How to Build Dynamic Content Using Concrete CMS Page Lists

What Are Page Lists?

A page list is a block in Concrete CMS that dynamically displays pages from your site based on criteria you define. Think of it as a smart filter for your website’s pages—it pulls in content automatically, saving you time and effort in manual updates.

Common Use Cases for Page Lists

Page lists excel in scenarios where you need dynamic and flexible content presentation:

• Blog Overview: Automatically list all blog posts sorted by date.

• Product Catalog: Display products or services grouped by categories.

• Event Listings: Showcase upcoming events sorted by scheduled date.

• Resource Hubs: Create searchable and filterable content libraries.

For more robust features like advanced filtering, search integration, and customizable layouts, consider tools like Enlil Page List or Macareux Advanced Page List add-on.

Why Use Page Lists?

Page lists are essential for dynamic content management. They provide tools to display pages automatically based on filters, sorting, and templates. For example, you can display the latest blog posts, highlight featured products, or build an event calendar. When new content meets your criteria, the page list updates automatically—no manual work required.

Advanced Template Options for Different Layouts

One of the key features of page lists is the ability to customize their display using templates. Concrete CMS includes several built-in templates to get you started:

Built-In Templates

• Basic List: A simple, clean list view.

• Blog Entry Grid: Perfect for displaying articles or posts in a grid layout.

• Resource List: Designed for content-heavy pages, like resource centers or documentation hubs.

Add-Ons

For more advanced options, add-ons like Enlil Page List allow for enhanced presentation, including search integration and tag-specific displays. One standout example of an enhanced page list in action is the Nanaimo Historical Society website, which uses Enlil Page List to deliver a polished and functional resource hub. Whether you're creating a product grid, a searchable blog archive, or a dynamic navigation tool, these templates can adapt to your unique needs. 

How to Set Up a Page List

Setting up a page list in Concrete CMS is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Add the Page List Block: Navigate to the desired page, click “+” to add a block, and select Page List.

2. Customize it: Choose the criteria for which pages to include, such as page type, tags, or parent page.

3. Save and Publish: Save your settings and publish the page.

If you’re looking to improve navigation and user experience, check out The Ultimate Guide to Navigation Bars and Web Menus.

Advanced Use Cases for Page Lists

Page lists are perfect for various content needs:

• Dynamic Blog Archives: Organize posts by tags or dates.

• Product Showcases: Create grids for featured or popular products.

• Event Calendars: List and sort upcoming events by scheduled dates.

• Resource Libraries: Combine keyword search and filters to build interactive hubs.

Tools like the Enlil Page List or  Macareux Advanced Page List provide additional enhancements, making it even easier to adapt page lists for specialized needs.

Page lists in Concrete CMS are a must-have tool for any website aiming to deliver dynamic, user-friendly content. With endless customization options and powerful add-ons, they can adapt to virtually any content strategy—whether you’re building blogs, product showcases, or event calendars.

Ready to take your page lists to the next level? Start exploring templates and add-ons like Macareux Advanced Page List or Enlil Page List to see how dynamic and flexible your content can be. If you want to dive deeper into custom setups, the Concrete CMS documentation on Working with Pages Programmatically is a great resource.

Happy building!