25 WordPress plugins for custom fields and content types

Editorial diagram. Field group → Two entered values → Reading in the template. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forCreate a City and Duration group for workshop entries.

ACF provides the input screen and links fields to a content type. Its free version suffices for the text and number in our trial. We saved Lyon and 45 minutes on one entry, Nantes and 120 minutes on the other. The new template hid these values without deleting them. After deactivation, get_post_meta still read them on the copy. Repeaters, galleries and PHP blocks belong to Pro. Before changing templates, record the field’s technical name and ACF reference key.

Editorial diagram. Workshop and instructor → Relationship between them → Detail page and list. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forCreate Workshop and Trainer types and define their relationship.

Pods combines content types, fields and relationships. It can extend an existing WordPress type or define another storage model. Start by choosing a post type or an advanced content type. This decision changes what a post export can recover. Enter two workshops and link each to a trainer. Check results on each entry and in a list. If a value appears on an entry but is missing from the block, first check the item providing rendering context.

Editorial diagram. Field declaration → Value saved → Verification export. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forDeclare and version the reference collection’s input configuration.

The Meta Box framework allows fields to be registered in PHP and groups managed through an interface when the appropriate edition is installed. Use a stable duration key and separate the number from its unit. Before selecting a storage or relationship module, check the exact saved-value format. An import mapping simple text correctly may need different handling for a relationship. Try exporting both entries before choosing a bundle, then decide who will maintain the configuration.

Editorial diagram. Atelier post type slug → Public taxonomy → Exported declaration. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forCreate a type and taxonomy without writing their initial registration.

Custom Post Type UI handles registration of types and taxonomies. Create the Workshop type, add an Audience taxonomy and check the slug, archive and editor. For a duration specific to each entry, add a field tool or native support. The Extended extension offers a separate display block. Before transferring the type, export its registration and check that its identifier is identical on the other site. Copying this registration alone leaves entries and values on the original site.

Editorial diagram. Type and taxonomy → Duration field → Relationship check. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forSet up a small reference collection before choosing additional modules.

ACPT combines types, taxonomies and fields in its interface. On a copy, create the type and a simple field in Lite, then record relationship and output capabilities expected for the selected version. For workshops and facilitators, try a relationship and check what happens when a target entry is unpublished. Also check that your display tool reads the same key and presents the duration unit. The Pro table and Lite edition describe different scopes.

Editorial diagram. WCK field group → Occurrences in the record → Rendering each row. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forDefine a type and field group from the same tool.

WCK organizes custom types, taxonomies and fields. For a catalog, first create a minimal structure. After entering two records, check whether the template displays the first value or every occurrence in a group. This distinction matters for repeated schedules or instructors. The publisher documents several offers and rendering and options-page features in its commercial range. Check reading of each group with the chosen theme before extending the structure.

Editorial diagram. WordPress type or CCT → List query → Dynamic template. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forBuild dynamic entries and lists with the builder already in use.

JetEngine combines content types, relationships, queries and dynamic lists. For a workshop, decide whether to use a standard post type or a JetEngine custom content type. The two models do not export the same way. Create a list displaying title and duration, then open both entries individually. Also check the archive and empty results. If adding a visual filter, check whether the required component and license are in the selected plan.

Editorial diagram. Atelier post type → Many-to-many relationship → Two linked lists. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forModel a catalog linked to organizations or instructors.

Toolset combines Types with its display and query tools. For workshops led by several people, start by defining the relationship and cardinalities. Create an entry shared by two instructors, then check lists in both directions. Before changing themes or plugins, export relationships as well as titles. Check public filters and Toolset-related components separately. Their display may depend on features the post type alone does not reproduce.

Editorial diagram. PHP declaration → Input box → Control value. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forDeclare versioned input screens in code.

CMB2 is a development tool for registering WordPress input boxes and fields. Choose stable identifiers and keep the registration with site code. Check what the field saves before writing public reading logic, especially for repeated values or media. Another person must be able to find identifiers and change presentation without opening the saving code. For a team preferring an integrated modeling interface, allow for additional setup and maintenance work.

Editorial diagram. Existing ACF group → Dedicated table → Output checks. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forAssess migration from ACF to fields stored in a dedicated table.

Field Forge advertises storage in its own table and migration of several ACF groups and functions. Choose a small dataset and export it before importing. Check text, numbers, a relationship between entries and missing values. Then compare PHP templates and queries. A compatible reading function does not prove that all values are in the same table. A report from a tool reading only WordPress metadata may therefore be incomplete.

Editorial diagram. ACF group in place → Additional module → Verification rendering. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forExtend an ACF configuration requiring more advanced input or management.

ACF Extended adds modules around ACF. Activate only those needed by the project, such as an input interface or settings group. On a copy, first export ACF configuration, add the selected field or module, then check both public templates after disabling the add-on. Separate settings belonging to ACF from those existing only with Extended. A site already registering types in another plugin must designate one source to avoid competing definitions.

Editorial diagram. Two ACF columns → Editorial team view → Empty field identified. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forReview entry values from the administration table.

This module adds supported ACF fields to administration columns. Display City and Duration to spot an empty field before publication. Check columns visible from an editor account and choose only those aiding review. A column in the administration list neither makes the field public, changes its storage nor indexes it for search. Special field types and sorting depend on documented plugin support.

Editorial diagram. Two entered time slots → Table headers → Record rendering. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forEnter a small table specific to each entry.

The add-on adds a Table field type to ACF or SCF. For workshops, try a table containing two slots and an empty cell. Check heading rendering, then export data before changing display tools. A table suits a dataset attached to one entry. If slots must be searched or sorted individually across the site, test a model storing them as separate items. The publisher distinguishes free and Pro field types.

Editorial diagram. Selected ACF group → GraphQL schema → Reading two records. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forRead a field group from a site using GraphQL.

WPGraphQL for ACF makes authorized fields available in the GraphQL schema. Start with City and Duration and enable only fields intended for the client. Then query both entries and check value formats. The plugin distinguishes reading fields from filtering results. The repository states that filtering and sorting by ACF fields are not supplied directly. Also check what an unauthenticated visitor can read. An internal field may help editors without needing to be sent to the public client.

Editorial diagram. Existing record → Destination type → Identifier and address. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forReclassify an existing entry into the correct post type.

Post Type Switcher changes existing content’s type from its screen or in bulk. On a copy, move one entry and check its identifier, field keys, taxonomies and applied template. The input screen may change when group rules depend on type. Also open the old and new addresses to prepare any redirects. After this test, confirm batch scope before touching the rest of the catalog.

Editorial diagram. Two CSV rows → Key matching → Checked second import. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forMap CSV columns to fields in already modeled entries.

WP All Import maps file columns to WordPress content. The listing reserves custom-field importing for Pro and describes a separate ACF add-on. Use a stable reference to recognize each workshop. Perform an initial two-row import, then replay the same file with a changed duration. Check that entry count stays the same and only the expected value changes. Keep the original file, column mapping and database backup before a larger batch.

Editorial diagram. Empty value in the CSV → Update rule → Check after rerun. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forTest metadata recovery from a catalog file.

WP Ultimate CSV Importer supports different content types and offers packages according to source and fields. Test an entry with a number and another with an empty cell. Determine whether this cell leaves an old value or clears it during an update. For a relationship or media item, separately check identifier mapping between old and new sites. The field package and complete offering have different scopes. Check file type and volume before a real import.

Editorial diagram. Two selected fields → Reusable template → Checked record and list. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forCompose a shared presentation for fields from different tools.

Advanced Views presents fields and content in reusable templates. First build a template displaying only City and Duration, then test it on the individual entry and in a list. If a value is missing only in the list, inspect the content identifier supplied to the template. The range advertises several template engines and ACF, Meta Box and Pods integrations. Record the chosen syntax and configuration so another maintainer can reproduce the rendering.

Editorial diagram. Field name → Block in the template → Record context. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forInsert a simple field into a block template.

Meta Field Block displays metadata in the block editor. Insert a field in an entry template and check that it retrieves the open entry’s city. Repeat in a query loop, where the current item changes on each row. Rendering a group, gallery or repeater may require Pro or code depending on the field. Keep a fallback template and check empty-field HTML to avoid orphan labels.

Editorial diagram. Durations 45 and 120 → Numeric sorting requested → Ordered list. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forCompose a small list sorted by a numeric value.

Display Posts creates lists with a shortcode. Documentation gives a numeric-sorting example using a metadata key. Try it with two durations, 45 and 120. Compare the result with alphabetical sorting, which has a different meaning for numbers stored as text. Check behavior for entries lacking the key. To display the value itself in each item, check output options or associated rendering code.

Editorial diagram. ACF or Meta Box field → Elementor widget → Output on two records. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forDisplay metadata in an Elementor layout.

Fielder adds an Elementor rendering widget for several ACF and Meta Box field formats. In a template page, select duration, display the unit separately, then check both entries and an empty field. Check a list or gallery in the rendering mode actually selected. Values remain those supplied by your field tool, while display depends on the widget and Elementor. Check your WordPress version before purchase: the commercial listing cites up to the 7.0.x series.

Editorial diagram. Previously declared type → Avada element → Cards and permalinks. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forUse Avada elements with an already created type and taxonomy.

This add-on extends Avada elements to other types, taxonomies and fields. On a site already built with Avada, display two workshops in the desired element, then check each card’s link and corresponding field. To prepare migration, separate type definition from the Avada element laying it out. Purchasing makes sense if the builder and component already used are compatible. The listing advertises WordPress up to the 6.9.x series.

Editorial diagram. Submission from the page → Pending record → Values in WordPress. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forReceive a structured entry through a form without opening administration.

Frontend Post Submission Manager advertises submission forms storing custom values in WordPress metadata. Start with a form restricted to contributors on the copy. Keep submissions pending, check city and duration in administration, then check what another account can edit. A value written to a chosen key does not alone create the reference expected by every field tool. Match keys and validate public reading before accepting real submissions.

Editorial diagram. Ville publique key → Search index → Lyon query. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forIndex a public field ignored by native text search.

Relevanssi can index selected custom fields. Add only the public city key, rebuild the index and search for Lyon through the public form. Also check what happens for an unpublished workshop or a field that must not be disclosed. Word indexing serves text search. Exact city selection or duration sorting needs a different query rule. Keep the indexed-field list so you know what to rebuild after migration.

Editorial diagram. Two records in the grid → One cell changed → Verification on the record. — BlogPasCherOpen full-size illustration ↗

Best forCheck and then correct several entries’ values from a grid.

WP Sheet Editor offers an administration grid with columns for selected types. Display only City and Duration, filter relevant entries and correct one cell on the copy. Open the entry in its usual screen to check that saving uses the correct key and the template displays the new value. A bulk action may change more entries than intended. Export starting values and check the permissions of the user performing the update.