Want to display recent blog posts on your homepage or landing page? This tutorial explains how to use the memberlite_recent_posts shortcode or the WordPress Query Loop block to show recent posts with full control over layout, filters, and styling. Whether you prefer using shortcodes or visual editing, you’ll find a flexible solution for showcasing content.

Shortcode Attributes

• author_id: The specific author’s posts to display. (optional; default: all authors; accepts: current, a numerical ID, or a user’s nicename/username)
• category_id: The single post category ID to display. (optional; default: shows all posts)
• count: The number of posts to display. (optional; default: shows 3 posts)
• post_type: The Custom Post Type to display. (optional; default: ‘post’)
• show: Show the post content or excerpt. (optional; default: excerpt)
• show_avatar: If no post thumbnail is set, show the author avatar. (optional; default is “yes”)
• subtitle: the text for a subheading displayed before the posts output.
• title: The text for a heading displayed before the posts output.

Shortcode Example

Using the WordPress Query Loop Block Instead

If you’re building your homepage or landing pages with the Block Editor, you can use the Query Loop block to display recent blog posts, no shortcode required.

Why Use the Query Loop Block?

Use the Query Loop block if you:

• Want more control over the layout and design of recent posts.
• Prefer editing visually without touching shortcodes.
• Need to filter or sort posts in more flexible ways.
• Are building reusable block patterns or templates.

How to Add a Query Loop Block

1. In the Block Editor, click the + icon and search for “Query Loop”.
2. Select a prebuilt layout (e.g. Grid, List, or Image + Text).
3. Customize block elements like:
   • Post Title
   • Post Excerpt or Full Content
   • Post Date
   • Featured Image
   • Author avatar (with Post Author block)
4. Use the block settings sidebar to:
   • Control the number of posts (matches count).
   • Filter by category or author.
   • Set sort order, pagination, and layout settings.

Match Memberlite Shortcode Behavior

Shortcode Attribute	Query Loop Equivalent Setting
count	Posts per page
category_id	Filter → Category
author_id	Filter → Author
title / subtitle	Add Heading or Paragraph blocks above loop
show	Use Post Excerpt or Post Content block
show_avatar	Add Post Author block with avatar enabled