> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wplake.gitbook.io/advanced-views/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wplake.gitbook.io/advanced-views/getting-started/first-post-selection.md).
# How to create a Post Selection
## 1. Post Selection basics
A ***Post Selection*** is an entity type introduced by Advanced Views that defines a dynamic content query. Each *Post Selection* consists of the following components:
1. **Content filters** - specify the target content (post types), along with filtering and sorting options.
2. **Item Layout** - defines which *Layout* is used to render each item returned by the query.
3. **Selection template** - defines the HTML markup that wraps the rendered items.
4. **CSS and JavaScript** (both optional) – provide styling and scripting associated with the Selection.
5. **Embedding shortcode** – a unique shortcode that can be pasted anywhere
*Post Selection* is built on top of WordPress's native [WP\_Query](https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/classes/wp_query/) and provides a user-friendly interface for its most commonly used arguments.
This eliminates the need to learn the extensive [WP\_Query Docs](https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/classes/wp_query/#parameters) for everyday use, while still allowing you to inject custom query arguments directly for advanced or uncommon scenarios.
## 2. How to create a Post Selection
Visit **Advanced Views → Post Selections** in your WordPress dashboard.
Click **Add New Post Selection**.
Give your Post Selection a clear name.
Example:
`Latest Blog Posts`
Choose names that describe the content being displayed. This makes your setup easier to understand as your website grows.
### 2.1) Assign your Layout
Select which Layout should display your results.
The Layout controls the design for every item found by your Post Selection.
Example:
Your Post Selection finds:
* Property A
* Property B
* Property C
Your assigned Property Layout decides how each property card appears.
This means you can reuse the same Layout with different Post Selections.
### 2.2) Choose the content you want to display
Next, choose which content Advanced Views should query.
You can choose from WordPress content types including:
* Posts
* Pages
* Custom post types
* Products
* Other registered content types
For example:
A real estate website might select:
`Properties`
A team directory might select:
`Team Members`
A shop section might select:
`Products`
Advanced Views will use this selection to find matching items.
### 2.3) Adjust query settings
Customise which items should appear.
You can control options such as:
* Number of items
* Sorting order
* Categories and taxonomies
* Authors
* Dates
* Custom field values
Examples:
Display:
* 6 latest news articles
* Featured properties only
* Products from a specific category
* Events ordered by date
### 2.4) Publish your Post Selection
Click **Publish** to save your Post Selection.
Advanced Views will generate a shortcode.
Copy this shortcode and place it anywhere shortcodes are supported:
* Pages
* Posts
* Page builders
* Theme areas
Your website will now display the selected content using your chosen Layout.
## 3. Updating your Post Selection
Need to change what appears?
Simply edit your Post Selection.
You can update query settings, change sorting, adjust limits, or assign a different Layout without rebuilding your pages.
## 4. Next steps
You have now created your first Post Selection and learned how Advanced Views connects content and design.
You now understand the main workflow:
Posts / Products / CPT → Post Selection (Which items to show) → Layout (How each item looks) → Website Grid/List
With Layouts and Post Selections, you can build anything from simple sections to advanced dynamic websites.
Next, explore:
* [Customising your Layout templates](/advanced-views/layouts/code-fields/custom-template.md)
* [Adding CSS styles](broken://pages/k0TXqgUUlLyFPpZP1roJ)
* [Using filters and sorting](broken://pages/wZnEiyIoDefIskMeSgXl)
* [Creating more advanced queries](/advanced-views/post-selections/filters/taxonomy-filters.md)
{% hint style="success" %}
Note: Restrict visibility of *Post Selections* by using user-with-roles="ROLE1,ROLE2" user-without-roles="ROLE1,ROLE2" shortcode arguments.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="warning" %}
Note: Do you want to customize a query (WP\_Query) that is used to get *Post Selection*, but the option is missing in the interface? You can do this using our filters. [Read more here](broken://pages/izA2sJjzkuE0qLwqBWbA)
{% endhint %}