Using Query Columns

Using Query Columns#

While most row types in cs_dynamicpages require you to manually enter content (or add child Dynamic Page Row Featured items), the Query Columns View is entirely automated.

It behaves exactly like a Plone Collection. You define a search query, and the row automatically fetches matching content from across your site and displays it in a grid format. This is perfect for "Latest News", "Upcoming Events", or "Featured Products" sections.

Step 1: Add a Query Columns Row#

  1. Inside your Dynamic Page Folder, click Add new... -> Dynamic Page Row.

  2. Change the Row Type to Query columns view.

    • The form will instantly update to show the Collection query widget.

  3. Enter a Title (e.g., "Latest News").

Step 2: Configure the Query#

The core of this row type is the plone.collection behavior.

  1. Scroll to the Search terms section.

  2. Select your criteria. For example, to show only News Items:

    • Field: Type

    • Operator: Any

    • Value: News Item

  3. Click Add Criteria.

  4. Set the Sort on field to Effective date and Sort order to Reverse to show the newest items first.

  5. Set Limit to 3 (so you only show the three most recent articles).

Step 3: Configure the Grid#

Because this is a column-based view, you need to tell it how many columns to use.

  1. Locate the Columns field.

  2. Enter the number of columns you want. For a limit of 3 items, entering 3 columns will create a perfect single row of news cards.

Step 4: Save and View#

Click Save. The row will now dynamically query the catalog and render the resulting News Items as cards within the grid layout. Whenever a new News Item is published elsewhere on the site, this row will automatically update without any manual intervention!

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