---
title: "How to Configure the Directory Block"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/configure-directory-block/"
description: "Introduction The LearnDash App Directory Block allows you to map different post types to create custom archive-style listings within your app. This block provid…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "LearnDash"
date: "2025-09-23"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# How to Configure the Directory Block

## **Introduction**

The LearnDash App Directory Block allows you to map different post types to create custom archive-style listings within your app. This block provides a flexible, single-block layout designed to enhance user engagement and maintain design consistency.

**Note:** The Directory Block must be the only block on a screen. It cannot be used alongside other blocks.

## **Add the Directory Block**

1. Go to your **Learndash App > App Pages
2. **Edit** or **Add a New App Page

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXcB5sPnaQbCTEFkHNHk2acPIJY9A45i47SZbOL3kgcLfwJ33z0vbLxuTK5OMq5PbMFj7VHRs6GHsgIJ_ijKfrk1A0_MRUWYTnOQB4osom34ic3r3olx8g5L8_4sldwIOEAtn2dV5w.png)3. Open your App Page editor.
4. Click the **Toggle Block Inserter**.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXfx2fncNolEDHs2st3VgCLp4nthfw7FBxIk09NOydvgHbjqJj6AkJ2Ne5NOviHmTy6dMC_o_5vt15jIrWw80-dVbqSu_WEuGV1jtVkgvDv-fUBG2RAXO4WPmwZI_rkwF_L4tt5a.png)5. Search for **Directory**, then **drag the Directory Block** onto the canvas.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXcgh5yq4XfMrJVs6GKKloaq9uY7uzyucckkQqf-4anXYTqw8kSz20giUsySNDdtrOv1-zGHhrVbUEpoL6qBSI8pU3MLo-4YuFlnVNN9Ctw6i7kkheeYYd6bjc6D0OWZUQ48XIhSpg.png)**Hover Preview:**

- When inserted, the block shows a skeleton preview layout.
- Placeholders labeled **META 1, META 2, META 3, and META 4** indicate custom metadata positions.

## **Configure Block Settings**

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXcnu1ZOzV_XEVM1Zv3APzRLw6a_wnojoZDbJiB1nRgeUlI9T0-XXVWYK_YOyOvCI_r3rY4-ZQDA4F_E0xpUK5hKl8jddHGYwXSP8pgD6JTkNVNv8ogqBlxDHPeq0pHNWidJeVVA.png)### **Select Post Type**

1. Open the **Block Settings Sidebar**.
2. Under **Select Post Type**, choose the post type you want to display:

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXdqn5gyHT__L769IaRVO_E66zkYccTaTYTT6l-Fa0yUPNGbL8pcqGEcPN6WjDa13OTR_TcrKrKhjSWb0YHX4V_EB0XecqmEbzvTQLPMZHaaWcKp4nO70aG2M1hti11AzATqTek_.png)### **Show Featured Images**

- Enable **Show Featured Image** to display thumbnails for applicable content.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXdKLSq_G-vkzjFHyCnUqrI4bKlMkiBTcwR4VGZj7MYQ7avd4Kg77caMBq458cuirqWcsTpY1sNWfISbK050w93r-SiBYwpVWMi_-4yC4y2R3ep6u0lkErmTQYVOWcDOuqal-8PqVA.png)### **Meta Data Display**

1. Scroll to the **Metadata** section.
2. Enable **Meta 1** and select the field to display.
3. Click **Add Meta** to include up to four metadata fields total.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXdiGqGJrU9zmnkmHDRIxgB5o7PH2_JbqC7D4N15DnalrTb8MSIA0p-ZSrN9n4dUbQ2qCvc5lXwkwSY1ywmDRS5TA6r6tLYOFgSrgq0o4JB1NSr6K5WAlnfpoQaJ5rJp9Iqu4ThJ-A.png)*Note: A maximum of 4 metadata fields can be displayed.*

### **Directory Options**

Toggle the following features to customize the display:

- **Show Search Bar** – Adds a search input field.
- **Show Avatar** – Displays the author’s avatar.
- **Show Search Filter** – Adds filter functionality to the search bar.

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXdyFOr0RvAqB6qEmiMiNNbyo83uOxm-7J61yik-O24jGv30DZYoTLEddL-9fq2YGzTmDRafxNclR7o-cXitMnR4O4Vg2EYrnZfbgj3hmWMMzXLLbsd_e2T-0AaDRTIaRqYtwiznQ.png)### **Set Order Options**

- Choose your preferred sorting from the **Order By** and **Order** dropdowns (e.g., date, title, ascending/descending).

![](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AD_4nXc9LSu_HNggtzkT5DNZ_o-CdMd8bzPa5NvMRMyvL3zDbu8UXboiqxiR_N30N2pKFf8BOB5FnyeslfNCI3FOxezdkGpfzAhi3aMmXKnyt47xA0t5BHMFXrdkNP-fwZm8MliaN1Nl4g.png)## **Important Notes**

- If you add the Directory Block to a page **with other blocks**, you will see this error:  
    **“Directory block cannot be placed on a screen with additional blocks.”
- Adding **any additional block** to a screen already containing the Directory Block will trigger the same error.

## **Troubleshooting and FAQs**

**Q: What happens if I add the Directory Block to a page with other blocks?  
 A: You’ll receive an error: *“Directory block cannot be placed on a screen with additional blocks.”*

**Q: Featured images aren’t appearing, what should I check?  
 A: Confirm that **Show Featured Image** is enabled in the block settings.

**Q: How can I add or change metadata fields?  
 A: Enable **Meta 1**, then use **Add Meta** to include up to 4 fields.