ACF - WP_Query - Order Results by value, then by a different one

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05-10-2024

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Mastering Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and WP_Query: Ordering Results by Multiple Criteria

When working with WordPress and Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), you often need to display content in a specific order. While simple ordering by a single field is straightforward, what if you need to order results by one field, and then by another as a tiebreaker? This is where the power of WP_Query combined with ACF's capabilities comes into play.

The Scenario: Ordering Events by Date, Then by Time

Imagine you're creating a website showcasing upcoming events. Each event has two custom fields: event_date (date) and event_time (time). You want to display the events chronologically, first by date and then by time within the same date.

Here's a basic example of the issue:

Original Code:

$args = array(
  'post_type' => 'event',
  'meta_key' => 'event_date',
  'orderby' => array(
    'meta_value_num' => 'ASC',
  ),
);

$query = new WP_Query($args);

// Display event posts
while ($query->have_posts()) : $query->the_post();
  // ... Event content ... 
endwhile;

This code orders events by event_date but doesn't consider event_time for events happening on the same day.

The Solution: Leveraging WP_Query's Orderby Array

WP_Query provides a flexible orderby array that allows you to specify multiple ordering criteria. We can use this to first order by event_date and then by event_time as a secondary sorting mechanism.

Enhanced Code:

$args = array(
  'post_type' => 'event',
  'meta_key' => 'event_date', 
  'orderby' => array(
    'meta_value_num' => 'ASC', // Order by 'event_date' first
    'event_time' => 'ASC', // Order by 'event_time' if dates are equal
  ),
);

$query = new WP_Query($args);

// Display event posts
while ($query->have_posts()) : $query->the_post();
  // ... Event content ... 
endwhile;

Explanation:

1. Meta Key: We set the meta_key to event_date to target our first ordering criterion.
2. Orderby Array:
   • The first element in the orderby array uses meta_value_num (assuming event_date is a numeric field) to order by date in ascending order (ASC).
   • The second element sets event_time as the secondary ordering field, also in ascending order (ASC).
3. Prioritization: The orderby array orders results based on the order of its elements. So, event_date will be the primary sorting field, followed by event_time if dates are the same.

Additional Tips and Considerations:

• Data Types: Make sure the data types of your custom fields are compatible with the orderby options you use. For example, if event_date is a date field, you can use meta_value_num or meta_value_date.
• Descending Order: Use DESC instead of ASC to order in descending order.
• Custom Functions: If you need more complex ordering logic, consider creating custom functions for filtering or sorting your query results.

Conclusion:

By harnessing the flexibility of WP_Query and ACF's custom fields, you can implement complex ordering scenarios, allowing you to present your content in a tailored and engaging way. This advanced technique provides greater control over your WordPress website's data and helps you showcase your information effectively.