Drag-and-drop ordering for posts and custom post types
Post Types Order offers a straightforward way to arrange non-hierarchical post types without editing code.
You can reorder items from the standard admin list or use the dedicated Re-Order interface. An option also displays the chosen order in the admin list, which helps editors check the sequence while managing content.
Applying the custom order to front-end queries
AutoSort applies the custom order to WordPress queries, while query arguments provide ways to control specific cases.
- AutoSort: Enable it to apply the custom order without changing query code.
- Manual queries: Set
orderby => menu_order when you want to request the order directly.
- Query exceptions: Add
ignore_custom_sort to a query to exclude it from AutoSort, or use the pto/posts_orderby filter to force sorting for a specific query.
Advanced Post Types Order adds broader sorting controls
The paid extension is aimed at sites that need sorting options beyond the free plugin’s non-hierarchical post types.
- More sorting targets: Arrange hierarchical post types and sort by taxonomy or category.
- Query and rule controls: Use conditional rules, advanced query filtering, and sorts across multiple post types.
- Admin and front-end interfaces: Add filters and list or grid views, sort from the front end, and paginate sorting lists.
- Broader site support: Includes multisite and multilingual support, including synchronized ordering across languages.
These controls are most relevant when a site needs more complex content relationships or editorial workflows.
A focused free tool with some query and support caveats
The free plugin suits sites that need simple drag-and-drop ordering, but its scope and query behavior call for some care.
Its workflow is easy to understand, and AutoSort can apply the custom order without code changes. The main constraint is that it handles non-hierarchical post types; custom queries must follow WordPress standards or be adjusted manually if they do not reflect the sort.
The plugin was updated less than two weeks ago, and its widely installed status and excellent user rating point to continued use and maintenance. However, 11 support threads with a 64% resolution rate suggest there is room to improve follow-through, so sites relying on timely help should factor that into their decision.
