How to Identify and Edit Post Type Sidebars in Brilliant Directories

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Managing sidebars in Brilliant Directories can feel confusing at first, especially when different Post Type pages rely on their own unique layouts. But once you understand how each sidebar is assigned, where it appears, and how to customize it, you gain full control over how your content is displayed. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to identify which sidebar is being used on search results and details pages, how to confirm assignments through the admin panel and Admin Bar, and how to make quick widget adjustments with confidence. By the end, you’ll be able to manage your post type sidebars with clarity and build cleaner, more user-friendly pages across your directory.

“Clear sidebars create clear journeys. When your pages are organized with purpose, your directory becomes effortless to explore.”

Zain Ali

Co-Founder & CTO

Key Information Summary for Post Type Sidebar Setup

Section	Key Takeaways
How Do Post Type Pages Use Sidebars?	Each Post Type has its own search results and details pages, both powered by assigned sidebars. These sidebars control what filters, widgets, and tools appear on each page.
How Can You Identify Which Sidebar a Page Is Using?	You can check sidebar assignments directly from Post Type settings. Search Results Design and Detail Page Design tabs clearly show the sidebar in use.
What’s the Fastest Way to Confirm Sidebar Usage on the Front End?	The Admin Bar’s “Show Widgets” option reveals active widgets and the exact sidebar running on any page. It offers instant visual clarity.
How Do You Edit Widgets in a Post Type Sidebar?	Open the correct sidebar in Sidebar Manager and drag or remove widgets as needed. Simple, visual controls make adjustments quick.
Why Is Correct Sidebar Selection Important?	Choosing the right sidebar ensures your filters and widgets appear as intended. A wrong sidebar can disrupt the layout or hide key features.
What Limitations Do Post Type Sidebars Have?	These sidebars include built-in filters and fields that can’t be expanded through normal settings. Adding new filter types requires customization.
When Should You Use the Admin Bar Instead of Settings?	Use the Admin Bar when you need on-page visibility of widgets and sidebars. It’s ideal for troubleshooting or confirming real-time output.
What Happens If the Wrong Widgets Are Added?	Incompatible or incorrect widgets may not show up or may break the page layout. Always verify widget compatibility with Post Type sidebars.
How Do Proper Sidebar Settings Improve User Experience?	Clean, well-managed sidebars make pages easier to navigate and filter results. This leads to smoother browsing and higher engagement.

Optimize Your Post Type Sidebars Today

Step-by-Step Process to Identify and Edit Post Type Sidebars

Understanding which sidebar your Post Type pages use makes customization easier and ensures your content displays exactly the way you want. Follow these steps to manage everything smoothly.

ESSENTIAL STEPS TO UPDATE POST TYPE SIDEBARS

Step 1: Locate the Post Type Settings

Go to Content » Edit Post Settings and select the Post Type you want to modify. This is where all layout and design options begin.

Step 2: Check the Assigned Search Results Sidebar

Open the Search Results Design tab and scroll down to the Sidebar To Use section. This tells you which sidebar controls the search results page.

Step 3: Verify the Sidebar on the Details Page

Switch to the Detail Page Design tab and scroll to the Sidebar To Use section. This reveals the sidebar assigned to individual post details.

Step 4: Use the Admin Bar for Front-End Confirmation

On the front end, enable the Admin Bar and click Show Widgets. This instantly displays the sidebar and widgets active on the page.

Step 5: Edit Widgets in the Correct Sidebar

Once identified, open the Sidebar Manager to add, remove, or reposition widgets. Make sure you edit only the exact sidebar assigned.

Pro Tip

Always double-check sidebar names, similar names can create confusion and lead you to edit the wrong one.

How To Set Up Sidebars For Post Types

Almost every Post Type includes two primary pages: the search results page, where all matching posts for that feature are displayed:

And the details page, which shows the full information for each individual post:

Brilliant Directories makes it easy to assign, modify, or remove the sidebars used on each of these pages.

How to Add or Remove Widgets From Sidebars

Before you begin adjusting widgets, you first need to confirm which sidebar is assigned to the page you want to edit.

Inside the settings, you’ll find two important tabs: Search Results Design and Detail Page Design. These are the sections you’ll be using:

In the Search Results Design tab, scroll down until you locate the Sidebar To Use section. This is where you’ll see the assigned sidebar:

Next, open the Detail Page Design tab, scroll down, and look for the Sidebar To Use section to confirm the sidebar for the details page:

Another helpful method is to use the Admin Bar on the front end. Click on Show Widgets:

This tool shows not only the names of the widgets currently active on the page but also the sidebar being used:

Important Note

Post Type sidebars include a built-in set of predefined filters and fields. These can’t be expanded through the regular admin settings. If you need to add custom filter options to a Post Type sidebar, this requires customization.

Common Issues When Managing Post Type Sidebars in Brilliant Directories

Wrong Sidebar Selected

Using the incorrect sidebar for a Post Type page can result in missing filters or incorrect layouts.

Fix: Double-check the Sidebar To Use section in both Search Results and Detail Page settings before making changes..

Widgets Not Showing

Some widgets may not appear if they’re incompatible or placed in the wrong sidebar.

Fix: Verify widget compatibility and ensure you’re editing the exact sidebar assigned to that Post Type page.

Confusion Between Similar Sidebars

Sidebars with similar names often cause users to edit the wrong one by mistake.

Fix: Rename sidebars clearly and use the Admin Bar → Show Widgets tool to confirm which sidebar loads on the page.

Pro Tip:

Always preview your page after updating a sidebar; front-end visibility helps you catch errors instantly and ensures everything displays exactly as intended.

Best Practices for Managing Post Type Sidebars in Brilliant Directories

Use Clear Sidebar Names: Label each sidebar with a unique, descriptive name to avoid editing the wrong one.
Check Assignments Carefully: Always confirm which sidebar is linked to Search Results and Detail Pages before making updates.
Use the Admin Bar for Clarity: Rely on the Show Widgets tool to see exactly which sidebar and widgets are active on the page.
Keep Widget Layout Clean: Add only helpful, relevant widgets to maintain a user-friendly and organized sidebar layout.
Test Your Changes on the Front End: Preview your page after edits to verify that widgets display correctly and the layout works as intended.

Enhance Your Sidebar Workflow

Conclusion: Why Managing Post Type Sidebars in Brilliant Directories Matters

Understanding how to identify and edit Post Type sidebars gives you full control over how search results and details pages appear. With the right sidebar assigned and the correct widgets in place, your pages stay organized, user-friendly, and visually consistent. Mastering these sidebar settings helps improve navigation and overall site performance.

Need Help Organizing Your Post Type Sidebars? We’re Here for You!

If you’d like expert support refining your sidebar setup or ensuring each Post Type page displays the right widgets, our team can guide you through every step. Contact us today to optimize your Brilliant Directories layout with confidence.

Your directory deserves clear, well-structured sidebars!

Let’s work together to fine-tune your Post Type sidebars for a smoother user experience and a more polished, professional website.

FAQs About Managing Post Type Sidebars in Brilliant Directories

How do I find which sidebar is being used on a Post Type page?

You can check the assigned sidebar by opening Content » Edit Post Settings, then reviewing the Search Results Design and Detail Page Design tabs. Each tab clearly shows the sidebar in use.

Can I change widgets inside a Post Type sidebar?

Yes. Once you identify the correct sidebar, you can edit it in the Sidebar Manager by adding, removing, or rearranging widgets using simple drag-and-drop controls.

What if the widgets I added are not showing on the page?

This usually happens if the widget is incompatible or added to the wrong sidebar. Use the Admin Bar → Show Widgets tool to confirm the active sidebar and verify real-time widget visibility.

Why do Post Type sidebars have limited filter options?

Post Type sidebars use predefined filters built into Brilliant Directories. Adding custom filter types isn’t possible through standard settings and requires a custom development solution.

How can I check sidebar placements on the front end?

Enable the Admin Bar and click Show Widgets. It highlights all the active widgets and displays the sidebar name directly on the page, making troubleshooting easier.

What happens if I accidentally edit the wrong sidebar?

Your changes won’t appear on the intended page. To avoid this, use clear sidebar names and always confirm assignments in the Post Type settings before editing.

Can I use multiple search modules in a Post Type sidebar?

No. Only one dropdown search module will function correctly in any sidebar. Adding more can cause display issues or break search features.

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Dev Bilal

AI-Driven Brilliant Directories Expert

Dev Bilal is a results-driven AI and web development expert specializing in Brilliant Directories, WooCommerce, and intelligent digital solutions. With deep expertise in AI integrations, data science, and full-stack development, he empowers businesses to build scalable, high-performing, and automation-driven platforms that deliver real results.