{"id":39655,"date":"2026-03-23T11:40:42","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:40:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crocoblock.com\/knowledge-base\/?post_type=article&p=39655"},"modified":"2026-03-23T11:40:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T11:40:45","slug":"macros-for-query-builder","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/crocoblock.com\/knowledge-base\/jetengine\/macros-for-query-builder\/","title":{"rendered":"Macros for Query Builder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Macros are the core of a dynamic website. JetEngine<\/em><\/a> provides macros for its different modules \u2013 Forms<\/strong>, Relations<\/strong><\/a>, Dynamic Visibility<\/strong><\/a>, etc. You can learn more about each of them in the Macros Guide<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this tutorial, we will look at the macros used in Query Builder<\/strong><\/a> and cover the most common use cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macros Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A macro is a part of a string that gets replaced with a certain value depending on the purpose of the macro. In other words, a macro is a variable that can return different values based on the context. For example, the %current_id% macro returns the ID of the current object. On the single page of a post, the %current_id% macro returns the ID of that post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assume our goal is to display the current post in the query results. Since we need to query posts, we create a \u201cPosts Query<\/a>.\u201d The Post In <\/strong>field in the Post & Page<\/strong> query settings tab expects a post ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"post<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if we use the %current_id% macro in the Post In<\/strong> field and preview the results from a certain post, we will see that post in the query results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"using<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In our example, we preview the results for a post titled \u201cLight Show,\u201d which has the \u201c316\u201d ID. If we wanted to include that particular post in the query results, we could manually enter its ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"including<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

However, the dynamic solution that includes the \u201cCurrent ID\u201d macro allows us to avoid creating numerous duplicate queries for different posts manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, you can use the \u201cCurrent ID\u201d <\/strong>macro in other custom query fields that support post IDs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that not all macros return a single ID. Some macros return a list of IDs separated by commas \u2014 for example, the \u201cCurrent Terms\u201d <\/strong>macro returns the list of current post terms\u2019 IDs (e.g., \u20182234, 2342, 4958\u2019). Other macros will return values of a different kind.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Creating a Custom Query in Query Builder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To use macros of Query Builder<\/strong>, start by creating a custom query in WordPress Dashboard > JetEngine > Query Builder > Add New<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are different types of queries: \u201cPosts Query,\u201d \u201cTerms Query,\u201d \u201cUsers Query\u201d, \u201cComments Query,\u201d etc. The choice of a custom query depends on the items that will be queried. For example, a \u201cPosts Query\u201d <\/strong>should be chosen to query a list of posts. If users should be queried, select the \u201cUsers Query<\/a>\u201d type. The query type also determines which objects are returned in the query results (the \u201cPosts Query\u201d <\/strong>returns a list of posts, the \u201cUsers Query\u201d <\/strong>returns a list of users, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each field in the query settings includes a description that specifies the value to be inserted in that field. Most fields support macros, but ensure to use macros according to their purpose and according to the value that the macro returns (check the Macros Basics<\/strong><\/a> chapter for more information).<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/svg><\/div>
Warning<\/div>

The fields in the Query Builder<\/strong> do not support manually entered macros. So, instead of typing %current_id% in the field manually, select the \u201cCurrent ID\u201d macro from the list of available macros that appear after pressing the \u201cdatabase<\/strong>\u201d icon near the required field.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"list<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Applying Macros in Different Use Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Below, we will cover the most popular cases where macros of Query Builder <\/strong>are utilized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limiting query results to the current post or excluding the current post from query results<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The current post ID can be retrieved using the \u201cCurrent ID\u201d <\/strong>macro. Use it to show only the current post in a widget\/block\/element that supports custom JetEngine<\/em> queries (e.g., in a Map Listing<\/strong><\/a>).\u00a0Create a \u201cPosts Query\u201d. <\/strong>In the General <\/strong>tab, specify the Post Type<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"specify<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Then, proceed to the Post & Page <\/strong>tab of settings and insert the \u201cCurrent ID\u201d <\/strong>macro into the Post In <\/strong>field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"using<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you need to exclude the current post from the query results, place the \u201cCurrent ID\u201d <\/strong>macro into the Post Not In <\/strong>field instead of the Post In<\/strong> field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"exclude<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

After saving the query, create a Listing Template<\/strong><\/a> for the same post type and display the listing on the Single Post page<\/a> using the Listing Grid<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>Apply the created query on the Listing Grid <\/strong>as described in the Applying the Created Query<\/strong><\/a> step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Display posts on the taxonomy archive page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To query posts by the current term, use the \u201cQueried term\u201d <\/strong>macro. The macro returns the ID of the current term and can be used in the Tax Query <\/strong>tab of a Posts Query<\/strong> to display posts on the taxonomy archive pages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a \u201cPosts Query.\u201d <\/strong>In the General <\/strong>tab, specify the Post Type<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, proceed to the Tax Query <\/strong>tab of settings and press the \u201cAdd new<\/strong>\u201d button to add a tax query clause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the added repeater item set such options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n