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Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) for WordPress

Advanced Custom Fields helps web development agencies and software companies manage content modeling in WordPress. It is designed for teams that need to add custom data fields to the WordPress admin area.

At a glance

Best for
Web Development Agencies, Software Companies, WordPress Developers, Freelance Web Developers
Pricing
ACF PRO pricing includes a Personal plan for 1 website at $49/year, a Freelancer plan for 10 websites at $149/year, and an Agency plan for unlimited websites at $249/year.
Key use cases
Adding Custom Data to Post Edit Screens, Managing User and Taxonomy Meta, Building Global Site Settings, Developing Custom Block Components
Integrations
JSON export, JSON import
Official website
advancedcustomfields.com
Screenshot of advanced custom fields website

Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is a plugin for WordPress developers to extend default edit screens. It provides a UI for creating custom fields and a set of functions to display that data within theme templates.

The tool is intended for those who build WordPress sites and need control over the data captured in the backend. It supports adding fields to posts, users, taxonomy terms, media, comments, and custom options pages.

Buyers should note that while the plugin supports the creation of fields, displaying that data on the frontend typically requires knowledge of PHP and theme development. The PRO version includes layout tools such as repeaters and flexible content blocks.

Prospective users should confirm whether the basic field types in the free version meet their needs or if they require the data structures found in the paid tiers.

Key Features

Field Builder

A user interface for adding over 30 different field types to WordPress edit screens.

Developer API

Functions such as get_field() and the_field() for retrieving and displaying values in theme templates.

Repeater Field

A PRO feature that allows the creation of sets of sub-fields that can be repeated.

ACF Blocks

A PHP-based framework for developing custom block types for the WordPress block editor.

Flexible Content Field

A PRO content layout manager that allows developers to define and re-order different layout groups.

Options Pages

A PRO feature that enables the creation of custom admin pages for global site settings.

Post Types & Taxonomies Support

Allows the registration of custom post types and taxonomies directly from the plugin UI.

AI Integration Flag

An enable_acf_ai feature flag that allows external AI tools to manage field groups and taxonomies when enabled.

Use Cases

Adding Custom Data to Post Edit Screens

Adding specific data points to posts or pages that are not supported by the default WordPress editor.

Managing User and Taxonomy Meta

Creating custom fields for user profiles or taxonomy terms to capture additional metadata.

Building Global Site Settings

Developing custom options pages to manage global header, footer, or API data.

Developing Custom Block Components

Using ACF Blocks to create custom, dynamic components within the WordPress block editor.

Best For

Web Development AgenciesSoftware CompaniesWordPress DevelopersFreelance Web Developers

Integrations

JSON exportJSON import

Pricing

ACF PRO pricing includes a Personal plan for 1 website at $49/year, a Freelancer plan for 10 websites at $149/year, and an Agency plan for unlimited websites at $249/year.

FAQ

What is the difference between the free and PRO versions of ACF?

The PRO version includes additional fields and features, such as the Repeater Field, ACF Blocks, Flexible Content Field, Options Pages, and the Gallery Field.

Which license plan is needed for a WordPress multisite installation?

The license must have a site activation limit that covers all subsites where ACF PRO is activated; for example, a Freelancer license covers up to 10 sites.

Does ACF support custom post types and taxonomies?

Yes, users can register custom post types and taxonomies directly from the ACF UI.

Source category: Software Development

Source subcategory: CMS Plugin

Software Type:

How AI is used

Advanced Custom Fields is a WordPress plugin for developers that enables the creation of custom data fields for posts, users, and taxonomy terms. It supports complex content modeling workflows for web agencies and software companies. Advanced layout features require a paid PRO subscription.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Includes over 30 built-in field types
  • Provides functions for theme integration
  • Supports registration of post types and taxonomies from the UI
  • Supports various edit screens including comments and users
Cons
  • Layout tools such as the Repeater and Flexible Content fields are limited to PRO plans
  • Requires PHP knowledge to display custom field values on the frontend

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