Why is a CMS element not displaying on the published website?

Understanding the absence of display

Key points • A CMS item can be hidden if it is not published • Missing filters, conditions, or fields often block display • Dynamic layout must be correctly linked to the collection

When a CMS element fails to display on your published hotel website, several factors could be at play. Since dynamic lists rely directly on your collection data, even a single missing field or incorrect configuration can prevent an item from appearing. Here are the most common reasons and how to resolve them.

The first check is to ensure that the item is published. A draft item will not appear in dynamic pages or CMS lists. Open the collection, select the item in question, and check its status.

Next, check if your Collection List uses filters. If a filter is enabled (category, date, featured, tag, visibility, etc.), your item must meet all the criteria to appear. For example, a news item might be hidden if it doesn't have a category, if its date is past, or if it isn't marked "Featured" in a dedicated section.

💡 Tip: To quickly diagnose the problem, temporarily remove all filters from your Collection List. If the item reappears, you'll know the error is coming from a filtered field.

Also, check that all required fields are filled in. If your layout uses conditional visibility (for example, displaying an image only if it exists), an empty field can disrupt the display. Some blocks may disappear, giving the impression that the item is not on the page.

If your site uses pagination, make sure the item is on the first page of results, or test the following pages. A recent item may sometimes appear further down the list depending on the sort order.

Another important point concerns dynamic sorting. If your list is sorted by date, numerical order, or priority, an incorrectly filled-out item may be placed at the bottom of the list or hidden if it does not comply with the defined logic.

Finally, remember to check the structure of the published site. If you have just made changes, make sure you have published the latest version. A change made in draft or not published to the main environment can lead to differences between the preview and the live site.

Conclusion

A CMS element that isn't displaying is usually due to an unpublished status, an active filter, a missing field, or a misconfigured sorting system. By checking each of these points, you can quickly restore the expected display and maintain a clean and professional hotel website.