Please note that if Multi-directory is disabled, you will be taken directly to the Directory Settings layout page.

Path: WP Admin → Directory Listings → Directory Builder

What you can do

• Create Directory: adds a new directory type.
• Import Directory: bring in a directory type from an export file.
• Edit: open the directory’s builder tabs.
• More (…)
  • Make it Default: set the selected directory as the site default.
  • Delete: remove the directory type. Deleting a directory type does not delete WordPress users; it removes the directory configuration and its related templates. Always back up first.

Create a New Directory

The Create New Directory window allows you to start a new directory type in three different ways. Using a pre-built template, creating from scratch, or generating with AI. This gives you full flexibility based on your skill level and project type.

You can access this window by clicking the + Create Directory button.

1. Use Template

This option lets you start from a ready-made directory template.

• Clicking this will install and activate the Templatiq plugin (if not already installed).
• Once installed, you can choose from available directory templates such as Business Directory, Real Estate, Job Board, or Restaurant Guide.
• Each template includes preconfigured fields, layouts, and demo content to help you get started quickly.

Recommended for:
Users who want to launch a directory fast without manually setting up layouts or forms.

2. Create from Scratch

This option creates a completely new, empty directory type with default settings.

• No predefined fields, categories, or layouts are applied.
• You can configure every detail manually — from Add Listing Form, Single Listing Page, All Listings Layout, to Search Form.
• Ideal for building a unique directory with custom workflows.

Recommended for:
Developers, designers, or advanced users who need full control over structure and design.

3. Create with AI (Beta)

Let AI build your directory automatically. Just describe your idea, and Directorist AI will generate the complete directory type with all essential fields, layouts, and settings.
See full guide → Create with AI

Editing a directory type

Click Edit on any directory row to open its tabs:

1. General
   Global rules for the selected directory type.
2. Add Listing Form
   Field manager for the submission form, including field order, labels, and validations.
3. Single Page Layout
   Controls the layout and visible sections on the single listing page.
4. All Listing Layout
   Controls the archive layout, card design, and list vs grid behavior.
5. Search Form
   Search and filter fields, ordering, and visibility.

Note: Settings on this tab apply only to the currently selected directory type. Each directory can have different rules and layouts.

Path: WP Admin → Directory Listings → Directory Builder → + Create Directory → Create with AI

The setup process has three simple steps:

Step 1 — Set Up Your Directory

In this step, provide basic information for your new directory.

• Directory Name (required): Enter the name of your directory (e.g., Coffee Shop, Freelancer Hub).
• Location (optional): You may specify a location if your directory is focused on a particular region.

Click Continue to Generate to proceed.

Step 2 — Describe Your Directory

Now describe your directory idea in plain language. The AI will use your input to design the structure.

• Directory Type: Choose one of the pre-defined types such as:
  • Car Directory
  • Hotel Directory
  • Travel Directory
  • Job Listing
  • Real Estate Directory
  • And more
    You can also select Other’s for a custom type.
• Tell us about your directory:
  Add a short description of what your directory should include (e.g., I want to create a car directory where users can list new and used cars for sale).
  The AI uses this text to tailor your directory fields and layout.

Click Continue to Generate to move to the final step.

Step 3 — AI Generation and Confirmation

The AI will now start creating your directory based on the details you provided. It will generate:

• Listing fields and field types
• Directory settings and default layout
• Basic structure for search and submission forms

You will see a preview of all generated fields.
From here, you can:

• Check the generated fields
• Regenerate if you want new suggestions
• Confirm to finalize and create the directory

Once confirmed, your new directory will be added to the list, ready to customize further in the Directory Builder.

• Directory Icon: Upload or choose an icon that visually represents the directory. This icon is often used in multi-directory interfaces or where directory identifiers are required.
• Default Listing Status: Select the default publication status for newly submitted listings. Options usually include Published, Pending, or Draft.
• Default Listing Expiration Days: Define how long a listing will remain active before expiring automatically. This is useful for keeping your directory up-to-date.
• Default Listing Preview Image: Set a fallback image that will be shown for listings that don’t include any image during submission.
• Export the Config File: Allows you to export the current configuration of the directory (form structure, layout, and field data) as a JSON file. This is helpful for backup or reusing the setup in another directory instance.

Path: WP Admin → Directory Listings → Directory Builder → Select a Directory → Add Listing Form

This section contains two main areas:

• Left panel – Form fields
  • Here you’ll find all available field types to add to your form.
• Right panel – Customize listing form
  • Displays all existing form sections and fields.
  • Each section (like General Information, Pricing, Features, Contact Info, Location, Media) can be expanded, reordered, or deleted.

Field Panel (Left Side )

The left side of the Add Listing Form contains all the preset fields and your custom fields.

• Preset Fields: Preset fields are the basic predefined fields that are available by default and can be used only once per form.
• Custom Fields: The custom fields (like Text, Number, Select, Checkbox, etc.) can be used multiple times and are ideal for extended or niche data collection.

Field Settings

To configure an individual field, you need to click on the arrow down (˅)

Clicking on the arrow down ˅ will reveal all the relevant field settings, likewise the screenshot below.

You can define the field label, placeholder text, and adjust additional configurations within the individual field settings.

Form Canvas (Right Side)

• This is where you design the actual structure of the form.
• You can create multiple sections to logically group different sets of fields.

Example Sections:

• Contact Info: Include fields like Email, Phone Number, and Website.
• Location: Group fields like Address, Map, City, and Country.
• Media: Add fields such as Images, Gallery, Video, or File Upload.

Each section acts as a visual block or tab, making the form more organized and easier for users to fill out.

Additional options

• Enable Listing Preview:
  Toggle this to allow users to preview their listing before submission.
• Listing Form Submit Button Text:
  Customize the text of the submission button (e.g., Submit Listing, Publish Now).
• Preview:
  Click the Preview button to see how your form will look to end users.

Tip:
Changes are saved per directory type, so each directory can have a unique Add Listing form layout tailored to its needs.

Use this feature to display only relevant fields depending on listing type, category, price model, or any custom field value.

Overview

With Conditional Logic, you can:

• Show or hide fields dynamically
• Reduce clutter in the submission form
• Improve user experience

Conditional Logic works inside the Add Listing Form Builder and applies to frontend listing submission.

Where to Find It

1. Go to Directorist → Directory Builder
2. Click on the Add Listing Form tab
3. Click on any field to edit it
4. Scroll to Conditional Logic
5. Toggle it ON

How It Works

Once enabled, you can define rules using:

• Action: Show or Hide
• Field: Select another field from the form
• Condition: Define how the value should be evaluated
• Value: Enter or select the comparison value

You can also define how multiple conditions behave using:

• All Conditions (AND)
• Any Condition (OR)

Available Conditions

Depending on the field type, you can use:

• is
• is not
• contains
• does not contain
• empty
• not empty
• greater than
• less than
• greater than or equal
• less than or equal
• starts with
• ends with

Step by Step: Create Conditional Logic in Add listing form

Step 1: Open Field Settings

Click the field where you want to apply conditional logic.

Step 2: Enable Conditional Logic

Toggle the Conditional Logic switch.

Step 3: Choose Action

Select:

• Show this field if
  or
• Hide this field if

Step 4: Select Field and Condition

1. Choose the field that will control the logic
2. Select a condition operator
3. Enter or select the value

Step 5: Update Changes

Update the form and test from the frontend Add Listing page.

Example 1: Hide Short Description/Excerpt if Long deatils is not empty

Condition:

• Hide “Short Description/Excerpt“
• If “Long Details” is not empty

Result:

If you add anything on long details field they do not need to add short description/ Excerpt.

Conditional Logic in Search Form

Conditional Logic in the Search Form allows you to dynamically show or hide search filters based on other search field values. This helps you create a cleaner and more relevant search experience.

Exact Example From Screenshot

Field: Location

Rule Configuration:

• Action: Show
• Condition:
  • Field: Search Box
  • Operator: contains
  • Value: USA
• Match: All Conditions (AND)

Result

The Location search field will only appear if the user types USA in the Search Box.

If the Search Box does not contain “USA”, the Location field will remain hidden.

This page is enabled by default and displays all relevant information about a listing, including descriptions, media, contact details, and more. However, Directorist gives you full flexibility to customize or even disable the single listing view entirely, turning your directory into a simple catalog-style display if needed.

The Single Page Layout settings allow you to control how this page looks and what elements are shown ranging from the header image and title placement to badges, filters, and custom content areas. Whether you want a sleek, minimalist layout or a feature-rich detailed page, this section helps you configure the perfect presentation for your listings.

There are three main parts to configure:

1. Listing Header – Customize the top section, including title, images, and action buttons.
2. Contents – Manage the layout and order of listing details like description, tags, media, and custom fields.
3. Custom Single Listing Page (optional) – To replace the default layout with a custom-designed page using shortcodes or page builders.

Listing Header

The Listing Header section lets you design the topmost portion of the single listing page. It gives you full control over what appears visually before users scroll into the main content.

You can:

• Enable or disable the image/slider.
• Reorder elements like the Title, Subtitle (Tagline).
• Choose whether header content appears on top of the image or below the image.
• Add filters and metadata fields such as Category, Pricing, Ratings, Badges, and Location.
• Top Left Area: Optionally enable a Back button.
• Top Right Area: Add buttons like Share, Bookmark, or Report Listing.

Listing Header

The Listing Header section lets you design the topmost portion of the single listing page. It gives you full control over what appears visually before users scroll into the main content.

Left panel

Displays all available header elements you can toggle on or off.
These include:

• Back – adds a back navigation button.
• Bookmark, Share, Report – user actions shown at the top right.
• Listing Title – main title of the listing.
• Listings Location, Category, Rating, Badges, Pricing – display quick listing info.
• Listing Image/Slider – main image area of the listing.

You can also:

• Reorder elements by dragging them up or down.
• Toggle visibility using the switch beside each item.
• Adjust settings via the gear icon next to individual elements.

Right preview panel

Shows a live visual preview of how the selected header elements will appear on the front end. You can see items like the Back button, Bookmark, Share, and Report buttons at the top, followed by the Listing Title, quick info tags, and the Listing Image/Slider.

Listing Contents

The Listing Contents tab controls the main body area of the single listing page — everything that appears below the header section. It lets you decide which content blocks (like description, features, video, reviews, or related listings) appear, their order, and how they’re structured.

Path: WP Admin → Directory Listings → Directory Builder → Select a Directory → Single Page Layout → Listing Contents

The screen is divided into two sections:

Left panel – Form Fields

Contains all available content elements you can drag into the layout, including:

• Preset Fields: Tag, Email, Phone, Website, Address, Images, Zip/Post Code, Social Info, Date, Time, etc.
• Other Fields: Custom Content, Author Info, Contact Listing Owner Form, FormGent Form, and more.

Read FormGent Form detailed documentation here.

You can use these fields to display custom information, external forms, or special content sections within your listing page.

Right panel – Listing Sections

Shows the visual layout of the listing content area. Common default sections include:

• Description
• Features
• Listing Video
• Location
• Review
• Related Listings

You can:

• Add new sections using + Add Section.
• Reorder sections via drag and drop.
• Delete a section using the trash icon.
• Configure each section with the settings () icon.
• Drag fields from the left panel into any section on the right.

Example use

If you want to show a custom contact form after the listing description:

1. Drag the FormGent Form field from the left panel.
2. Drop it into a new section below “Description.”
3. Customize it using the settings icon.

Tips

• You can create unique single page content structures for each directory type.
• Combine Directorist’s built-in fields with custom content for maximum flexibility.
• Always use Preview to check how your layout appears on the frontend before saving.

Custom Single Listing Page

The Custom Single Listing Page option lets you design your own single listing layout using WordPress pages and shortcodes. This feature replaces the default Directorist layout and gives you complete control over the structure and design.

Path: WP Admin → Directory Listings → Directory Builder → Select a Directory → Single Page Layout → Custom Single Listing Page

When you enable this option, the default single listing layout is disabled. Instead, you can assign a WordPress page and insert Directorist shortcodes to build the layout manually

Enable Custom Single Listing Page

Toggle this switch to activate the custom page option.

Once enabled:

1. Single Listing Page:
   Choose a WordPress page from the dropdown where your single listing content will appear.
2. Generate Shortcodes:
   Directorist automatically provides shortcodes for all the sections you’ve added in the Listing Contents tab.
   • You can copy these shortcodes and paste them into your selected page to display each section individually. Each shortcode corresponds to a layout block, such as Header, Description, Features, Video, etc.

Note:
Once this option is enabled, Directorist no longer uses the default single listing layout. All display content will depend on the shortcodes you place on your selected page.

FormGent integration in Directorist allows you to place fully customizable forms directly inside your listing pages. Instead of using a fixed contact form, you can design your own form and control what information users submit.

This turns your listings into structured data collection points, not just static pages.

Why It Matters for Directorist Users

Most directory sites rely on basic contact forms. These forms often miss important details, which leads to back-and-forth communication.

With FormGent:

• You collect exactly the information you need
• Listing owners receive more useful, structured responses
• Visitors complete clear, guided input instead of writing random messages
• You improve the overall quality of inquiries

This directly helps reduce friction and improves conversion from visitors to meaningful interactions.

Who Can Use This

• Available for all Directorist users
• Works with the free version of FormGent
• No premium requirement to get started

You can use it with the Directorist core plugin without additional cost.

Key Use Cases

1. Service Inquiry with Custom Inputs

Instead of a simple contact form, you can ask users specific questions like budget, requirements, or timeline. This helps listing owners receive more qualified inquiries.

2. Quote Requests

Visitors can submit detailed requests directly from a listing. For example, a service provider can collect project details before responding.

3. Booking or Pre-screening Forms

You can ask users for essential information before confirming availability or scheduling.

4. Feedback or Application Collection

Listing owners can collect applications, surveys, or feedback without relying on external tools.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Go to Directory Builder

From your WordPress dashboard:

• Navigate to Directorist → Directory Builder

Step 2: Open Single Listing Layout

• Click on Single Page Layout
• Then select Listing Contents

Step 3: Add FormGent Field to a Section

• Create or select a section where you want the form to appear
• Drag the FormGent Form field into that section

If FormGent is not installed:

• You will see a prompt to install it
• The system will automatically install the free plugin from the WordPress repository

This removes the need for manual setup.

Step 4: Select Your Form

• Click on the FormGent field settings
• Choose your desired form from the dropdown

Make sure you have already created a form inside FormGent.

Step 5: Save Changes

• Click Update to save your layout

Once saved:

• The form will appear inside your single listing page
• Visitors can now submit responses directly from the list

You are not limited to one form or use case. You can place as many forms as you need inside one listing in different sections depending on your directory type.

How It Works for Listing Owners

Once you add a FormGent form to your listing layout, it becomes part of the live listing page. Listing owners can receive and manage responses directly from their dashboard.

Viewing the Form on Listing Page

• Open any listing from the front end of your website
• Make sure the listing belongs to the directory where you added the FormGent form
• Make sure that the listing is published, not expired. Listing owners can see their expired listing but that will not be visible to end users.

Inside the Listing Content, the form will appear in the section where you placed it.

You can:

• Fill out the form as a visitor
• Submit a test response to check how it works

After submission:

• A success message will appear on the screen
• This message comes from your FormGent confirmation settings

If you have configured:

• A custom message → it will be shown
• A redirect → users will be redirected to that page

Everything follows your FormGent form configuration.

Accessing Form Submissions (Listing Owner Dashboard)

Listing owners can view and manage responses from their dashboard.

Step 1: Go to My Listings

• Click on your Account Avatar
• Select My Listings

You will see a list of all your listings.

Step 2: Open Enquiries

• On the left side of each listing, click Enquiries
• You will see a number in parentheses

This number shows how many responses are new or unread.

Step 3: Understand the Dashboard Overview

Inside Enquiries, you will see a summary:

• Total enquiries
• New (unread) enquiries
• This week’s enquiries
• Resolved enquiries

This helps listing owners quickly understand activity and response status.

Step 4: View Individual Responses

• Each submission is listed below
• Click View to open a response

A popup window will appear showing:

• All submitted form data
• User inputs in structured format

Step 5: Manage Responses

From the response view, listing owners can:

• Delete the submission
• Send an email to the respondent

There is also a quick action menu on the right side where:

• You can directly delete a response

Step 6: Response Status

• Once a response is viewed, it is marked as resolved

This helps keep the dashboard clean and makes it easy to track which enquiries still need attention.

This workflow ensures that:

• Visitors can easily submit structured information
• Listing owners can manage everything from one place
• No external tools or inbox management is required

It keeps communication organized and directly tied to each listing.

How Directory Owners Access Form Submissions

In addition to listing owners, directory owners have full access to all form submissions from the FormGent backend. This gives a broader view of user activity and overall performance.

Access All Form Entries

From your WordPress dashboard:

• Go to FormGent → Entries

Here you will find all form submissions (entries) across your website.

You can:

• View all responses in one place
• Filter entries by specific forms
• Manage and review submitted data

Best Way to View Specific Form Data

For more focused insights:

• Go to FormGent → All Forms
• Find the form you added to your listing
• Hover over the form name
• Click on Reports

This gives you a more structured and useful view of your data.

Understanding the Report Section

Inside the report, you will see two tabs:

1. Summary

This section shows an overview of all responses.

• You can review answers to each question
• Click the Chart option beside a field to generate a visual representation

Note:

• Charts depend on the field type
• Structured inputs (like dropdowns, radio buttons, etc.) produce better visual summaries

This helps you quickly understand trends in user responses.

2. Analytics

This section provides performance insights for your form:

• Total form views
• Number of starts
• Completed submissions
• Completion rate
• Average completion time

You will also see:

• Drop-off rates for each question

This shows where users are leaving the form, helping you identify friction points and improve form design.

Directory owners get a complete overview of all collected data, while listing owners manage their own enquiries.

This separation ensures:

• Better control over data
• Clear ownership of responses
• Actionable insights at both listing and platform level

For deeper understanding of form behavior and reporting, refer to the FormGent documentation.

Path: WP Admin → Directory Listings → Directory Builder → Select a Directory → All Listing Layout

Overview

This section includes two layout modes:

• Grid View – displays listings in card format with images.
• List View – displays listings in a vertical list with details shown inline.

Each view can be customized separately to fit your design or content needs.

Grid View

Set layout style

Choose whether to show or hide the listing preview image at the top of the card.

You can select from:

• Image view – shows a featured image or slider.
• No image view – focuses on textual content.

Top badges section:

• Add or remove status tags such as Popular, Featured, New, or Favorite.
• Configure each badge’s icon or label using the Settings () icon.

Image section:

• Add or hide the listing image or avatar.

Information section:

• Edit the Title field (optionally show a tagline).
• Add fields such as Pricing, Rating, Address, Phone, or Posted Date.
• Add Category or View Count at the bottom of the card.
• Reorder items using drag-and-drop for flexible arrangement.

List View

Set layout style

Choose whether to show or hide the listing preview image at the top of the card.

You can select from:

• Image view – shows a featured image or slider.
• No image view – focuses on textual content.

Customization areas

1. Top Section (Badges & Actions)

You can display badges and action icons at the top of each listing:

• Featured, Popular, New, and Favorite badges can be added or removed.
• Customize each badge’s icon and label via the Settings () icon.

2. Image Section

Displays the main listing image or thumbnail on the left side.
You can replace it with an avatar or hide the image entirely depending on your layout style.

3. Listing Details Section

The right panel focuses on key listing information:

• Title – main name of the listing. Optionally toggle Show Tagline to display a short tagline beneath the title.
• Rating and Pricing – display below the title for quick visual highlights.
• Location, Phone, and Posted Date – appear as structured details for easy scanning.
• Reorder any of these items by dragging and dropping.

4. Footer Area

At the bottom of the card, you can place additional meta fields:

• Footer Left: Add extra data such as view count, author name, or custom info.
• Footer Right: Commonly used for Category display.

Each area includes a ( + ) icon to insert new items and a Settings () icon for configuration.

Path: WP Admin → Directory Listings → Directory Builder → Select a Directory → Search Form

Please note, We have written more detailed documentation about the Search Form in a separate section.
See full guide here.

Overview

• The left panel includes preset and other available fields (e.g., Email, Phone, Website, Date, Zip/Post Code, etc.) that you can drag into your search layout.
• The right panel shows two main sections:
  • Search Bar – The main input field users see at the top of search pages.
  • Search Filter – Additional filters such as category, location, or custom fields to refine search results.

You can reorder, remove, or add new fields with drag-and-drop, similar to the Add Listing Form interface.