The Custom Post Type Widgets plugin in WordPress helps you display content from custom post types (CPTs) in widget areas like sidebars and footers without writing code.
Custom Post Type Widgets Plugin Overview
✅ Purpose:
- Display posts from any registered custom post type in a widget.
- Customize the output (title, excerpt, thumbnail, date, etc.).
- Apply filters (category, tag, order, number of items).
How to Install & Use:
Step 1: Install the Plugin
- Go to Dashboard > Plugins > Add New
- Search for “Custom Post Type Widgets”
- Click Install Now, then Activate
Note: There are multiple plugins with similar names. The most commonly used one is:
- Recent Posts Widget Extended (supports CPTs)
- Or search: Custom Post Widget by GlobalSanctuary
Step 2: Add the Widget
- Go to Appearance > Widgets
- Locate Custom Post Type Widget (or similar name)
- Drag it into a sidebar or footer area
Step 3: Configure the Widget
- Select the Post Type (e.g.,
portfolio,product,event, etc.) - Set number of posts to display
- Choose display options:
- Show title
- Show thumbnail
- Show excerpt
- Order by date/title/random
- Filter by taxonomy if available
Popular Plugins that Support CPT Widgets:
| Plugin Name | Features | CPT Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Recent Posts Widget Extended | Full control over post types, thumbnails, date, excerpt | ✔️ Yes | Highly recommended |
| ✅ Custom Post Widget | Display custom content using shortcodes and widgets | ✔️ Yes | Manual content input |
| ✅ Ultimate Posts Widget | Post filtering and display options | ✔️ Yes | Simple UI |
| ✅ WP Show Posts | Create post lists and display via widget or shortcode | ✔️ Yes | Lightweight |
Descriptions of Widgets
Recent Posts (Custom Post Type)
display a list of the most recent custom posts.
- Title – description that appears over the list of recent custom posts.
- Post Type – if selected, filter by a custom post type. (e.g. post).
- Number of posts to show (at most 15) – enter the number of posts to display.
- Display post date? – if checked, display post date.
Archives (Custom Post Type)
display a list of archive links for each month that has custom posts.
- Title – description that appears over the list of archive links.
- Post Type – if selected, filter by a custom post type. (e.g. post).
- Archive Type
- Display as dropdown – if checked, this box causes the archives to be displayed in a drop-down box.
- Show post counts – if checked, this box causes a count of the number of posts for each archive period.
- Order
Categories (Custom Post Type)
display a list of categories that has custom posts.
- Title – description that appears over the list of categories.
- Taxonomy – if selected, filter a custom taxonomy (e.g. category).
- Display as dropdown – if checked, this box causes the categories to be displayed in a dropdown box.
- Show post counts – if checked, this box causes the count of the number of posts to display with each category.
- Show hierarchy – if checked, shows parent/child relationships in an indented manner.
Calendar (Custom Post Type)
display a calendar of the current month.
- Title – description that appears over the calendar.
- Post Type – if selected, filter by a custom post type. (e.g. post).
Recent Comments (Custom Post Type)
display a list of the most recent comments.
- Title – description that appears over the list of recent comments.
- Post Type – if selected, filter by a custom post type. (e.g. post).
- Number of comments to show (at most 15) – enter the number of comments to be displayed.
Tag Cloud (Custom Post Type)
display a list of the top 45 that has used in a tag cloud.
- Title – description that appears over the tag cloud.
- Taxonomy – if selected, filter a custom taxonomy (e.g. post_tag).
- Show tag counts – if checked, this box causes the count of the number of tags to display with each tag.
Search (Custom Post Type)
A search form for your site.
- Title – description that appears over the search.
- Post Type – if selected, filter by a custom post type. (e.g. post).