Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields! ![rw-book-cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JsxFdVg9tgQ/maxresdefault.jpg) 🔗 **Source:** [Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: > - #WordPress > - #ACF > - #PluginDevelopment > Author: Paul C > Source: WP Tuts YouTube Channel > Reference: [Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ) > date created: 2024-10-08 14:30 > > # Title: How to Remove ACF Without Losing Custom Fields > <!-- deep-read:sections start --> ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#summary) - [📖 Main Content](#main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#notes) - [📖 References](#references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#hypotheses) - [🔮 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: Paul C from WP Tuts explains how to safely remove Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) from an existing WordPress website without losing any custom fields or meta data. The video presents two solutions: using a code snippet plugin or creating a custom plugin to retain all custom fields after deactivating ACF. Both methods are free and effective, allowing developers to maintain site functionality without dependency on ACF. ## 📖 Main Content: Paul C addresses a common concern among developers using ACF: what to do if they need to deactivate or move away from ACF, but don't want to lose the custom fields. This is especially relevant given potential changes in the ACF plugin’s development. The video provides a step-by-step guide to implementing two distinct solutions: 1. **Using a Code Snippet Plugin:** - Export custom fields from ACF in PHP format. - Add the PHP code into a plugin like Fluent Snippets. - Deactivate ACF and use the snippet to maintain the fields. 2. **Creating a Custom Plugin:** - Create a new folder for the custom plugin inside the `wp-content/plugins` directory. - Create a PHP file within this folder. - Add basic plugin information and paste the exported PHP code from ACF. - Activate the plugin, and the fields will reappear without requiring ACF. Paul emphasizes that both approaches preserve the site’s fields without adding dependencies or breaking functionality. ### 🗒️ Notes - **Why Remove ACF?** - Developers may want to reduce plugin reliance, enhance performance, or streamline the WordPress setup. - **First Solution: Fluent Snippets Plugin** - Export field configurations from ACF to PHP. - Use Fluent Snippets or a similar plugin to insert the PHP code. - **Second Solution: Create a Custom Plugin** - Place the PHP code into a new plugin created manually. - WordPress recognizes the plugin, and fields persist. - **Benefits:** - Avoid potential disruptions due to ACF updates or changes. - Custom solutions are lightweight and easy to manage. ## 📖 References: - Paul C, WP Tuts YouTube Channel, [Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. **Original:** "One of the cool things about ACF is that it allows you to easily export the code for your custom fields, making it simple to transition to a code-based solution without relying on the plugin." **Paraphrase:** "ACF’s export feature simplifies the process of switching to a code-based approach, enabling users to maintain custom fields without the need for the plugin." 2. **Original:** "If you’re worried about future changes in ACF, these two methods will keep your fields intact, either by using a snippet or by creating a custom plugin." **Paraphrase:** "For those concerned about potential updates or changes in ACF, utilizing code snippets or a custom plugin ensures your fields remain functional even after ACF is deactivated." ## 📰 Newsletter: In this issue, we explore two effective ways to move away from the popular Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin while retaining your custom fields and meta data. Paul C from WP Tuts shows us how to use code snippets or build a custom plugin for a more streamlined approach—no more plugin dependency! This is a perfect solution for anyone managing complex field structures without the hassle of future ACF updates. For a step-by-step guide, check out Paul’s video [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ). ## ✅ Action Items: - Evaluate the potential need for ACF dependency in your WordPress setup. - Test the code snippet solution using Fluent Snippets for a quick transition. - Create a custom plugin if more flexibility and long-term stability are required. - Document these changes to ensure smooth transitions for future development. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - Removing ACF without losing custom fields will reduce the risk of plugin conflicts and improve site performance. - Transitioning from ACF will be more appealing to developers if free, simple methods are available. ### 🔮 Future Research: - Explore how other custom field plugins handle field migrations. - Analyze performance impacts when using native WordPress fields over ACF. ### 💡 Implications: - Providing lightweight alternatives for managing custom fields will encourage more developers to adopt these methods, reducing plugin bloat in the WordPress ecosystem. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: 1. **Visual Learners**: - **Present**: The video includes clear on-screen code demonstrations. - **Improve**: Add visual diagrams or flowcharts showing the migration process. 2. **Aural Learners**: - **Present**: Paul C’s explanations are detailed and easy to follow. - **Improve**: Include audio timestamps for key sections in the video. 3. **Logical Learners**: - **Present**: Step-by-step logical breakdowns of both solutions. - **Improve**: Offer more troubleshooting scenarios for different environments. ## 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader Compatibility**: Video lacks alt-text or descriptions for on-screen actions. - **Improve**: Add captions and detailed video descriptions for accessibility. ## 🌍 DEIB Assessment: - **Representation**: Video lacks diverse representation. - **Improve**: Include multiple perspectives or guest contributors to represent a broader range of experiences. ## ✅ Logical Validity: Paul’s argument for transitioning away from ACF is valid, with strong deductive reasoning. Both suggested methods are logical, well-explained, and backed by examples. ## 🔍 SEO Evaluation: - **Title Tag**: “Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields!” - **Keyword Placement**: Strong keyword placement (“ACF,” “custom fields”) throughout. - **Internal Links**: Could benefit from linking to related WP Tuts articles. ## 🎯 Conclusion: Paul C’s tutorial offers practical solutions for developers looking to transition away from ACF without losing any custom fields. By leveraging either Fluent Snippets or a custom plugin, users can maintain all field data without relying on ACF for future updates, making these options ideal for reducing dependency and maintaining site stability. Short Summary for [Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ) by [Merlin](https://merlin.foyer.work/) Title: Easy Way to Remove ACF Plugin Without Losing Custom Fields - Free Solution using Fluent Snippets [00:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=3) Options to remove ACF and keep custom fields. [00:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=56) ACF Free & Pro allows easy export of code for meta fields and custom post types. [01:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=101) Use Fluent Snippets to replace ACF Free [02:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=158) Create custom plug-in as an alternative to code snippet. [03:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=213) Creating a new folder in the wp-content/plugins directory. [04:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=264) Create a PHP file to retain custom fields [05:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=316) Creating a custom plugin for WordPress [06:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=372) Options to manage custom fields without ACF Free --------------------------------- Detailed Summary for [Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ) by [Merlin](https://merlin.foyer.work/) Title: Easy Way to Remove ACF Plugin Without Losing Custom Fields - Free Solution using Fluent Snippets [00:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=3) Options to remove ACF and keep custom fields. - Building new sites - consider metabox or jet engine. - Ways to remove ACF plugin while keeping fields and meta information. [00:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=56) ACF Free & Pro allows easy export of code for meta fields and custom post types. - Access tools in ACF to view and select field types and meta fields created. - Export as JSON for transitioning info or generate PHP code for creating custom fields. [01:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=101) Use Fluent Snippets to replace ACF Free - Copy code to clipboard and use Fluent Snippets plug-in to integrate custom fields without ACF - Deactivate ACF, create and activate a PHP snippet using Fluent Snippets to maintain custom meta fields [02:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=158) Create custom plug-in as an alternative to code snippet. - Deactivate code snippet and plugins to remove custom fields. - Creating custom plug-in involves file creation on server which is not complicated. [03:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=213) Creating a new folder in the wp-content/plugins directory. - Accessing and editing files on the server varies based on hosting but process is the same. - Key location for plugins is wp-content/plugins directory. [04:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=264) Create a PHP file to retain custom fields - Place a blank PHP file inside the custom fields folder in plugins - Add necessary information at the top of the file to indicate it as a plugin [05:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=316) Creating a custom plugin for WordPress - Replace ACF Free with WP TS in the code - Paste the copied code from ACF into the custom plugin file [06:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxFdVg9tgQ&t=372) Options to manage custom fields without ACF Free - Create own custom plugin for stability - Option to update to latest ACF Free for additional benefits <!-- deep-read:sections end --> 📄 **Full text:** ![[Full Document Contents/Articles/Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields!|Remove ACF Free & KEEP All Your Custom Fields!, WPTuts]] ## Highlights - Yesterday I released a video showing you how to update to the latest version of ACF free and make sure that all automatic updates Afterwards will roll out as they should do however lots of comments are coming in on that video and other videos that have done talking about ACF and people worried about the future of this and whether they should move away to Alternative solutions my answer to that is that's great If you're building new sites and you want to integrate something like MetaBox or Jet Engine But retrospectively it's not that easy to pull ACF out of existing sites and then put a different plug-in in its place ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ja9esg99f2p7d9h7gw0a8h64))