---
title: "How to Create Dropdown Filter for Custom Posts with Custom Fields in Elementor? (ACF, Pods, Metabox)"
url: https://theplusaddons.com/docs/create-dropdown-filter-for-custom-posts-with-custom-fields-in-elementor/
date: 2023-09-14
modified: 2026-04-10
author: "Aditya Sharma"
description: "Do you want to create a dropdown filter for custom post types based on custom field data? A dropdown filter can be a good option if you have a long..."
image: https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/How-to-Create-Dropdown-Filter-for-Custom-Posts-with-Custom-Fields-in-Elementor_-ACF-Pods-Metabox-1024x536.jpg
word_count: 559
---

# How to Create Dropdown Filter for Custom Posts with Custom Fields in Elementor? (ACF, Pods, Metabox)

## Key Takeaways

- WP Search Filters widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor allows users to create a dropdown filter for custom post types based on custom fields.
- Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) can be used to create custom post types and fields, such as a checkbox field, for filtering.
- Users must enable both WP Search Filters and Dynamic Listing widgets from The Plus Settings to utilize the dropdown filter feature.

Do you want to create a dropdown filter for custom post types based on custom field data? A dropdown filter can be a good option if you have a long list of items.

With the WP Search Filters widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor, you can easily create a dropdown filter for custom post types based on custom fields. 

*To check the complete feature overview documentation of The Plus Addons for Elementor WP Search Filters widget, [click here](/docs/wp-search-filters-widget-settings-overview/).*

***Requirement  - This widget is a part of The Plus Addons for Elementor, make sure its installed & activated to enjoy all its powers.***

[LIVE WIDGET LINK](https://theplusaddons.com/elementor-listing//#search-filter-wgts?utm_source=tpae&utm_medium=docs&utm_campaign=text)

To do this, make sure you have created at least one custom post type, you can use the free[ Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-custom-fields/) to[ create a custom post type](https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/resources/registering-a-custom-post-type/).

For instance, we have created a custom post type called Books. 

### Create Custom Fields

First, you have to create some custom fields for your custom post types and assign values to them.

You can use ACF, PODs, Metabox and Toolset plugins for creating custom fields, for instance, we’ll use the free[ Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-custom-fields/) to create the custom fields.

Once you have the installed plugin follow the steps - 

1. To do this from the Dashboard, go to **ACF** > **Field Groups** and click on **Add New** button. 

2. Add a name to the field group.

3. Then add a field type and add a name. For instance, we’ll add a checkbox field.

> *Note: Number, Select, Checkbox, Radio Button, Button Group, Date Picker etc. fields are supported.*

4. Once done, from the **Settings** section, set the location to your custom post types i.e. Book under **Rules**.

![add checkbox custom fields cpt](https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/add-checkbox-custom-fields-cpt.png)

5. Once done, click on the **Save Changes** button.

6. Then, you have to add value in the custom fields on some custom posts.

![assign value custom fields cpt](https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/assign-value-custom-fields-cpt.png)

### Use the WP Search Filters Widget

You have to use the WP Search Filters widget with the Dynamic Listing widget.

> *Note: Make sure you’ve enabled both WP Search Filters and Dynamic Listing widgets from The Plus Settings.*

Place the widgets in your desired location on the page or template, then follow the steps -

1. In the Dynamic Listing widget, select **Search List** from the **Post Listing Types** dropdown.

2. Then select your custom post type from the **Post Type** dropdown.

![dynamic listing search list](https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dynamic-listing-search-list.png)

3. After that, select the appropriate style and layout.

4. In the WP Search Filters widget, open the **Category** item under the **Filter Area**.

5. From the **Filter Type** dropdown, select **WP Filter**.

6. Then, from the **Select Source** dropdown, select **Drop Down**.

7. From the **Select Type** dropdown, select **ACF connection**. 

> *Note: Since we have used ACF to create the custom fields, we have selected ACF connection. So if you have created the custom fields with other plugins like PODs, Metabox or Toolset select the option accordingly.*

8. In the **Connection Key** field, you have to add the custom field name.

To find the field name in ACF, edit the field group there you will find the field name.

![acf field name cpt](https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/acf-field-name-cpt.png)

![wp search filters dropdown acf connection cpt](https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/wp-search-filters-dropdown-acf-connection-cpt.png)

Now you’ll see a dropdown filter that you can use to filter your custom posts.

From the **Default Title** field, you can change the dropdown title and from the **Layout** section, you can choose a style.

Also, read [How to Create Radio Button Filter for Custom Posts with Custom Fields in Elementor](https://theplusaddons.com/docs//create-radio-button-filter-for-custom-posts-with-custom-fields-in-elementor/).

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What should I do if my dropdown filter for custom posts isn't showing up?**
A: If your dropdown filter isn't appearing, check that both the WP Search Filters and Dynamic Listing widgets are enabled in The Plus Addons for Elementor settings. If they are enabled, ensure that you've correctly set the custom post type in the Dynamic Listing widget and that the custom fields are properly assigned to your posts.

**Q: What type of custom fields work best for dropdown filters in Elementor?**
A: For dropdown filters in Elementor, using field types like Select or Dropdown is ideal. These types allow users to choose from a predefined list of options, making it easier to filter through custom posts. Remember to set the location rules correctly to ensure the fields appear for the intended custom post types.

**Q: What are common mistakes when setting up dropdown filters for custom posts?**
A: A common mistake is not correctly linking the custom fields to the custom post types. Ensure that the field group settings in ACF or your chosen plugin are set to the correct post type. Additionally, failing to enable both the WP Search Filters and Dynamic Listing widgets can prevent the filter from displaying.