Elementor Custom Query – 4 Steps to Ultimate Control

Learn how to write an Elementor Custom Query for the Post or Loop Grid widget, add it via functions.php, and target it in the widget using Query ID.

Introduction

If you’ve ever felt limited by the default Elementor Post or Loop Grid filters, then an Elementor custom query is precisely what you need. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to:

Add a Custom Query ID in Elementor Pro
Hook into Elementor using elementor/query/{your_query_id}
Modify the underlying WP_Query with filters, ordering, metadata, status, and more
Apply the custom query in the Elementor UI

Perfect for developers looking to filter posts by category, meta values, or custom post types with complete control.

Companion Video

Step 1: Assign a Query ID in Elementor

In Elementor Pro, edit a Posts or Loop Grid widget.
Navigate to Content → Query → Query ID.
Enter a unique ID, for example: my_custom_filter.
- That creates the hook name: elementor/query/my_custom_filter

Step 2: Add Your Custom Query in functions.php

In your theme (or child theme) functions.php, add:

add_action('elementor/query/my_custom_filter', function( \WP_Query $query ) {
    // your modifications go here
});

Replace my_custom_filter with the ID you set in Elementor.

Step 3: Customize the Query

Here are some practical Elementor custom query examples:

Show Specific Post Types

$query->set('post_type', ['post','your_cpt']);

Filter by Meta Key (ACF or Custom Field)

$query->set('meta_key', 'sorting');
$query->set('orderby', 'meta_value');
$query->set('order', 'ASC');

Order by Popularity (Comment Count)

$query->set('orderby', 'comment_count');
$query->set('order', 'DESC');

Include Specific Post Statuses

$query->set('post_status', ['publish', 'future', 'draft']);

Exclude Certain Posts by ID

$query->set('post__not_in', [7, 11]);

Combine Filters

add_action('elementor/query/my_custom_filter', function( \WP_Query $query ) {
    $query->set('post_type', ['post',' portfolio']);
    $query->set('meta_key', 'project_type');
    $query->set('meta_query', [
        ['key'=>'project_type','value'=>['design','development'],'compare'=>'IN']
    ]);
    $query->set('orderby','comment_count');
    $query->set('order','DESC');

});

Step 4: Using the Query in Elementor

Make sure the Query ID in the widget matches your hook.
Update or refresh the Elementor editor to see your filter applied.
Preview to confirm results.

Additional Use Cases for an Elementor custom query

Filter future events by post status or date.
Display custom post types (e.g., events, products, portfolio items)
Sort by ACF fields like ratings, dates, or custom criteria

Pro Tips

Use descriptive Query ID names (e.g., filter_events_cpt) to avoid conflicts or future confusion.
Test hooks with simple filters first to make sure you’re on the right track.
Leverage meta_query, tax_query, and date_query for advanced filtering. (See below.)
Make child-theme or site-specific plugin changes to keep your code portable.

Advanced Filtering with meta_query, tax_query, and date_query

Elementor custom query hooks give you full access to the underlying WP_Query object, allowing you to filter content using meta fields, taxonomies, and dates, just like in advanced WordPress development.

These powerful parameters allow you to target particular subsets of content, perfect for showcasing featured posts, events, products, or custom post types.

meta_query – Filter by Custom Fields (e.g. ACF)

Use meta_query to filter posts by custom fields (like ratings, prices, or flags):

$query->set('meta_query', [
    [
        'key' => 'rating',
        'value' => 4,
        'compare' => '>=',
        'type' => 'NUMERIC'
    ]
]);

Use case examples:

Show only posts with a minimum ACF rating
Display items on sale (sale_price > 0)
Filter by custom flags like featured = true

WordPress meta_query reference

tax_query – Filter by Categories, Tags, or Custom Taxonomies

Use tax_query to filter posts by taxonomy terms, including custom ones like genres, event types, or regions.

$query->set('tax_query', [
    [
        'taxonomy' => 'project_type',
        'field' => 'slug',
        'terms' => ['design', 'development'],
        'operator' => 'IN',
    ]
]);

Use case examples:

Show only posts from specific categories or tags
Display portfolio items by type (project_type)
Exclude posts with a given taxonomy term

WordPress tax_query reference

date_query – Filter by Dates (Upcoming Events, Archives, etc.)

Use date_query to filter by post date, including ranges, years, months, or even days of the week.

$query->set('date_query', [
    [
        'after' => 'today',
        'inclusive' => true
    ]
]);

Use case examples:

Show only future-dated posts (like scheduled events)
Display posts from this month
Create archive-style queries

WordPress date_query reference

Combining Multiple Query Types

You can combine all three types to build highly customized filters:

$query->set('post_type', 'event');

$query->set('meta_query', [
    [
        'key' => 'event_price',
        'value' => 0,
        'compare' => '>',
        'type' => 'NUMERIC'
    ]
]);

$query->set('tax_query', [
    [
        'taxonomy' => 'event_type',
        'field' => 'slug',
        'terms' => ['concert', 'festival'],
    ]

]);

$query->set('date_query', [
    [
        'after' => 'today'
    ]
]);

Conclusion

Using an Elementor Custom Query Filter lets you transform the Posts or Loop Grid widget into a flexible, fully programmable display block. By combining Query IDs with elementor/query/* hooks, you control precisely which posts to show—and in what order.

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