When advanced filtering tools like Search & Filter Pro are combined with page builders like Divi, even small conflicts in selectors, queries, or CSS can break key functionality—especially AJAX filtering and dropdown behavior.
In this case, multiple frontend issues were affecting filtering, dropdown usability, and content visibility. The fixes required a combination of JavaScript, CSS, and plugin-level adjustments.
Issue Background
A WordPress site using Search & Filter Pro, Divi Theme Builder, custom post types, and Restrict Content Pro experienced several issues:
- AJAX filtering not working (full page reloads instead)
- Dropdown filters not displaying or scrolling properly
- Filter results showing inconsistent ordering
- Missing custom post types in the admin (intermittent)
- Poor UX when selecting filter combinations
Diagnosis
The problems were caused by multiple overlapping conflicts:
- Search & Filter Pro was not binding to the correct results container
- Divi layout structure interfered with AJAX updates
- A broad CSS selector in the child theme affected dropdown behavior
- Default WordPress taxonomy sorting caused unordered filter values
- ACF-related CPT registration caused intermittent admin visibility issues
Resolution Steps
1. Fix AJAX filtering behavior
Updated Search & Filter Pro settings to correctly target the results container and restore AJAX functionality.
2. Align plugin output with Divi
Adjusted markup and layout so Divi modules and plugin output work together for in-place updates.
3. Resolve CSS conflicts
/* Before */
.hometab_wrap ul
/* After */
.hometab_wrap ul.et_pb_tabs_controlsThis prevented unintended styling from affecting dropdown elements.
4. Fix dropdown ordering
Used a Search & Filter Pro hook to control taxonomy sorting and ensure logical order.
5. Improve UX with dynamic fields
Enabled Dynamic Fields in Search & Filter Pro to update available filter options dynamically and avoid invalid selections.
6. Stabilize custom post types
Identified an ACF-related issue affecting CPT visibility and confirmed that re-saving the CPT restored functionality. Monitoring or code-based registration is recommended for long-term stability.
Final Outcome
- AJAX filtering works correctly without page reloads
- Dropdown filters display and scroll properly
- Filter values are ordered correctly
- User experience improved with dynamic filtering
- Custom post types remain visible and stable
If your WordPress filters aren’t working properly or your site relies on complex search functionality, Freshy can help diagnose and resolve the issue quickly.
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