---
title: "How to Search Specific Custom Post Types in Elementor?"
url: https://theplusaddons.com/docs/search-specific-custom-post-types-in-elementor/
date: 2023-09-13
modified: 2026-04-10
author: "Aditya Sharma"
description: "Do you want your users to search through specific post types only? If you have lots of content in your custom post types allowing users to search from custom post..."
image: https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/How-to-Search-Specific-Custom-Post-Types-in-Elementor_-1024x536.jpg
word_count: 335
---

# How to Search Specific Custom Post Types in Elementor?

## Key Takeaways

- The Plus Addons for Elementor Search Bar widget allows users to search through specific custom post types.
- Users must create at least one custom post type, such as Books, to utilize the Search Bar widget effectively.
- AJAX Search is enabled by default in the Search Bar widget, enhancing the search experience for custom post types.

Do you want your users to search through specific post types only? If you have lots of content in your custom post types allowing users to search from custom post types can help them find the content easily.

By default Elementor or WordPress doesn’t search custom post types but with the Search Bar widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor, you can easily search posts from custom post types.

*To check the complete feature overview documentation of The Plus Addons for Elementor Search Bar widget, [click here](/docs/search-bar-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/plus-search-filters/advanced-wp-ajax-searchbar/?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.

Then add the Search Bar widget on the page or template and follow the steps -

1. Open the item under **Search Bar** and select **Post** from the **Source** dropdown.

2. From the **Select Type** dropdown, select your custom post type i.e. Books here.

> *Note: Make sure to remove Posts, it will be selected by default.*

![search bar custom post types](https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/search-bar-custom-post-types.png)

Now, you should be able to see a dropdown beside the search bar.

In the **Label** field, you can add a label name for the select dropdown.

In the **Placeholder** field, you can add a placeholder text for the select dropdown. 

From the **Show Index** toggle, you can show the number of posts the item has in numbers.

3. Now go to **Extra Option** tab and make sure the **AJAX Search** is enabled.

![search bar ajax search](https://theplusaddons.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/search-bar-ajax-search.png)

> *Note: The AJAX Search will be enabled by default.*

Now you can select your Elementor search custom post type from the dropdown to show all the posts in the search result or you can directly search for the custom post type.

Also, read [How to Search Posts by Custom Field in Elementor](https://theplusaddons.com/docs//search-posts-by-custom-field-in-elementor/).

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What should I do if my custom post type isn't showing up in the search results?**
A: If your custom post type isn't appearing in the search results, ensure that you've selected it correctly in the Search Bar widget settings. Specifically, check the 'Select Type' dropdown and confirm that your custom post type, like 'Books', is selected. Additionally, make sure to remove the default 'Posts' option, as it can interfere with the search results.

**Q: Can I use the Search Bar widget to filter multiple custom post types?**
A: The Search Bar widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor allows you to search through a single custom post type at a time. If you need to filter multiple types, consider creating separate search bars for each custom post type. This approach can enhance user experience by providing clear options for searching different content types.

**Q: What is the best way to label the dropdown for my custom post type search?**
A: When labeling the dropdown for your custom post type search, choose a clear and descriptive label that reflects the content type. For example, if your custom post type is 'Books', label it as 'Select a Book' or simply 'Books'. This clarity helps users understand what they are searching for, improving usability.

**Q: Does enabling AJAX Search impact the performance of my site?**
A: Enabling AJAX Search in the Search Bar widget allows for real-time search results without reloading the page, which can enhance user experience. However, it may slightly increase server load due to the frequent requests made as users type. Monitor your site's performance to ensure it remains responsive, especially if you have a large volume of content.

**Q: How do I create a custom post type for my Elementor site?**
A: To create a custom post type for your Elementor site, you can use the free Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin. This plugin simplifies the process of defining custom post types, allowing you to tailor content types to your needs. Once created, you can integrate it with the Search Bar widget to enable specific searches.

**Q: What happens if I forget to enable AJAX Search in the Search Bar widget?**
A: If you forget to enable AJAX Search in the Search Bar widget, users will have to reload the page to see search results, which can lead to a less fluid experience. AJAX Search is typically enabled by default, but it's essential to verify this setting to ensure a seamless search experience for your users.
