FacetWP – Blocks

For people whose listing is already built with blocks and who don't want to rebuild it with another tool

Building a post listing with the block editor is easy. The hard part comes when visitors want to filter it and the page offers nothing beyond pagination. This FacetWP add-on is made for that case: you keep your block-built listing and add facets next to it.

It fits if you already work with query blocks (WordPress Query Loop, GenerateBlocks, Kadence Blocks, Stackable, Spectra or Otter Blocks), and it works in both classic and block themes. It is not for you if you expect it to work on its own: it is an add-on and needs FacetWP installed, with its facets and indexing set up.

It also doesn't fit if your listing depends on blocks that are not on the official list. Some plugins create variations of those blocks and sometimes show an "Enable FacetWP" setting, but that doesn't mean they are supported: they may or may not work, depending on what they change.

Which listing blocks FacetWP – Blocks understands

• WordPress: Query Loop, Posts List and Latest Posts.
• WooCommerce: Products (Beta), which is deprecated, and the Product Collection block.
• GenerateBlocks: Query Loop (v1) and Query (v2).
• Others: Posts from Kadence Blocks and Stackable, Post Grid from Spectra, Loop Builder from Spectra Pro and Posts from Otter Blocks.

Every block must have the option enabled so FacetWP can filter it. The add-on also provides two blocks of its own: one to place facets (Facet) and one for listings (Listing).

Your block's own filters and pagination get in the way

This is what surprises buyers the most. WooCommerce's Product Collection comes with its own filter and pagination blocks, and so does Spectra Pro's Loop Builder. Neither is compatible with FacetWP: they must be removed and replaced with facets. If you use GenerateBlocks Query (v2), the container with three pagination blocks doesn't work either and must be deleted; in its place you add a Facet block with a Pager facet.

Spectra Post Grid is more convenient: you can keep its pagination enabled, whether Ajax or normal, because the add-on intercepts the clicks. You can also use a Pager facet, either with the Facet block or by pasting its shortcode in a Shortcode block.

Nested structure and the "no results" message

Query Loop type blocks consist of a main container and a Post Template block that defines how each post looks. The add-on supports all of this being nested inside other containers (Group, Columns, Grid, Section). In GenerateBlocks Query Loop (v1), for example, the Post Template sits inside a Grid.

Each supported block shows a default message when there are no results, for example after a search. You can customize or translate it. In Query Loop type blocks you can also replace it with a No Results block containing content built with other blocks. The exceptions are GenerateBlocks Query Loop (v1) and Spectra Pro's Query Loop, which has its own setting ("If Posts Not Found").

Limits to know before you start

• Not every block setting and feature is supported.
• With GenerateBlocks Pro, only the "Post Query" type is supported in Query (v2). FacetWP cannot filter post meta or options.
• If you use a Sort facet with Product Collection, or want to sort by price with product variations, there are specific settings to review.

Frequently asked questions

Does it work without FacetWP?

No. It is an add-on for FacetWP and does not replace the main plugin.

Does it work with block themes?

Yes, it works in both classic and block themes.

Can I keep the filters that come with my product block?

Not with Product Collection or Spectra Pro's Loop Builder: their filters and pagination are not compatible and must be removed.

Will any block with a FacetWP setting work?

No. Only the block types on the list are supported. Third-party variations may fail.