---
title: "Understanding Queries (Collection)"
url: "https://support.sardius.media/knowledge-base/understanding-queries-collection"
category: "Layouts (Collection)"
updated: 2026-09-30
summary: "Queries are a powerful way to control which assets appear in a Collection section. While Filters determine what a viewer can search or sort through dynamically on the front end, Queries determine what content is included in the section from the start. In other words, Queries define what content is…"
---

# Understanding Queries (Collection)

Queries are a powerful way to control which assets appear in a Collection section. While Filters determine what a viewer can search or sort through dynamically on the front end, Queries determine what content is included in the section from the start. In other words, Queries define what content is shown, while Filters define how that content can be refined by users.

### **How Queries Work**

Each “Query” field — such as _Categories Query_, _Series Query_, _Speakers Query_, or _Albums Query_ — tells the Collection which assets to pull from your Media Library. When you select one or more options in a Query field, the system will automatically include only assets that match those parameters.

For example:

- **Categories Query:** Choosing 'Creativity' and 'Nature' will show assets that have either category assigned.

- **Speakers Query:** Selecting “Carlos Ramirez” will show only assets where that speaker is tagged.

- **Series Query:** Adding “Faith Foundations” will limit the grid to assets within that series.

- **Albums Query:** Selecting an album like “2024 Worship Highlights” will only display items contained in that album.

### **How Queries Match Assets**

Queries can be used individually or combined, and they follow two simple rules:

- **Multiple values in one query = any match.** If you select more than one value in the same query, assets only need to match **one** of them. For example, a Categories Query of “Creativity, Inspiration” shows assets tagged with Creativity, Inspiration, or both.

- **Multiple queries together = all must match.** If you use more than one type of query (for example, Categories and Speakers), assets must match **every** query to appear.

For instance, you could combine a **Categories Query** of “Nature” with a **Speakers Query** of “Carlos Ramirez” to display only “Nature” assets from that specific speaker.

> **Note:** A single query can't currently require an asset to have _all_ of the selected values (for example, only assets tagged with both Creativity **and** Inspiration). If you need this, contact Sardius Support.

### **Custom Query**

The Custom Query field lets you type a query directly instead of picking values from a list. Use this format:

`db.categories=Value One,Value Two`

**Example:**

`db.categories=Sunday Morning,Plano Campus`

This shows assets tagged with **either** Sunday Morning **or** Plano Campus.

Like other queries, multiple values in a Custom Query return assets that match **any** of them.

### **Example Setup**

Imagine you are building a section on your site called **“Creative Insights”**.
You might configure your Vertical Assets Grid like this:

- **Section Type:** Vertical Assets Grid

- **Categories Query:** Creativity, Inspiration

- **Speakers Query:** Monica Harris

- **Series Query:** The Creative Life

The result: your Collection layout will only show assets that are tagged with **either** Creativity **or** Inspiration, **and** feature Monica Harris, **and** are in _The Creative Life_ series.

This ensures that each section of your Collection layout can be tightly curated to display only relevant, high-quality content.

### **Queries vs Filters**

| **Feature** | **Purpose**                                               | **Who Controls It**                          | **Example**                                                         |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Query**   | Determines which assets are _included_ in a section.      | Configured by the site editor (you).         | Showing only assets in the “Nature” category.                       |
| **Filter**  | Allows viewers to _narrow down_ content within a section. | Controlled by the end user on the front end. | A user filtering videos by “Speaker: Monica Harris” while browsing. |

Think of Queries as **the content pipeline**—they define the data set you start with.
Filters are **interactive tools** layered on top of that data set, letting viewers personalize what they see.

### **Best Practices for Using Queries**

- Use **Queries** to create focused sections, like “Recent Sermons,” “Kids Content,” or “Music Albums.”

- Combine multiple queries for precise targeting (e.g., narrow by both _Speaker_ and _Series_).

- Avoid leaving all Query fields blank unless you want _all available assets_ to appear.

- Use **Filters** sparingly in the same layout to give users control without cluttering the browsing experience.

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