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How to Set Up Meta Query in Posts Query

Meta Query allows you to filter and display posts based on the values stored in their meta fields. You set a target value, and the data from the chosen meta field is compared to it. If they match, the post is included in the results.

Updated over 8 months ago

1. Meta Query Fields Explanation

  • Field key/name – Enter the meta field name attached to your chosen Post Type. You can also use Dynamic Tags to customize the value with Context and Fallback settings if needed.

  • Value – The target value to compare against the meta field’s value.

  • Compare – Select how the values will be compared:

    • Equal – Displays posts with an equal value.

    • Not Equal – Shows posts with a different value.

    • Greater than / Greater or equal – Works with numeric values only.

    • Less than / Less or equal – For numeric values only.

    • Like – Finds partial matches.

    • In the list / Not in the list – Filters based on multiple values.

    • Between / Not between – Filters within or outside a range of values.

    • Exist / Not exist – Checks if the meta key exists.

    • Regexp / Not regexp – Used for Checkbox or Radio meta field values.

  • Type – Specify the data type of the meta field:

    • Char – Alphabetic data (case-insensitive).

    • Numeric – Whole numbers.

    • Date / Datetime – Date or time values.

    • Decimal – Fractional numbers.

    • Time – Time values.

    • Signed / Unsigned – Whole numbers (positive or both positive and negative).

  • Clause name – Assign a unique name to the clause if you want to sort posts using it.

2. Use Cases and Examples

2.1 Query by Checkbox/Select/Radio Meta Field

  1. Ensure “Save as array” is enabled if it's Checkbox meta field. (If not - enable it first and then resave posts with new values)

  2. In Field key/name, select your metafield with macros “JetEngine meta field” and return the Field name/key/ID.

  3. Set the Compare operator:

    • Like for Checkbox or multiple Select fields.

    • Equal for non-multiple Select or Radio fields.

  4. Enter the desired value in the Value field.

2.2 Query by Media Meta Field

To check if a post has a file attached in the meta field:

  1. Use “JetEngine meta field” and return the Field name/key/ID.

  2. Set Compare to “Greater than” and the Value to 0.

2.3 Query by Date Meta Field

Example: Display posts starting after specific static date.

Note: Works only if your date meta field is saved as a Timestamp.

  1. Add this code to your child theme’s functions.php or use the Code Snippets plugin: Code Link

  2. Configure Meta Query:

    • Field key/name: “JetEngine meta field”

    • Compare: “Greater or equal” and Type - "Numeric"

    • Value: Use “Format Date String” with these settings:

      • Format: U (for Timestamp)

      • Date String: Enter your static date.

      • Show by: Server Time

2.4 Query by Text Meta Field

Example: In a text meta field, you can add a date in the d.m. format (e.g., 01.12) to display posts annually on the same day and month specified in the meta field.

  1. In Field key/name, use “JetEngine meta field”.

  2. Set Compare to Equal.

  3. Use “Current Date” macro with format d.m. for the Value field.

3. Advanced Query Example – Compare Meta Field with Current User Email

To filter posts where the current user’s email matches a text meta field:

  1. In Field key/name, select “JetEngine meta field” and choose your meta field.

  2. Set Compare to Equal.

  3. Create a shortcode for the user’s email using the Shortcode Generator.

  4. Use “Shortcode Result” macro as the Value.

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