---
title: The Order Meta Shortcode for Status Emails
description: "Print a value from the WooCommerce order meta in custom status emails with the [alg_wc_os_order_meta] shortcode."
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/woocommerce-order-status-order-meta-shortcode/"
updated: "2026-09-27"
category: Shortcodes
---

# The Order Meta Shortcode for Status Emails

[Additional Custom Order Status for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/item/order-status-for-woocommerce/) includes one shortcode, `[alg_wc_os_order_meta]`, which prints a value from the order's meta data. It is designed for use inside a custom status email, so you can pull custom fields into the message. Status emails are a Pro feature.

### Basic usage

```
[alg_wc_os_order_meta key="your_meta_key"]
```

This outputs the value of the order meta stored under `your_meta_key`. If the meta is empty, the shortcode outputs nothing.

### Attributes

| Attribute | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `key` | The order meta key to read. Required for any output. |
| `sub_key` | For meta stored as an array, drills into nested keys. Accepts a comma-separated path, for example `sub_key="shipping,method"`. |
| `before` | Text printed before the value, only when a value exists. |
| `after` | Text printed after the value, only when a value exists. |

### Example

```
[alg_wc_os_order_meta key="_delivery_date" before="Delivery date: " after="<br>"]
```

If the order has a `_delivery_date` meta value, this prints "Delivery date:" followed by the value and a line break. If it does not, nothing is printed, so there is no empty label.

**Note:** the shortcode reads the order being processed for the email, so it is meant for the **Content** field of a custom status email. It has no order context on a normal page or post.

### Set up status emails

The order meta shortcode works inside Pro status emails. See how to [send automated emails on status change](https://wpfactory.com/item/order-status-for-woocommerce/), or [get Custom Order Status Pro](https://wpfactory.com/item/order-status-for-woocommerce/).

Related articles

- [Custom Order Status Email Placeholders Reference](https://wpfactory.com/docs/woocommerce-order-status-email-placeholders/)
- [Configuring Custom Order Status Emails](https://wpfactory.com/docs/email-and-sms-configures/)
- [Send WooCommerce Emails on Custom Order Status Change](https://wpfactory.com/docs/proactive-email-setup/)
- [How to Restyle a Default WooCommerce Order Status](https://wpfactory.com/docs/woocommerce-override-default-order-status/)
- [Deleting a Custom Order Status Safely](https://wpfactory.com/docs/woocommerce-delete-order-status-fallback/)