How do you display entries in a specific (custom) order?

Question

I want to display entries in a specific custom order in Craft. For example entry Id 1, then Id 5, then Id 3. How can I do that?

Answer 1

Try using a structure. You can reorder them in the CP.

{% for entry in craft.entries.section('your_structure') %}
  {{ entry.title }}
{% endfor %}

Answer 2

Another option if you can't use structures is to have a global that is a collection of entries, and use that global to determine which entries and in what order.

{% for e in myGlobal.myEntries %}
  {{ e.title }}
{% endfor %}

Answer 3

Structures aren't available in the free version of Craft, but a useful workaround is to simply manipulate the entry published date to accomplish a custom sort, as Craft orders entries from newest to oldest by default. It's a hack, but it's useful in a pinch.