Category AJAX Filter – Advanced Filter for Posts & Custom Post Types

by Trusty Plugins

Description

Category AJAX Filter lets you instantly filter WordPress posts and custom post types using categories, taxonomies and tags with AJAX-powered filtering — without reloading the page.

It includes pre-built layouts and an easy-to-use admin panel to manage categories, tags, styling options, pagination and more. Fully compatible with Elementor, Divi, WPBakery and Gutenberg, CAF helps you create powerful WordPress post filters and custom post type filters to organize and display your content in a fast and user-friendly way.

Key Features of Category AJAX Filter (Free)

Supports Custom Post Types and Taxonomies – Filter content from any post type including blogs, portfolios, directories and more.
3 Pre-built Filter Layouts – Quickly create filters using ready-made layouts without complex setup.
4 Pre-built Post Layouts – Display filtered results using multiple post layouts for different design styles.
Flexible Design Options – Customize colors, fonts, sizing, spacing, and layout to match your website design.
Easy-to-use Admin Panel – Simple controls make it easy to configure filters and manage settings.
Responsive and Lightweight – Fully optimized for mobile, tablet and desktop with fast performance.
Regular Updates and Quick Support – Continuous improvements and support to keep your site running smoothly.

Live Demos ( Free ) – See Category AJAX Filter in Action

Check out the live demo to explore AJAX-powered filtering, different layouts and how posts update instantly without reloading the page.
* Simple Blogs
* Boxed Title
* Glossy Look
* Full Width
* Filter in Sidebar
* Dropdown Filter

Perfect For Many Types of WordPress Websites

Category AJAX Filter is ideal for websites with large amounts of content where visitors need a quick way to find relevant posts or listings.

It works great for:

Blog Category Filtering – Let readers filter blog posts by categories and tags.
Custom Post Type Websites – Easily filter content from portfolio items, events, listings or any custom post type.
Portfolio Websites – Display projects and allow visitors to filter them by categories or taxonomies.
Directory Websites – Organize and filter listings using custom taxonomies.
Content-heavy Websites – Help users quickly narrow down results and discover relevant content.

With AJAX-powered filtering, visitors can instantly view matching posts without reloading the page, creating a smooth and modern browsing experience.

Supported Post Types & Taxonomies

Category AJAX Filter works with default WordPress content as well as custom content structures.

Default WordPress Posts – Filter blog posts by categories and tags with instant AJAX results.
Custom Post Types – Display and filter portfolio items, recipes, events, listings or any custom post type.
WordPress Categories & Tags – Use built-in categories and tags to refine results and organize content.
Custom Taxonomies & Terms – Filter posts using custom taxonomies and taxonomy terms created for your custom post types.

Compatible Custom Post Type Plugins

Category AJAX Filter works with plugins used to create custom post types and taxonomies.

The plugin has been tested with:

[Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)] (https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-custom-fields/)
[Custom Post Type UI (CPT UI)] (https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-post-type-ui/)
Custom-coded post types and taxonomies

Compatible With All Major Page Builders

Category AJAX Filter (CAF) is shortcode-based, allowing you to place filters anywhere on your website.

CAF works seamlessly with all major WordPress page builders, including Gutenberg, [Elementor] (https://wordpress.org/plugins/elementor/), [Divi] (https://www.elegantthemes.com/gallery/divi/) , WPBakery, Oxygen etc.

No matter which builder you use, you can easily add filters to posts, custom post types, categories, and taxonomies without complex setup.

Simply place the shortcode in your page, post, or builder layout and your AJAX-powered filters will start working instantly.

How It Works

Getting started with Category AJAX Filter (CAF) is quick and simple. Watch the video below to see how you can create and display filters for your posts and custom post types.

Category AJAX Filter Pro Features

Upgrade to [Category AJAX Filter Pro] (https://trustyplugins.com/product/filter-posts-by-category-pro/) to unlock advanced filtering capabilities, more layouts, powerful integrations and enhanced user experience for content-heavy websites.

Multiple Taxonomies Support

CAF Pro allows visitors to filter content using multiple taxonomies at the same time, making it easier to narrow down results and discover relevant posts or listings.
For example, users can filter content by Category, Tag and a custom taxonomy together to quickly find the most relevant results.

[See Multiple Taxonomy Filtering Demo] (https://caf.trustyplugins.com/multiple-taxonomy-dropdown-filter-modern/)

CAF Pro Demo Layouts (15+ Filter & Post Layout Examples)

CAF Pro gives you access to 15+ additional filter and post layouts to create more engaging filtering experiences. You can use filter styles like Alphabet filters, Voice Search, Checkbox filters with icons and advanced search layouts to make content discovery easier for visitors.

For displaying results, choose from dynamic post layouts such as Timeline, Carousel, Masonry, Grid variations and more, allowing you to present your posts in visually appealing and interactive ways.

[Parent Child Category Filter] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/parent-child-category-filter-vertical/)
[Multiple Taxonomy Filter] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/multiple-taxonomy-filter/)
[Multiple Taxonomy Horizontal Dropdown Filter (Modern)] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/multiple-taxonomy-dropdown-filter-modern/)
[Multiple Taxonomy Filter Dropdown] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/multiple-taxonomy-dropdown-filter/)
[Alphabetical Navigation Filter] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/alphabetical-navigation-filter/)
[Tabs Filter] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/tabs-filter/)
[Multiple Checkbox Filter] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-full-width-timeline/)
[Multiple Filters on Page] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/multiple-filters-on-page/)
[Simple Timeline] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-simple-timeline/)
[Full Width Timeline] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-full-width-timeline/)
[Full Rounded Corner] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-full-rounded-corner/)
[Carousel Slider] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-carousel-slider/)
[Masonry Layout] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-masonry-layout/)
[Gradient Border] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-gradient-border/)
[Masonry With Description] (http://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-masonry-with-description/)

Elementor Loop Builder Support

CAF Pro allows you to add powerful filters to layouts created with Elementor Loop Builder.

First, design your post or custom post type layout using Elementor’s Loop Builder. Then apply CAF AJAX filters on top of that layout so visitors can filter the displayed content using categories, tags, or taxonomies.

When a user selects a filter, the results update instantly on the same Elementor layout without reloading the page. This makes your Elementor designs more interactive and helps visitors quickly find the content they need.

Analytics Feature

CAF Pro includes a built-in Analytics feature that helps you understand how visitors interact with your filters.

You can track total filter clicks, see clicks for specific taxonomies, categories and terms, and view statistics based on time such as today’s activity or all-time usage.

This helps you understand which filters are used the most and optimize your content for better user experience.

Search Feature with Voice Search

CAF Pro includes an advanced search filter that allows visitors to quickly find content by typing keywords or using voice search [Demo] (https://caf.trustyplugins.com/layouts/caf-full-width-timeline/). This makes searching faster and more convenient, especially on mobile devices.

Advanced Pagination Options

CAF Pro provides flexible pagination options to improve content browsing. You can display results using Load More buttons, AJAX pagination or traditional navigation, allowing visitors to explore more content without refreshing the page.

Active Filters Option

CAF Pro can display active filters so users can easily see which filters are currently applied. Visitors can quickly remove individual filters or reset them to explore more results without confusion.

** Additional Features in CAF Pro **
* Multiple taxonomy & term selection
* Default terms (category) on page load
* Icons for filter terms and categories (in Filters)
* Sorting options for filtered results
* Hide or show meta elements (date, author, comment count, etc.)
* Post animation effects
* Translate default text strings (e.g., “All”, “Read More”)
* Font Awesome icon support
* Google Fonts integration
* Scroll to results container on filter click
* Parent and child category filters
* Template overwrite support (safe during plugin updates)
* Developer hooks for advanced customizations
* Priority support

Import Ready – Made Layouts

Quickly set up ready-made designs by importing layouts directly from our Category AJAX Filter demo page.

Visit the specific demo page and copy the exported JSON code.
Paste the code into the Import tab of the plugin’s admin panel.
Click Import, and your layout will be ready to use.

Coming Soon – CAF Builder

We’re working on CAF Builder, a visual builder that will give you full control over how your filters and layouts are created.

You’ll be able to design the UI of filters and post layouts using built-in design tools, while also controlling the functionality using taxonomies, custom fields, and other content data. This will allow you to build flexible filters and fully customized layouts based on your website content.

CAF Builder is designed to make advanced filtering easier, more flexible, and highly customizable. Stay tuned for upcoming updates.

Screenshots

screenshot-1.png
screenshot-2.png
screenshot-3.png

Faq

Can I use this plugin with custom post types?

Yes. Category AJAX Filter works with custom post types as well as default WordPress posts. You can filter content using categories, tags, or custom taxonomies.

Does this plugin work with page builders like Elementor?

Yes. Category AJAX Filter is shortcode-based, so you can place filters inside Elementor, Gutenberg, Divi, WPBakery, Oxygen, or any page builder that supports shortcodes.

Does the plugin reload the page when filtering posts?

No. The plugin uses AJAX filtering, which means results update instantly without refreshing the page.

Can I customize the design of the filters and posts?

Yes. You can customize colors, fonts, sizes, layouts, and other design settings from the plugin’s admin panel.

Does the plugin support custom taxonomies?

Yes. Category AJAX Filter supports custom taxonomies and taxonomy terms, allowing you to create filters for custom post type content.

Is the plugin mobile friendly?

Yes. Category AJAX Filter is fully responsive and works smoothly on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.

Is it compatible with WooCommerce too?

Yes, since version 2.7.2, Category AJAX Filter supports WooCommerce products, but only with its standard post layout functionality. It does not add product-specific fields such as price or add-to-cart buttons by default. In the Pro version, you can include fields like price with custom code.
For full WooCommerce product filtering with dedicated features, we’ve also developed a separate plugin — Trusty Products Filter.

Can I select specific taxonomies for a custom post type?

Yes. You can choose and display specific taxonomies for any custom post type, giving you full control over how your content is filtered.

Can I select specific terms from a taxonomy?

Yes. You can select and display specific terms from any taxonomy, allowing you to control which categories, tags, or custom taxonomy terms appear in your filters.

Does the plugin work with custom post types created by other plugins?

Yes. Category AJAX Filter works with custom post types and taxonomies created by plugins like Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), Custom Post Type UI (CPT UI), or custom-coded post types.

Reviews

Be WEARY of Pro version

By stevencavendish on May 26, 2025

This plugin is excellent, and its so good we purchased the pro version.
That's the good, now the bad.
It appears their site went down the other day (error establishing connection to the database) and then, magically, our pro plugin 'lost' its license and stopped working until their site went back online.
It seems absurd to me that developers create licensing checks that have no redundancy which can bring a website crashing to a halt.

It does exactly what it says

By danielepais on May 14, 2025

This plugin is useful and has a great selection of settings. Well done.

Gamechanger filter for my website

By sholiboli on February 18, 2025

I bought a (quite cheap) lifetime PRO licence and I couldn't be more satisfied with the plugin, none of the other plugin that I've tested come close. You can choose one of already nice default filter/posts layouts or customize even further it based on your needs. You can also filter posts by custom taxonomies in addition to categories/tags and integrate custom post types and fields.

Excellent Respectful Response and Support

By iggypopnz on September 20, 2024

This plugin is terrific and the team even more amazing.

They were very willing to help me, answer questions and their response was fast and efficient.

I would highly recommend!

Great plugin and Support

By mgp33 on August 14, 2024

Have just started to use this plugin. Im very impressed at how easy it is to use, and the level of support is excellent - being able to talk directly to the team on skype rather than waiting hours or days for a reply to a ticket it a real bonus.

Amazingly fast Ajax filter and great support

By simplixinnovations on June 29, 2024

The best WordPress Ajax Filter plugin that has many functionality and customizations way ahead of other plugins. I'm using the Pro version of the plugin and the support team is great and response in no time.

Amazing team and amazing products

By brandbrite on April 19, 2024

What a great experience with Trusty Plugins and their Team. They responded very fast, and communciation was to the point. The product is fantastic, lightweight and looking forward for their new developments!

Awesome Customer Service

By karlo90 on February 22, 2024

Very good customer support. Helped us really quick to solve some issues we had

Good plugin and amazing support

By Summertime Marketing (celineystp) on January 24, 2024

I highly recommend upgrading to the PRO version of this plugin if you are looking for customisation options. The support team is exceptional and has been extremely helpful in addressing any questions or concerns I have had via Skype.

Excellent support

By ralph_buesch on January 19, 2024

fast and professionell support to my jQuery issues, thks.

Changelog

2.8.4.1

(10/03/2026)
* Readme updated.

2.8.4

(08/07/2025)
* CSS conflict issue fixed [for RankMath,woocommerce]

2.8.3

(07/11/2024)
* Sorting feature added at the admin settings panel.
* vulnerability fixed mentioned by wordfence.

2.8.2

(20/05/2024)
* Plugin scanned with ‘plugin-check’ and fixed all security warnings

2.8.1

(11/04/2024)
* ‘Read More’ and ‘All’ String translation compatibility

2.8

(26/02/2024)
* Enhancement [PRO version(8.8) will be removed as addon]
* If using CAF PRO 8.8 , user can deactivate the free version.

2.7.2.3

(19/02/2024)
* Bug Fixes [Duplicate declaration error of static variable]

2.7.2.2

(15/02/2024)
* Fixed License error [compatibility with PRO]
* Bug Fixes
* Hooks Added [compatibility with PRO]

2.7.2.1

(20/06/2023)
* Fixed Styling and Responsive Issues

2.7.2

(17/05/2023)
* Added Support for WooCommerce

2.7.1

(17/05/2023)
* Post Title New tab Link open [fix]
* Post Description Font Syncing with PRO

2.7

(2/05/2023)
* Bug fixed
* Special Css Add Class Issue fixed

2.6.7

(18/01/2023)
* New Pagination added in PRO [Compatible to 8.6.5 ]

2.6.6

(06/01/2023)
* WordPress Dashboard Icon changed

2.6.5

(23/12/2022)
* Bug Fixed [Fixed Function conflict – get_image_sizes]

2.6.4

(27/07/2022)
* Bug Fixed [#parse error , #PRO version error]

2.6.3

(27/07/2022)
* Bug Fixed [#parse error , #PRO version error]

2.6.2

(27/07/2022)
* Bug Fixed [Parse Error – Due to template conflict (date.php,author.php)]

2.6

(26/07/2022)
* Restrict ABSPATH function added to files
* Templates Directory added with all used Modules
* Many of Developer Hooks Added
* Compatible with CAF PRO [8.6]

2.5.2

(01/07/2022)

2.5.1

(01/07/2022)
* Category Issue fixed when you use PRO with free layouts

2.5

(25/05/2022)
* Default Filter Layout’s More button hook added [Text Change]
* Inherit added in transform [Typography]

2.4

(01/04/2022)
* Filter Layout Dropdown Changed [Admin Panel]
* PRO COMPATIBLE VERSION [8.4]

2.3

(15/03/2022)
* Double slash in source file bug fixed

2.2

(09/03/2022)
* BUG FIXED OF PARSE ERROR [OF 2.1]
* PRO COMPATIBLE CHANGES [8.2]

2.1

(08/03/2022)
* PRO COMPATIBLE CHANGES [8.2]

2.0

(03/03/2022)
* Fixed isset image warning for all Post Layouts.
* Add Dynamic CSS for all Post Layouts and Filter Layouts.
* PRO COMPATIBLE [8.0]

1.9.8

(02/03/2022)
* Update Patch to fix 1.9.7

1.9.7

(02/03/2022)
* Fixed isset image warning for all Post Layouts.
* Add Dynamic CSS for all Post Layouts and Filter Layouts.
* PRO COMPATIBLE [7.7]

1.9.6

(24/02/2022)
* Missing String Translation functions added (Loco Translate)
* PRO Compatible Version (7.6)

1.9.5

(08/02/2022)
* Fixed Console Error

1.9.4

(05/02/2022)
* Fixed (Posts found: parsererror) , New Setting option Added to enable/disable Nonce from plugin settings under ‘Advanced Tab'(advanced->security)

1.9.3

(04/02/2022)
* Conflict fixed (jQuery is not defined)
* Language Translation file added (Russian:RU:Русский)

1.9.2

(24/01/2022)
* Compatible with WordPress 5.9

1.9.1

(12/01/2022)

Whitespace Fixed (Header information)

1.9

(12/01/2022)

Compatible with Loco Translate
Admin Area translatable
localization and Internationalize done
Securing (escaping) Output

1.8.9

(26/11/2021)
* Compatible version with PRO (Analytics Feature) [Compatible]

1.8.8

(04/09/2021)
* Bugs fixed, Font Awesome compatible version with PRO [Compatible]

1.8.7

(28/08/2021)
* Meta fields show/hide functionality in PRO version [Compatible]

1.8.6

(05/08/2021)
* Fixed Shortcode generator error (Dashboard Shortcode Fixes)

1.8.5

(30/07/2021)
* jQuery not defined error fixed.

1.8.4

(26/07/2021)
* Fixes

1.8.3

(20/07/2021)
* Default Color Combination set/User Experience

1.8.2

(09/07/2021)
* Category Bug Fixed for post layouts

1.8.1

(09/07/2021)
* Enable/Disable Scroll to Div [PRO Compatible]

1.8

Multiple Taxonomy Selection Feature in PRO [PRO Compatible]
This version is compatible with PRO that has feature of multiple taxonomy selection. We added one more new filter layout in PRO version. Now you can select multiple taxonomy for all the filters.

1.7.1

Select Default Category [PRO Compatible]

1.7

W3C Compatible Fixes

1.6.9

Read More Button Translation Compatible [PRO Compatible]

1.6.8

W3C Compatible, Bug Fixed [PRO Compatible]

1.6.7

Multiple Checkbox Filter Bug Fixed [PRO Compatible]

1.6.6

Translation Settings for default Strings [PRO Compatible]
Font Bug fixed for Glossy Layout

1.6.5

Search Field added for all filter layouts [PRO Compatible]

1.6

Search Field Bug fixed [PRO Compatible]

1.5.6

Search Field Added to search through Posts [PRO Compatible]

1.5.5

One Click Demo Import (PRO Compatible)

1.5.4

More Button added in filter layout 1 (PRO Compatible)

1.5.3

Make PRO compatible for Animation Effects

1.5.2

Css Bug fix for Post Layout 1

1.5.1

Bug fix for Avada Builder

1.5

Readme updated, Demo site Updated

1.4.9

Bug Fixed,Readme updated

1.4.8

Glossy Layout,Simple Blogs Layout Bug Fixed

1.4.7

Layout Bug Fixed

1.4.6

Layout Bug Fixed

1.4.5

Supported for PRO Version
Many More Hooks added

1.4.3

Added three more filters

1.4.2

Added one more filter to change the order of posts (Asc,Desc)

1.4.1

Post Excerpt Supports (Bug Fixed)

1.4

Backend tab fixes (Now plugin saves the user’s last clicked tab)
Shortcode tag splitter on post content
Post Excerpt Supports

1.3

Added Some filters to sort the posts/filter categories by specific order

1.2

Added a filter function to order by ID for filter categories.

1.0.0

First version of plugin.