Overview
Introduction
WPEnhanced Ajax Filter Blocks is a free WordPress plugin that adds AJAX-powered filtering to the block editor. Visitors refine lists of posts, pages, custom post types, or WooCommerce products without waiting for a full page reload. Filter choices can be reflected in the browser URL so results are bookmarkable and shareable.
The plugin is built around three Gutenberg blocks:
| Block | Role |
|---|---|
| Archive Loop | Displays the query results—your grid or list of posts or products—and updates when filters change. |
| Filter Posts | The filter panel container. Holds one or more filter controls and coordinates updates with linked Archive Loop blocks. |
| Filter Posts Item | A single filter control (child of Filter Posts). Each item filters by taxonomy, custom meta, search, price, and more. |
You compose these blocks on any page or template in the block editor. There is no page-builder dependency—the experience is native Gutenberg.
Who it is for
WPEnhanced Ajax Filter Blocks suits sites that need faceted browsing beyond what a theme archive provides:
- Blog and magazine sites — Filter posts by category, tag, author, or date.
- Directories and listings — Filter custom post types by taxonomy or custom fields.
- WooCommerce stores — Filter products by category, attribute, price range, weight, or stock status.
- Marketing and resource hubs — Combine keyword search with taxonomy filters on a single landing page.
The free plugin covers the core workflow: build a filter panel, connect it to a loop, and serve updates over AJAX via the WordPress REST API.
How it works at a glance
- You add an Archive Loop block and configure what content it should query (post type, sort order, layout, pagination).
- You add a Filter Posts block and nest Filter Posts Item blocks inside it—one item per filter (e.g. Category, Price, Search).
- On the front end, when a visitor changes a filter, the plugin sends a REST request, runs an updated query, and replaces the loop HTML without reloading the page.
- Selected filters can be written to the URL so returning visitors or shared links restore the same view.
For a deeper explanation of the request cycle, see How filtering works.
Free vs WPEnhanced Ajax Filter Blocks Pro
The free plugin is fully usable on real sites. WPEnhanced Ajax Filter Blocks Pro is a separate add-on that extends filtering, performance, and presentation. Install the free plugin first; Pro is uploaded and activated separately.
| Capability | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Archive Loop, Filter Posts, Filter Posts Item | Yes | Yes |
| AJAX updates via REST | Yes | Yes |
| Shareable filter URLs | Yes | Yes |
| Grid and masonry layouts | Yes | Yes |
| Standard pagination | Yes | Yes |
| Taxonomy filters (categories, tags, custom taxonomies) | Yes | Yes |
| Custom meta key filters | Yes | Yes |
| WooCommerce attributes, price, weight, stock | Yes | Yes |
| Catalog Index (faster option counts on large catalogs) | No | Yes |
| Auto Suggest (search suggestions) | No | Yes |
| ACF field picker in the block editor | No | Yes |
| Map radius filtering (ACF map fields) | No | Yes |
| Load More and infinite scroll | No | Yes |
| List view and grid/list switcher | No | Yes |
| Conditional filters (show/hide based on other selections) | No | Yes |
| Advanced filter appearances and mobile layouts | No | Yes |
| Advanced loop queries | No | Yes |
Get WPEnhanced Ajax Filter Blocks Pro
Prerequisites
- WordPress 6.4 or higher (block editor / Gutenberg)
- PHP 7.4 or higher
- WooCommerce — optional; required only for product-specific filters and shop loops
A block theme or classic theme both work as long as the page uses the block editor for layout.
Quick links
- Installation — Install the free plugin from WordPress.org and add Pro if needed
- Quick start — Build your first filter and loop in minutes
- Feature overview — Full list of free and Pro capabilities
- How filtering works — REST, queries, and block communication
Need help?
- Free plugin: Use the WordPress.org support forum for community help. Include your WordPress, PHP, and plugin versions when posting.
- Pro add-on: Priority support is available through WP Enhanced for licensed customers.
What's next
- Installation — Install and activate the free plugin (and Pro if you have a license)
- Quick start — Step-by-step guide to your first working filter
- How filtering works — Understand the AJAX and REST architecture