An introduction to using ACF to build a better WordPress editing experience. Created by Jeseph Meyers for WordCamp Buffalo 2016

1. Build a Better Editing
Experience with Advanced
Custom Fields

2. Jeseph Meyers IT’S LIKE JOSEPH - WITH AN “E”
@jesephm // #WCBuf

3. “WordPress is not user friendly.”
- Me, right now

4. @jesephm // #WCBuf

5. @jesephm // #WCBuf

6. HTML is intimidating!
@jesephm // #WCBuf

8. What about page builders!?!
- You, right now

9. Heh, I’m not
a logo
@jesephm // #WCBuf

11. Still kinda confusing, isn’t it?
@jesephm // #WCBuf

12. @jesephm // #WCBuf
This will drive you
and/or your clients
crazy!

13. @jesephm // #WCBuf
Source: https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/functions/add_editor_style/

14. HTML is intimidating!
@jesephm // #WCBuf

15. https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/

16. @jesephm // #WCBuf

17. Should I use ACF?
 Working knowledge of HTML, PHP (if/while/WordPress
templates) and CSS
 Create sites for yourself or others
 Extend the functionality of WP Core (editing experience)
@jesephm // #WCBuf

18. Do I need the pro (paid) version?
Free
 Field groups and content grouping
 Simplify page/post edit screens
 Enhanced editing experience
 Media, embeds and pickers
Pro
 Flexible Content
 Repeater Fields
 Tabbed layouts
 Theme Options
@jesephm // #WCBuf

19. ACF – The Basics
 Fields – Any content that will be added to a page template via ACF. Called
using “get_field” or “the_field”
 Field-Group – A group of content that is displayed as section. This will
generally be a group of components added to create a page layout. Fields
within a group are referenced using “get_sub_field” or “the_sub_field”.
@jesephm // #WCBuf

21. @jesephm // #WCBuf

22. Input values into your theme
@jesephm // #WCBuf
<h2><?php the_field('text'); ?></h2>
<div><?php the_field('text_edit'); ?></div>
<?php
$image = get_field('image');
if( !empty($image) ): ?> <img src="<?php echo $image['url']; ?>" alt="<?php echo $image['alt']; ?>" />
<?php endif; ?>

23. @jesephm // #WCBuf

27. Repeater Fields
(pro feature)
// check if the repeater field has rows of data
if( have_rows('repeater_field_name') ):
// loop through the rows of data
while ( have_rows('repeater_field_name') ) : the_row();
// display a sub field value
the_sub_field('sub_field_name');
endwhile;
else :
// no rows found
endif;
@jesephm // #WCBuf

28. Now make 30 pages!

29. One template
3 versions
rapid deployment
via ACF
Past Event
Future Event
Live Event @jesephm // #WCBuf

30. Default Values
Rapid duplication of page types
@jesephm // #WCBuf

31. Flexible Content
(pro feature)
// check if the flexible content field has rows of data
if( have_rows('flexible_content_field_name') ):
// loop through the rows of data
while ( have_rows('flexible_content_field_name') ) : the_row();
if( get_row_layout() == 'paragraph' ):
the_sub_field('text');
elseif( get_row_layout() == 'download' ):
$file = get_sub_field('file');
endif;
endwhile;
else :
// no layouts found
endif;
@jesephm // #WCBuf

33. Applications for ACF
 Restaurant franchise
 Tour schedule (I can walk you through this one)
 Real estate listings
 Staff/team page
 Home pages without widgets!
 Service pages
@jesephm // #WCBuf

35. Thank you!
@jesephm
jeseph@qcmny.com
ACF custom user avatars: http://bit.ly/ACF_avatars
Use ACF to create/edit posts: STAY SEATED