InstallUpdate Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Free and NOT SCF

Install/Update Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Free and NOT SCF ![rw-book-cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5ZXkesOzPeI/maxresdefault.jpg) 🔗 **Source:** [Install/Update Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Free and NOT SCF](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: [#WordPress, #plugin-management, #ACF] > Author: Paul C > Source: YouTube > Reference: [Install/Update Advanced Custom Fields](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI) > date created: 2024-10-14 13:00 > > # Title: Managing Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) vs. Secure Custom Fields (SCF) in WordPress >  ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ## 📝 Summary: This video explains the recent changes between Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and a new version called Secure Custom Fields (SCF) managed by Automattic on WordPress.org. Users must be aware of these updates to ensure proper plugin management, as updating to SCF may unintentionally switch their site to a different codebase with implications for maintenance. ## 📖 Main Content: The free ACF plugin is now divided into two versions: the ACF managed by WP Engine and SCF available via WordPress.org. This shift has caused confusion, with users needing to ensure they manually install the correct ACF version to maintain the expected features and support. ### 🗒️ Notes: - **Plugin Confusion**: Users might inadvertently update to SCF, which diverges from the original ACF. - **Manual Install Required**: Users need to download the latest ACF version directly from the WP Engine source to ensure continuity. - **Pro Version**: ACF Pro users are unaffected, as their updates already come from WP Engine's servers. ## 📖 References: - [Install/Update Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. If users update ACF through WordPress.org, they might switch to SCF, which has a different codebase managed by Automattic. This change introduces potential divergence in functionality and support. 2. For continuity, users should manually install ACF from the WP Engine repository to maintain the plugin's original features. ## 📰 Newsletter: In this issue, we highlight an important update for WordPress users: Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) has split into two paths—ACF by WP Engine and Secure Custom Fields (SCF) by Automattic. Stay ahead by manually updating your ACF plugin to avoid compatibility issues. Pro users remain unaffected, but all free users should take note. Visit our newsletter for direct links and detailed instructions! ## ✅ Action Items: - **Review Plugin Versions**: Ensure GoDaddy's WordPress installations are using the WP Engine-managed ACF. - **Educate Team Members**: Inform all contributors about the SCF vs. ACF distinction. - **Align with WP Engine**: Explore partnerships for ACF continuity. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - Users manually updating ACF will avoid support disruptions. - The divergence between ACF and SCF will increase reliance on WP Engine for support. ### 📊 Methodology: - **Plugin Analysis**: Track usage statistics for ACF vs. SCF across WordPress sites. - **Survey**: Collect feedback from ACF users on plugin management experiences. ### ❓ Questions: - Will Automattic maintain compatibility between SCF and ACF long-term? - How can WP Engine ensure smoother updates for non-technical users? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Explore potential collaboration between WP Engine and Automattic to reduce user confusion. - Assess long-term trends in plugin forks within the WordPress ecosystem. ### 💡 Implications: This split between ACF and SCF may prompt increased reliance on direct plugin repositories rather than WordPress.org, shifting the landscape of plugin management. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: - **Visual Learners**: Provide comparison charts showing ACF vs. SCF features. - **Aural Learners**: Include a podcast episode discussing the implications of these changes. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Readers**: Ensure all plugin documentation is accessible. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Improve accessibility within ACF settings for diverse users. ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment: - **Inclusive Language**: Avoid jargon in plugin documentation to ensure clarity for non-experts. - **Representation**: Showcase diverse contributors in plugin-related announcements. ### ✅ Logical Validity: - **Strength**: The recommendation to install ACF manually ensures continuity. - **Weakness**: Assumes that all users are aware of the plugin fork, which may not be true. ### 🔍 SEO Evaluation: - **Keywords**: ACF, SCF, WordPress plugin management, WP Engine. - **Optimization**: Improve visibility by providing instructional videos alongside documentation. ## 🎯 Conclusion: WordPress users must stay Short Summary for [Install/Update Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Free and NOT SCF](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI) by [Merlin](https://merlin.foyer.work/) Title: Managing ACF Plugin Updates and Avoiding the Implications of Switching to SCF [00:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=3) ACF is now called SCF (Secure Custom Fields) and is not available on wordpress.org repo [00:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=38) Older version of ACF may require manual update [01:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=69) Switch from ACF to SCF has implications [01:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=106) Install or update advanced custom fields [02:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=133) Upload ACF plugin to update version [02:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=165) Uploading and installing ACF plugin [03:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=200) Updates for ACF will come from official ACF website. [03:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=231) No worries with pro version from wp engine servers --------------------------------- Detailed Summary for [Install/Update Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Free and NOT SCF](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI) by [Merlin](https://merlin.foyer.work/) Title: Managing ACF Plugin Updates and Avoiding the Implications of Switching to SCF [00:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=3) ACF is now called SCF (Secure Custom Fields) and is not available on wordpress.org repo - Users may find out ACF is now called SCF when trying to update - ACF is no longer available on wordpress.org repo for updates [00:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=38) Older version of ACF may require manual update - If website runs 6.3.6 or older ACF, manual update is needed - Update notification looks similar [01:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=69) Switch from ACF to SCF has implications - SCF is no longer maintained/supported by ACF team - Ownership shift to WordPress introduces uncertainty [01:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=106) Install or update advanced custom fields - Ensure you have the proper version - Refer to the link in the details for the update process [02:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=133) Upload ACF plugin to update version - Download the ACF plugin from the direct link provided in the description. - Upload the plugin to your WordPress installation with the older version of ACF or SCF. [02:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=165) Uploading and installing ACF plugin - Choose the downloaded file, click install now, and replace with the current version. - Check the plugin installer or plugins to verify the installation. [03:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=200) Updates for ACF will come from official ACF website. - WP Engine owns ACF, ensuring updates are genuine. - Updates will not come from the WordPress repository. [03:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZXkesOzPeI&t=231) No worries with pro version from wp engine servers - Free version issue explained - Tips for handling the issue and getting legit version  📄 **Full text:** ![[Full Document Contents/Articles/InstallUpdate Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Free and NOT SCF|Install/Update Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Free and NOT SCF, WPTuts]] ## Highlights - Now, whether you are or are not aware of what's going on currently with WordPress, you may be an ACF, Advanced Custom Fields, free user. At which point, you may be going to update and find out that ACF is no longer called ACF. It's now called SCF or Secure Custom Fields. What the hell's going on? Well, to cut a long story short, ACF is not available on the WordPress.org repo. In other words, where you would normally get your updates from. I'll link to the information over on the ACF website so you can take a look for yourself. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ja6jfaxp445cdrewt4t10w35))