> 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/introduction/creating-your-first-post-selection.md).

# Creating Your First Post Selection

### What is a Post Selection?

A Post Selection controls **which content appears** on your website.

While a [Layout](/advanced-views/getting-started/introduction/creating-your-first-layout.md) decides how each item looks, a Post Selection decides what items should be displayed.

Together they create dynamic lists, grids, sliders, and directories.

For example:

**Layout**

* Defines a Blog Card design
* Shows the featured image, title, excerpt, and button

**Post Selection**

* Finds the latest blog posts
* Applies sorting and filtering rules
* Displays each post using your Layout

This separation keeps your designs reusable and makes your website easier to maintain.

### Create a New 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.

### 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.

<figure><img src="/files/ceCYEWpm1oJ9YA85McpN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 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.

<figure><img src="/files/9lskRykmedkI23qZRXnD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 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

### 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.

### 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.

## Conclusion: What's Next?

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/templates/customizing-the-template.md)
* [Adding CSS styles](/advanced-views/templates/css-and-js.md)
* [Using filters and sorting](/advanced-views/query-content/basic-filters.md)
* [Creating more advanced queries](/advanced-views/query-content/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](/advanced-views/customization/filters-and-hooks/post-selection.md)
{% endhint %}