Random Posts for Query Loop Block
The Query Loop block in WordPress does not include a “Random” ordering option in the sidebar UI. However, WordPress core does support orderby = rand in WP_Query . The problem: Using "orderBy": "rand" inside a Query Loop block can cause the Site Editor preview to fail , because rand is not included i
The Query Loop block in WordPress does not include a “Random” ordering option in the sidebar UI. However, WordPress core does support orderby = rand in WP_Query .
The problem: Using "orderBy": "rand" inside a Query Loop block can cause the Site Editor preview to fail , because rand is not included in the REST API schema for posts.
This plugin fixes that by extending the REST API orderby enum so the editor recognizes "rand" as valid.
✔ What this plugin does
- Adds "rand" to the REST API orderby enum for posts and pages.
- Allows the Query Loop block to use "orderBy": "rand" safely.
- Prevents JSON errors and broken previews in the Site Editor.
- Makes “random post” layouts work reliably both in the editor and frontend.
⚠ What this plugin does not do
- It does not add a “Random” option to the Query Loop UI dropdown. (That UI is defined in Gutenberg’s JavaScript.)
- You must still set "orderBy": "rand" manually using the Code Editor.
Example use case
Want your homepage, blog, quotes site, testimonials, or featured-section to show a different post every time the page loads?
Install this plugin → open the template → switch to Code Editor → set "orderBy": "rand" .
Screenshots & previews.
- 01Upload the plugin folder to /wp-content/plugins/random-posts-for-query-loop-block/ or install it via Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin .
