Filters with WooCommerce shortcodes can totally change how your store looks and works. They help you show the right products to the right people in just the right way. You don’t need to change the whole page—just update the parts that matter. If you’re building a shop page or product list, you might be wondering how to use filters with WooCommerce shortcodes.
Use filters with WooCommerce shortcodes by installing the “Dynamic AJAX Product Filters” plugin, adding filter blocks beside shortcode blocks in the WordPress editor, and matching their class selectors. This setup allows users to filter products dynamically without reloading the page.
If you’re curious to learn more, this article covers everything you need to know. From setting up filters to fixing common problems, it’s all explained clearly. Keep reading to get the full details and make your store work better.
How to Use Filters With WooCommerce Shortcodes?
Using filters with WooCommerce shortcodes might sound tricky at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you understand how it works. These filters help show specific products on your website using easy codes. Want to learn how to use them right? Keep reading to get the full scoop!
Add Shortcodes with a Powerful Plugin
To enhance your WooCommerce store with dynamic product filtering, you’ll need a plugin that supports real-time AJAX filters and works smoothly with shortcodes. These filters allow users to refine product listings (like by category, price, attributes, etc.) without reloading the page, resulting in a faster, more interactive shopping experience.
A great way to achieve this is by using a plugin like Dynamic AJAX Product Filters, which works directly within the WordPress block editor. It’s fully compatible with WooCommerce shortcodes and makes it easy to design interactive product grids. The Ajax product filter for WooCommerce setup process is straightforward, letting you build custom filtered pages with minimal effort and no coding required.
Step 1: Install the Plugin
Free Version
- Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New.
- Search for “Dynamic AJAX Product Filters for WooCommerce”.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
Pro Version
- Purchase and download the ZIP from the plugin’s official site.
- Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.
- Click Choose File, select the ZIP file, and click Install Now.
- After installation, click Activate.
Step 2: Create a Filtered Product Layout Using Blocks
This plugin works perfectly with the block editor. You’ll use a column layout to place the filter on the left and shortcode-based product listings on the right.
Layout Setup
- Go to Pages → Add New or edit an existing page.
- Click the + icon and add a Columns block.
- Choose the 33/66 layout (narrow column on the left for filters).
It will look like this:
Left Column: Add Filter Block
- Click the + icon in the left column.
- Search for and add the Dynamic Ajax Filter block.
- Set up the filter
Right Column: Add Shortcode Block
- Click into the right column, then click the + icon.
- Add a Shortcode block.
- Paste your WooCommerce shortcode. For example:
“product_category category=”laptop” class=”filtered-products””- Remember, paste the short code inside the square brackets [ ] and remove the inverted commas.
- Remember, paste the short code inside the square brackets [ ] and remove the inverted commas.
- The class name here (e.g., filtered-products) must match the target selector set in the filter block.
Step 3: Configure Plugin Settings for Filtering
- Make sure this matches the class or ID used in your shortcode block (e.g., .filtered-products).
- Choose what users can filter by—like product category, price range, tags, attributes, etc.
- The plugin handles AJAX dynamically, updating products without full page reloads.
Compatible Shortcodes You Can Use
Here are some WooCommerce shortcodes that work well with filters:
- “products class=”filtered-products””
- “product_category category=”shoes” class=”filtered-products””
- “product_categories number=”10″ class=”filtered-products””
Always include a unique class to ensure the filter knows where to apply changes.
Remember, paste the short code inside the square brackets [ ] and remove the inverted commas.
That’s a simple way to understand filters with WooCommerce shortcodes. Once you try it out, you’ll see how easy and helpful it really is. Give it a go and start customizing your product pages today!
Can You Use Ajax Filters Alongside Shortcoded Product Grids?
Not every store needs a fancy setup, but using product grids with filters can really help people find what they’re looking for. Shortcodes make it easy to place products wherever you want. Ajax filters let you sort and filter those products without reloading the page. If you’re wondering whether these two can work together, keep reading to find out how they can be used side by side.
Works with Some Plugins
There are plugins that support both Ajax filters and shortcode product grids, but not all of them do. Some may show products, but won’t update them live without refreshing. If you’re using plugins like JetSmartFilters, Filter Everything, or WooBeWoo, they usually come with this support built in. You just need to check if the filter can detect products loaded through shortcodes. Some quick testing will tell you if it’s working as expected.
May Need Setup Tweaks
Most of the time, it’s not just plug-and-play. You might need to link the filter to a specific product grid using CSS classes or widget settings. Some setups require you to wrap your product shortcode inside a filter container. This way, when someone uses the filter, the product grid knows it has to change. It takes a few extra steps, but once done, the filters work just fine.
Sometimes Needs Custom Code
In a few cases, your current theme or plugin combo might not support this feature out of the box. That’s when a little custom code can help. Developers can hook into Ajax requests and tell them how to treat the short-coded grid like a normal product loop. It doesn’t take a huge build, but it might need some tweaking behind the scenes to get it all flowing smoothly.
SEO Still Works Fine
Some folks worry that using Ajax might hurt their site’s visibility. But that’s not always true. When everything’s set up well, your filters can load products without messing up your SEO. For example, when URLs update while filtering or meta info changes along with the products, it can actually enhance SEO with Ajax product filters quietly in the background. This way, your site stays both user-friendly and search engine-friendly.
Test Before Going Live
Once your filters and shortcodes are working together, it’s always smart to test things out. Click around, use the filters, and see if the products update smoothly. Make sure nothing breaks or disappears. Try checking it on mobile too. A few quick checks will save you a lot of confusion later, especially if you’re planning to add more filters or custom layouts over time.
Getting Ajax filters to work with short-coded product grids isn’t hard, but it does need the right tools. With the correct setup, they can work smoothly together on the same page. You might have to adjust a few settings or add a bit of code, but the result is worth it. It helps your site look cleaner and gives visitors a better way to shop.
Limitations of Using Filters With WooCommerce Shortcodes
Using filters with WooCommerce shortcodes seems simple, but it can get tricky. Sometimes, they don’t work well together or show unexpected results. Things might not load right, or the filters may just break. Keep reading to understand the common problems and how to deal with them.
No Live Product Updates
You might notice filters don’t change the products right after clicking. That’s because shortcodes usually load static content that doesn’t update instantly. The filters try to work, but the product list stays the same. To make them work together, you need extra setup or code changes. Without that, your store feels stuck and confusing for customers. It’s better to use tools that support live updates right away when filters are used.
Styling Looks Off
Sometimes the design looks strange when filters are used with shortcodes. This happens because both of them follow different styling and layout rules. Things like product grids or buttons can appear broken or off-center. Fixing this often needs some CSS or theme custom work. Otherwise, your store might look messy or unfinished to visitors. Keeping the layout clean means making both parts look good together properly.
Some Filters Won’t Work
You may find filters don’t do anything when used with shortcodes. This is because shortcodes load fixed products that filters can’t change directly. Filters need flexible product lists to update results correctly on screen. In cases like this, it helps to modify WooCommerce filter settings so both features play nicely together. This small change can make filters show the right products instantly. It saves time and keeps your store working smoothly.
Slower Page Speed
You could notice your site feels slower when both tools are active. Filters sometimes load scripts that don’t mix well with shortcode content. The page may take longer to load or react when filters are clicked. Visitors might leave if the store feels too slow or laggy. Using performance plugins or reducing extra features can help speed things up. A fast and smooth store keeps people happy and shopping longer.
Harder to Debug
It’s tough to know what’s wrong when filters and shortcodes stop working. You might think the filter is broken, but it’s the shortcode instead. These tools work in different ways and can conflict in hidden ways. Finding the problem means turning off plugins or asking for help. Fixing takes longer and feels frustrating without clear errors shown. Testing each part separately helps avoid confusion and saves debugging time later.
Trying to use filters with shortcodes can cause a few headaches. But when you understand the problems, it’s easier to fix them fast. With some simple tweaks, your WooCommerce store can run better. Always test things well before showing them live to your visitors.
How to Troubleshoot Filter and Shortcode Compatibility Issues
Sometimes filters don’t work properly when you use them with shortcodes, and that can be really confusing. You may see products not changing or updating the way you want. Let’s break it down simply and show how to fix it step by step.
Filter not working
One big problem is when the filter doesn’t change anything after you select it. This can happen if the shortcode is showing products in a custom way that ignores filters. Try checking if your filter and shortcode are using the same product category or tag. If they are not, the filter won’t know what to change. Matching them can help a lot.
Page reload issue
Sometimes, when you use a filter, the whole page reloads, but nothing seems to update. This often means the shortcode is not set up to respond to filters. You can try switching to a different shortcode or using a plugin that supports AJAX. AJAX lets the filter work without reloading the whole page, which can solve the issue fast.
Shortcode placement
Where you place the shortcode on your page also matters. If it’s placed inside a special block or layout that’s not filter-friendly, the filter might not affect it. Try moving the shortcode to a normal section or above the filter. Also, make sure both the filter and shortcode are inside the same page or template.
Theme or plugin clash
Sometimes the theme or another plugin you’re using doesn’t work well with filters and shortcodes. You can try turning off other plugins one by one and checking if the filter starts working. If it does, that plugin might be the problem. Try finding another plugin that does the same job but works better.
Use better tools
If you’ve tried everything and it’s still not working, maybe your current filter or shortcode tool isn’t good enough. There are better filter plugins out there that are made to work with shortcodes smoothly. Look for tools that mention shortcode support in their features. This can make your setup easier and give better results.
These tips should help you fix most filter and shortcode problems without too much trouble. It’s all about making sure your tools match and work together properly. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work right away—just try one solution at a time. With a little patience, your filters will start working the way you want.
Best Practices for Using Filters in Shortcode-Based Product Pages
Making product pages look good and work fast is just as important as what you’re selling. Shortcodes give you design freedom, while filters help users find products quickly. When both are used together, smart choices matter a lot.
- Keep Layout Simple: A clean, simple layout helps visitors stay focused. Don’t overload the page with too many sections or sidebars around your product grid.
- Use Clear Filter Labels: Always name your filters in a way people can understand. Labels like “Color” or “Price Range” work better than confusing or long ones.
- Test Filter Speed: Slow-loading filters can annoy users. Try using lightweight plugins and avoid adding too many filter choices at once to keep things smooth.
- Check Mobile Views: Some filters that look fine on desktop break on phones. Always test the filter and product grid on small screens before going live.
- Limit Filter Options: Having too many filter choices can confuse users. Show only the most useful options and keep the rest hidden or collapsed if needed.
- Group Filters Wisely: Similar filters should stay together. For example, size, color, and style should all appear in the same section to avoid scrolling too much.
- Stay Consistent with Style: Make sure your filters match the look of the rest of your page. Use the same fonts, colors, and spacing throughout the section.
Filters and shortcodes can work great together when planned carefully. A neat layout, smart filter setup, and smooth performance make shopping easier. Always think like your visitors while designing. That way, they’ll enjoy using your site more.
Commonly Asked Questions
Adding filters to WooCommerce shortcodes can make your online store easier to use and more fun to shop in. If you’re new to this, you might have questions about how filters and shortcodes work together, or how to make your store better. Below are common questions that can help you understand things clearly and avoid mistakes.
Can I Use Filters on Product Shortcodes Inside a Blog Post?
Yes, you can use filters with product shortcodes inside blog posts. Just make sure the filter plugin you’re using supports working inside content areas like posts. You’ll also need to add a class to the shortcode and connect that class in your filter settings. This way, your filters can find and update the products inside the blog post without problems.
Do I Need to Be a Developer to Use Filters With Shortcodes?
No, you don’t need to be a developer to do this. Many WordPress plugins let you use filters and shortcodes by just clicking and dragging in the block editor. Some settings may look tricky at first, but you can follow guides or tutorials to help. As long as you’re careful and test things, you can do it without writing any code.
Will Filters Still Work If I Change My WordPress Theme?
Filters can still work if you change your theme, but it depends on how the theme is built. Some themes may need extra setup or may not support the layout you used earlier. You might have to recheck your filter positions or styling after changing themes. Always test everything after switching to make sure nothing is broken.
Can I Add Filters for Downloadable Products?
Yes, you can add filters for downloadable or digital products. Most filter plugins let you filter by product type, tags, or categories. You just need to organize your downloadable products using those labels. Then, set the filter to match those labels, and it will show only your digital products when selected.
What Happens If Two Filters Are Used at the Same Time?
Plugins combine filters to show only matching products when two filters are used together. For example, if someone selects both “Red” and “Under $50”, they’ll see only red items that cost less than $50. This helps users narrow down exactly what they want. Make sure the filters are set to work together, not against each other.
Can Filters Work on Different Product Pages at the Same Time?
Filters are usually set up per page, so they affect the products shown on that one page only. If you want filters on more than one page, you have to set them up again for each. Just make sure the product shortcode and filter target class match on each page. This way, each page works correctly without affecting the others.
Do Filters Work For Out-of-Stock or Hidden Products?
You can use filters to display or hide out-of-stock or hidden products. Many plugins give you the option to include or skip these products. If you don’t want customers to see out-of-stock items, just uncheck that option in your settings. This keeps the shopping experience clean and useful.
Can I Change How the Filtered Products Look?
Yes, you can change how filtered products appear using CSS or by editing the shortcode design. Some plugins also offer built-in style settings for product layout, image size, and button styles. Just make sure your changes don’t break the filter connection. Always test the new design to be sure it still works well.
Will Filters Slow Down My WooCommerce Site?
Filters can sometimes make your site slower, especially if you’re using too many or a heavy plugin. To keep things fast, use a lightweight filter plugin and avoid adding too many options at once. You can also use a caching plugin to improve loading speed. Fast websites help keep visitors happy and on your store longer.
Can I Make Filters Open By Default When the Page Loads?
Yes, most filter plugins let you control whether filters are open or closed when the page loads. If you want filters to be more visible, set them to open by default in the plugin settings. This helps users notice them quickly and start using them. Just make sure it doesn’t make the page look too crowded.
Final Words
Using filters and shortcodes in WooCommerce can make your store look cleaner and work faster for shoppers. When done right, it helps people find what they want quickly without getting lost on the page. Mixing these tools needs some setup, but the results are totally worth it. If your store feels smooth and looks good, more people are likely to stick around and buy something.
If you’re wondering how to use filters with WooCommerce shortcodes, the answer is simple. Use a plugin that supports AJAX and shortcode compatibility, place filters beside your short-coded product list, and link them using a matching class. That way, filters will work in real-time without needing to reload the page. This method helps create faster, more organized product pages that improve user experience.