---
title: Extend the Tasks panel with custom queries
slug: cms-13/docs/extend-the-tasks-pane-with-custom-queries
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-07-30T20:22:06.232Z
---

Add custom queries to the **Tasks** panel so editors can filter and find content that matches your workflow. The panel includes predefined queries such as **Draft**, **Rejected**, and **Recently Changed**, and supports custom queries alongside them.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/BrbvVORKJ5iIeSMZye5kI/bE-RyLPb8CV_6pT74aVud_3783008-tasks-2.png)

To add a query, implement `IContentQuery` or inherit from a base class that includes this interface (`ContentQueryBase`, `ContentActivitiesQueryBase`).

```csharp
public class CustomQuery : ContentQueryBase {
  // …  
}
```

Register the query in the IOC container under the `IContentQuery` type using the `ServiceConfiguration` attribute.

```csharp
[ServiceConfiguration(typeof(IContentQuery))]
public class CustomQuery : ContentQueryBase {
  // …  
}
```

Implement the following properties:

- `Name` – Unique name for the query.
- `DisplayName` – Label displayed in the drop-down list. Used for grouping queries.
- `SortOrder` – Position of the query in the list.
- `VersionSpecific` – Determines whether query results are version-specific when comparing links.
- `PluginAreas` – Set to `KnownContentQueryPlugInArea.EditorTasks` to make the query visible in the tasks list.

```csharp
public override IEnumerable<string> PlugInAreas => new string[] { KnownContentQueryPlugInArea.EditorTasks };
```

## Implement a custom query

Build a query that surfaces content matching criteria specific to your editorial process. The following example displays pages manually marked as being edited permanently.

The `IInUseNotificationRepository` interface provides access to in-use notifications. The `GetContent` method filters for manually added entries.

```csharp
[ServiceConfiguration(typeof (IContentQuery))]
public class MarkAsEditedQuery: ContentQueryBase {
  private readonly IContentRepository contentRepository;
  private readonly IInUseNotificationRepository inUseNotificationRepository;

  public MarkAsEditedQuery(IContentQueryHelper queryHelper, IContentRepository contentRepository,
    IInUseNotificationRepository inUseNotificationRepository): base(contentRepository, queryHelper) {
    this.contentRepository = contentRepository;
    this.inUseNotificationRepository = inUseNotificationRepository;
  }
  public override string Name => "markedAsEdit";
  public override string DisplayName => "Marked as edit";
  public override IEnumerable<string> PlugInAreas => new string[] {
    KnownContentQueryPlugInArea.EditorTasks
  };
  public override int SortOrder => 105;
  public override bool VersionSpecific => false;
  protected override IEnumerable<IContent> GetContent(ContentQueryParameters parameters) {
    return inUseNotificationRepository.GetAllInUseNotifications()
      .Where(n => n.AddedManually)
      .Select(c => contentRepository.Get<IContent>(c.ContentGuid));
  }
}
```

After running the application, the query appears under the **OTHERS** category in the **Tasks** menu.

To place it under an existing category such as **STATUS**, add a generic type to `ContentQueryBase` or implement the generic `IContentQuery` interface.

```csharp
public class MarkAsEditedQuery : ContentQueryBase<TasksStatusQueryCategory>
// or
public class MarkAsEditedQuery : ContentQueryBase, IContentQuery<TasksStatusQueryCategory>
```

## Create custom query categories

Group related queries under a custom category to keep the **Tasks** panel organized. A category is a class that implements `IContentQueryCategory` and is registered in the IOC container under the `IContentQueryCategory` type using the `ServiceConfiguration` attribute.

```csharp
[ServiceConfiguration(typeof(IContentQueryCategory), Lifecycle = ServiceInstanceScope.Singleton)]
public class AlloyQueryCategory : IContentQueryCategory {
  public string DisplayName => "Alloy tasks";
  public int SortOrder => 100;
}
```

The class must implement `DisplayName` (the visible name or a localization key) and `SortOrder` (the position when sorting categories). Reference `AlloyQueryCategory` instead of `TasksStatusQueryCategory` in your query's generic type.