If you have ever tried to customize your WordPress website beyond the basics, you have probably realized that the default editor can be limiting. You can add text, images, or blocks, but what if you want to display custom data such as product details, event dates, or author information in a structured way?
This is where Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) comes in. It is one of the most powerful and flexible plugins for WordPress developers and content managers. With ACF, you can create and display custom fields anywhere on your site without writing complex code.
In this guide, you will learn how to use Advanced Custom Fields, how it works, and how to set it up step by step.
What Is Advanced Custom Fields
Advanced Custom Fields, also known as ACF, is a WordPress plugin that allows you to add custom input fields to posts, pages, or custom post types.
These fields can hold different types of data such as text, images, numbers, URLs, or dropdown selections. Once created, this data can be displayed anywhere on your site using simple template tags or shortcodes.
In short, ACF gives you more control over how your website stores and shows information. It helps developers create structured layouts, and it helps non technical users update content easily.
Why Use Advanced Custom Fields
Here are some common reasons why website owners and developers rely on ACF.
- Custom Data Management
Add unique fields for each post type such as product price, client testimonials, or location maps. - Cleaner Templates
Keep your WordPress theme organized by separating design from data. - Flexible Design
Show your content exactly the way you want using ACF tags or block editor integration. - User Friendly
Non developers can update content easily without editing code or layouts. - Integrates with Any Theme
ACF works with almost any WordPress theme or page builder.
How to Install Advanced Custom Fields
You can install ACF like any other WordPress plugin.
Step 1: Log in to Your Dashboard
Go to your WordPress admin panel.
Step 2: Navigate to Plugins
Click Plugins and then Add New.
Step 3: Search for “Advanced Custom Fields”
Type the name in the search box and click Install Now.
Step 4: Activate the Plugin
Once installed, click Activate to start using ACF.
You will now see Custom Fields in your WordPress sidebar menu.
How to Create Custom Fields
Let’s go through an example so you can see how it works. Suppose you want to add a project details section to your Portfolio posts.
Step 1: Add a Field Group
Go to Custom Fields → Add New.
Give your field group a title, such as “Project Details.”
Step 2: Add Fields to the Group
Click Add Field and choose your field type. For example:
- Text field for “Client Name”
- URL field for “Project Link”
- Image field for “Project Image”
- Date field for “Completion Date”
You can add as many fields as needed.
Step 3: Set the Display Rules
Under “Location,” select where you want these fields to appear. For example, choose Post Type → Portfolio.
This means the fields will only show up when you edit Portfolio posts.
Step 4: Publish the Field Group
Click Publish to save your new fields.
How to Add ACF Fields to Your Theme
After creating fields, you need to display them on the front end of your site.
Here is a simple example of how to show ACF data inside your theme template files.
<h2><?php the_field('client_name'); ?></h2>
<p>Completed on: <?php the_field('completion_date'); ?></p>
<a href="<?php the_field('project_link'); ?>">View Project</a>
<img src="<?php the_field('project_image'); ?>" alt="Project Image">
Each field has a unique name that matches what you entered in ACF. The function the_field() displays the data stored in that field.
If you only want to retrieve the data without printing it directly, use get_field() instead.
Example Use Cases for Advanced Custom Fields
ACF is extremely flexible. Here are a few real examples of how it can be used.
- Real Estate Website
Add fields for property size, price, location, and amenities. - Restaurant Menu
Create fields for dish name, ingredients, and price. - Team Member Page
Add photo, role, and social media links for each person. - Event Calendar
Include date, time, venue, and ticket link for each event. - Client Testimonials
Store client names, company details, and quotes for display on your homepage.
Advanced Tips for ACF Users
1. Repeater Fields
You can create repeatable content like image galleries or lists of features without using extra plugins.
2. Flexible Content Field
This feature lets you build custom layouts that act like mini page builders, giving designers more creative control.
3. Options Page
Add global settings that can be managed from one place, such as social media links or contact information.
4. ACF Blocks
You can create custom Gutenberg blocks with ACF so users can edit complex layouts directly from the block editor.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Fields Not Showing:
Check that your display rules are set correctly. The fields will only appear for the post types or pages you select.
Data Not Appearing on the Front End:
Make sure you used the correct field name in your theme file and saved your post after entering data.
Layout Looks Wrong:
Sometimes theme CSS can affect how fields display. Add custom styling in your theme’s stylesheet if needed.
Why Developers Love ACF
Advanced Custom Fields is popular among developers because it saves time and reduces repetitive code. It provides an easy way to manage data and maintain design consistency across large sites.
For agencies and developers, ACF is one of the fastest ways to build custom WordPress solutions for clients while keeping the backend simple for content managers.
Conclusion
Advanced Custom Fields gives you the freedom to go beyond standard WordPress layouts. With this plugin, you can create flexible websites that are both powerful and easy to manage.
Whether you are building a blog, a business site, or a custom web app, learning how to use Advanced Custom Fields will help you organize your content and improve your workflow.
Install the plugin, create your first field group, and start customizing your website today. Once you experience how simple and flexible ACF is, you will never want to build a WordPress site without it.