If you’ve been a customer of ours, or you’ve worked with Kadence Blocks, then you’ve likely seen the Kadence Posts Block that comes with the free Kadence Blocks plugin, and Query Loops. With the introduction of our Limoncella theme, you’ll now see Query Loops and Dynamic Content. Now, you might be scratching your head, wondering how these three amigos differ, what they really do, and why on earth I pick one over the other when I’m designing themes.
Well, you’re in for a treat because in this post, we’re diving deep into the Kadence Posts Block, Query Loops, and Dynamic Content. I’m going to explain what makes each of them different, and spill the beans on why I – yes, a real-life designer – make the choices I do.
Posts Block from Kadence Blocks
This block is the star of the show in most of our themes, and there’s a solid reason for that – it’s absolutely free and super user-friendly for our customers to tweak after getting their hands on the theme!
What is the Posts Block?
This is a block available inside the free Kadence Blocks plugin. It allows you to display a curated list of posts on your website anywhere you can place a block. You can choose from a grid or list format, narrow down content by category and/or tag, and customize it to show your images and content exactly how you want to.
When to Use the Posts Block?
The Posts Block is your go-to solution when you want to showcase a limited number of posts in a clean and organized layout. It’s an excellent choice for maintaining a concise yet engaging display of your latest content directly on your website.
When do I typically choose other options?
You’ll notice me swaying from this block when I’m craving more design control or aiming to adjust the number of columns the content displays. The posts block has a cap of 3 columns at most, so if I’m needing extra columns, I have two options: switch to the Query Loop or get a bit creative with the posts block.
Let me give you an example: you’ll often catch me slipping in a Row Layout featuring 2 equal columns. I’ll place a Kadence Posts Block on each side, setting those as 2-column posts on both ends. Then, I’ll offset the posts on the right by 2, making it appear as a seamless 4-column design on the site’s front end.
If I really need 6 columns, the Row Layout and 3 columns are my weapons of choice.
But what if 5 columns are the stars of the show? This is where the Kadence Posts Block might bow out, and the Query Loop takes its grand entrance.
Pros
- It’s completely free! No additional purchase is needed to use the posts block.
- It’s very easy to use and customize so you can show the content that is most important to you and your readers.
- Works seamlessly on mobile without having to make any specific mobile adjustments.
- Uses Kadences Image Ratios for the Featured Images which makes your images all consistent on your site
Cons
- Limited to a max of 3 columns so if you want more you have to get creative
- You’re limited to only the options that come with this block, so if you’re wanting to get a little more creative with your designs, you’ll need a different option.
Query Loops from WordPress Core
While the Posts Block from Kadence Blocks offers simplicity and elegance, WordPress Core’s Query Loops steps in to provide a broader range of control and possibilities.
What is a Query Loop?
The Query Loop Block stands as a pinnacle among WordPress theme blocks, seamlessly integrated within the core of WordPress itself. Regardless of whether you’re using Kadence or not, this powerful tool is at your disposal if you run a WordPress website. With its capability to dynamically pull and showcase post content, the Query Loop Block empowers users to craft visually engaging blocks on pages or posts. And it’s not just about blog posts – the versatility extends to any custom post type you might have!
What does “Queries” and “Loops” mean?
Alright, let’s dive into WordPress lingo – ever heard of the “Loop”? It’s like putting your favorite song on repeat, but for website content. Now, when we’re talking about a loop of blog posts, imagine it as a cool playlist of posts with shared features: snazzy blog titles, eye-catching pictures, author’s name (the rockstar behind the words), and a quick sneak peek of the content inside. How does it work? The loop swoops in, grabs this info from posts (or any other cool content you have), and spins it into a loop.
Time to tackle the “Query Loop” concept – don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! The “query” part is like sending out a special request for info to bring into the loop. Imagine this Query Loop Block as your personal detective, pulling out all the posts or just the ones wearing specific categories, sort of like picking your favorite tunes from a big playlist. So, with this trick up your sleeve, you can have posts from “Category 1” stealing the spotlight while giving “Category 2” and “3” a little breather. It’s like having a playlist on shuffle mode, but way cooler.
When to Use Query Loops?
When it’s all about taking the reins on how your content looks and flows, say hello to your new sidekick – Query Loops! They hand you the power to tinker with more columns and layouts, giving you more flexibility in how your content appears. You can even kick it up a notch with a Row Layout, where elements can overlap – something that’s a no-go with just the Kadence Posts Block. Time to get creative, right?
Pros
- Free!
- Can go up to 6 columns
- Can really customize the layout however you want
Cons
- You’re a little limited by the featured image size since it’s not from Kadence
- You’re limited to just the blocks provided by WordPress like the Featured Image, Post Title, Excerpt, etc and only the options those provide.
- Unless using a Row Layout, the format of these posts is a little harder to adjust on mobile devices.
Dynamic Content from Kadence Blocks Pro
When your content needs to transcend the ordinary, Dynamic Content from Kadence Blocks Pro steps in, offering a premium solution that gives you the reins of design and complete control.
What is Dynamic Content?
Dynamic Content, available with Kadence Blocks Pro, is your ultimate tool for web design control. Picture this: you can harness the power of Kadence Blocks like Images and Headings, complete with their handy controls. But here’s the twist – you can dynamically switch them up to showcase your featured images, post titles, and more. Dynamic Content teams up seamlessly with Query Loops, but here’s where the magic happens: instead of sticking to the run-of-the-mill WordPress blocks for the Query Loop, you’ll tap into the potential of Kadence Blocks. And to sprinkle that extra dose of ease, all it takes is a click on the petite yet powerful Dynamic Content button!
When to Use Dynamic Content?
When your design demands absolute control, Dynamic Content steps up as your ultimate ally! Take a look at our Limoncella theme’s Homepage Option 4 for a great example of Dynamic Content in action. At the page’s helm, you’ll spot the featured image as the backdrop, a title gracefully taking the spotlight, a neatly bordered box holding the title, and a charming ribbon serving as a decorative touch. All of this beauty comes together courtesy of the Query Loop and Dynamic Content!
Pros
- Can go up to 6 columns
- Can design just about anything you want!
Cons
- Does have a cost associated with it in order to get the premium Kadence Blocks Pro plugin.
- You do have to tweak your design slightly to look great on mobile but this is dependent on what you create.
As we wrap up this exploration of Kadence Posts Block, Query Loops, and Dynamic Content, you might find yourself nodding in agreement. If you’ve been part of our community or tinkered with Kadence Blocks, the Kadence Posts Block and Query Loops have likely graced your website. With our Limoncella theme in the spotlight, Query Loops and Dynamic Content take center stage, piquing curiosity about how these three elements shine and when they each take the lead.
We’ve delved deep into the Kadence Posts Block, Query Loops, and Dynamic Content, uncovering their distinct characteristics and illustrating their roles in crafting compelling designs. Whether you’re an expert or a newcomer, my aim has been to illuminate the “whys” and “hows” of these creative tools, giving you the confidence to understand what role they play on your website.
