Toolset Layouts is a WordPress plugin that lets you display custom content and design site templates without any coding. It allows users to build everything from product archives to complex custom post type templates visually. Toolset Layouts works on WordPress versions up to 7.0.1 and is compatible with any theme.
WPExclusive members get access to Toolset Layouts as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full toolset collection →
What Is Toolset Layouts?
Toolset Layouts is developed by Toolset and is a development plugin for WordPress. It belongs to the development category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for professional site builders. The plugin enables the construction of advanced websites by bridging the gap between custom data and front-end design.
It solves the challenge of displaying custom fields and taxonomies without writing PHP or CSS. This makes it an essential tool for developers who want to maintain high productivity while building complex directory or membership sites.
Toolset Layouts Features
The feature set is built around a drag-and-drop visual editor that facilitates dynamic content mapping and template creation.
Dynamic Templates and Custom Fields
Layouts allows you to design templates for your custom post types including custom fields and taxonomy data. Use the WordPress Block editor to design these templates visually without writing any code. This feature ensures that every single post within a custom type follows a consistent and professional design structure for site customization.
Advanced Content Querying
The plugin enables you to query and display content anywhere on your site using a list or grid format. You can add dynamic testimonials to a homepage, create grids for popular services, or show top stories in a slider. Layouts handles all the backend logic for data fetching while you focus on the visual presentation and layout architecture.
Custom Archives and Maps
Build custom archives for any content type that look exactly as you need using drag-and-drop elements. Layouts also provides functionality to display items as markers on Google and Azure Maps. This is particularly useful for directory sites where you need to show locations in a dynamic, filterable way through Toolset components.
Pricing
Check current pricing on the Toolset Layouts sales page — WPExclusive members access it as part of their plan.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toolset Interactive | $69 | 1 Site | All Toolset Plugins |
| Toolset Agency | $299 | Unlimited | All Toolset Plugins |
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | Layouts + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers Layouts plus hundreds of other plugins and themes — usually less than one premium license.
Latest Version
The current version is 2.6.13. This release is compatible with the latest WordPress versions and includes performance improvements for the block editor. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release.
How to Install
- Download the Layouts .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Go to the Toolset dashboard to begin creating your first post relationship or custom field group
- Navigate to the Block editor to start designing your first dynamic template
Use Cases
Directory and Listing Websites
Layouts is ideal for building directory sites that require complex searching and map displays. You can easily map custom data like business hours or ratings to specific markers on a map without coding.
E-commerce Product Templates
Display custom product data in unique ways that standard WooCommerce templates do not support. Layouts allows you to insert dynamic field data directly into your shop pages to highlight specific technical specs or brand info.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
WPExclusive provides significant value for agencies by offering access to the entire Toolset ecosystem for a fraction of the cost. This allows for rapid prototyping across multiple client projects without per-site license fees.
vs Alternatives
| Feature | Layouts | ACPT Plugin |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Template Builder | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Map Integration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Custom Search Builder | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Starting Price | $69 | $49 |
| Available on WPExclusive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Browse the full development plugins on WPExclusive →
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Complete lack of coding required to build complex dynamic layouts
- Deep integration with Google and Azure Maps for location-based types
- Works with any WordPress theme out of the box
⚠️ Limitations
- Can have a learning curve due to the variety of dynamic options available
- Dependency on the Block Editor for modern visual styling
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is Toolset Layouts GPL Licensed?
Yes. Toolset Layouts is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) — the same license that governs WordPress itself. GPL gives any user the legal right to use, study, share, and redistribute the software. This is the legal framework that makes WPExclusive’s membership model possible.
WPExclusive distributes 100% original, unmodified files — the same release the developer publishes. No injected code, no alterations, no security risks.
Get Toolset Layouts on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you Toolset Layouts plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full Toolset collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Toolset Layouts do?
Toolset Layouts is a development plugin used to design dynamic templates for custom post types and fields. It allows you to build archives, search results, and complex data lists without writing code. This is useful for professional developers building content-heavy sites.
Is Toolset Layouts free?
Layouts is a premium product and does not have a free version. Access via WPExclusive starts at $9.99/month for unlimited sites.
What is the latest version of Toolset Layouts?
The current version is 2.6.13. WPExclusive members always receive the most current release as soon as it is vetted.
How much does Toolset Layouts cost?
Retail plans start at $69 per year for a single site. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month.
Is it legal to use Toolset Layouts via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files — fully within GPL terms.
What are the best alternatives to Toolset Layouts?
The best alternatives are ACPT and ShopEngine Pro. Both are available on WPExclusive within the same membership and offer advanced custom content control.
