or are insufficient. This is particularly useful for handling large volumes of content with varying attributes.

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Advanced Usage:

  • Custom Fields Ordering: The Automatic Order feature supports custom field-based sorting, providing unparalleled flexibility in content arrangement. For detailed instructions on setting up custom field orders, refer to the guide on ordering WordPress posts using a custom field value.
  • Dynamic Content Updates: Automatic Order is perfect for news sites, blogs, or any content-heavy website where new posts frequently need to fit into an established order without manual adjustments.

 

Choosing the Right Sorting Type

The decision between Manual and Automatic sorting depends on your specific needs:

  • Manual Order is best for static, curated content where precise control over post order is required.
  • Automatic Order is ideal for dynamic, high-volume sites where maintaining up-to-date content order without manual effort is essential.