How to change post category in this template

The code below seems to indicate that the category is a Theme Option:

$blog_cats = isset( $et_ptemplate_settings['et_ptemplate_blogcats'] ) ? (array) $et_ptemplate_settings['et_ptemplate_blogcats'] : array();

Yes, the original template (part of the theme) has page settings where i can choose the category. But i copied the template and changed the appearance slightly, but now i have copied it i dont get the page settings. So i just need to know what i need to add/change in the code to make it select a category?

Fianlly found out the ID number of the category i want to use if this helps at all its ID-18

There must be some sort of code i can place in the template with the ID number to bring up posts only from that category?

I think i nearly have it! If i use this code –

<?php
query_posts('cat=1');
while (have_posts()) : the_post();
the_content();
endwhile;
?>

Then just the posts from a category i want show, problem is i have no idea where to put it without messing my template up!

This is what the page looks like so far – https://completemuscleandfitness.com/index.php/344-2/

and this is the template code without the above code in – https://pastebin.com/dLXvZZTp

I think this will do what you want. Modify your template by adding the new code between the ‘id=”main”‘ and ‘if ( have_posts()’ lines:

<!-- Start Main Window -->
			<div id="main">
			<?php global $wp_query;
			query_posts(
			   array_merge(
			      $wp_query->query,
			      array('cat' => 18)
			   )
			); ?>
			<?php if ( have_posts() ) : while ( have_posts() ) : the_post(); ?>

template stays ok but no posts show??

Are you sure that the cat id is 18 and there are posts in that category? Try the id of a different category as a test.

I’ve just tried a different category ID and still nothing showed up. I use Reavel ID plugin to get the ID of categories.

Here is my code after i edited with what you suggested, can you spot anything wrong?

https://pastebin.com/NcxvqM4k

Thanks for the help, i’ve struggled to get someone to help me out with this!

Thanks.

OK, you said that this code:

<?php
query_posts('cat=1');
while (have_posts()) : the_post();
the_content();
endwhile;
?>

shows the posts you want, so try replacing this:

<?php global $wp_query;
			query_posts(
			   array_merge(
			      $wp_query->query,
			      array('cat' => 18)
			   )
			); ?>

with this:

<?php query_posts("cat=18"); ?>

One step further!

Now it shows only the posts i want it to, but its the full post with no thumbnail. I was after something like my home page with a summary and image.

https://completemuscleandfitness.com/index.php/344-2/

I probably need to add some coding in there for that as well!

Just compare the Loop coding for the Home page to your template.

If you have a static home page, look in the template assigned to that page. If not, look in home.php if it exists, or else in index.php.

Sorry, i dont mean to sound stupid, but whats loop coding?

I dont have a static one i have both home.php and index.php

Again thanks for your help and patience

EDIT, just checked both index and home, home only has 3 lines of code and home has 12. Does that sound right?

Where the Loop is coded depends entirely on your theme. It is the code between the ‘while (have_posts())` and the corresponding ‘endwhile;’ or closing brace.

You have lost me now! I dont have that in either Home.php or index.php

This is difficult to understand.

As I said, the location of the Loop code depends entirely on your theme. Look for files named ‘loop.php’ or ‘loop-something.php’.

If you are using a free theme, post a link to its download page here so I can take a look. If you are using a purchased theme, I won’t be able to look at the code, so you will need to contact the theme supplier for further assistance.