Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Pro: The Ultimate WordPress Plugin for Custom Content
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Pro is a powerful WordPress plugin that lets you add custom fields to your posts, pages, and other content types. It allows you to extend your website’s functionality with advanced features like flexible content, repeatable fields, and options pages. It’s ideal for developers and designers who want to create custom WordPress websites with ease.
ACF Pro Free vs ACF Pro GPL — Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison of ACF Pro Free versus ACF Pro GPL:
| Feature | ACF Pro Free | ACF Pro GPL |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | Premium (Paid License) | GPL (Open Source) |
| Cost | Paid Subscription or One-time Payment | Free (Open Source) |
| Access to Premium Features | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Updates | Yes | No (Manual updates required) |
| Access to Support | Yes (Premium Support) | No (Community support only) |
| Customization Options | Full Access | Full Access |
| Usage Limitations | Can only be used on limited sites based on the license | Can be used on unlimited sites |
Summary:
- ACF Pro Free offers a paid subscription for premium support, automatic updates, and direct access to the latest features.
- ACF Pro GPL is free to use, modify, and distribute, making it a great option for users who don’t need direct support or automatic updates.
Can You Get ACF Pro for Free?
Yes, you can get the ACF Pro GPL version for free. The GPL version is open source, meaning that you can download and use it without any cost. You can also modify the code and use it on as many websites as you need.
However, the official paid version of ACF Pro comes with additional benefits like premium support, automatic updates, and direct access to the latest features.
In summary:
- ACF Pro GPL: Free to download, modify, and use, but without premium support and automatic updates.
- Official ACF Pro: Paid version with ongoing support and automatic updates.
Best Free or Budget-Friendly Alternatives to ACF Pro
If you’re looking for alternatives to ACF Pro that are either free or budget-friendly, here are some great options:
- Meta Box
- Features: Provides a wide variety of custom field types, custom post types, and custom taxonomies.
- Free Version: Available with core features, and additional premium add-ons can be purchased.
- Pods Framework
- Features: Lets you create and manage custom post types, fields, and taxonomies.
- Free Version: Offers powerful features for free, with paid add-ons for advanced options.
- Toolset Types
- Features: Allows you to create custom post types, fields, and taxonomies, plus relationships.
- Free Version: Includes core features, while premium add-ons are available for more complex functionality.
- CMB2
- Features: Provides a lightweight and flexible way to add custom meta boxes and fields to your WordPress site.
- Free Version: Fully open-source and free to use.
- JetEngine
- Features: A great plugin for creating custom content types, fields, and listings with the added ability to create custom dynamic pages.
- Free Version: Available with limited functionality, with the option to upgrade to the pro version for advanced features.
These alternatives can provide a lot of the same functionality as ACF Pro, with some offering free versions or more affordable options for those on a budget.
What is ACF Pro General Public License?
The ACF Pro General Public License (GPL) refers to the open-source licensing model that allows you to freely download, use, modify, and redistribute the plugin. Under the GPL, you are not restricted by any licensing fees, and you can use ACF Pro on an unlimited number of websites.
With the GPL version of ACF Pro:
- You have full access to the plugin’s features without needing to pay for a subscription.
- You can modify the code as per your needs and even share the modified version with others.
- Updates must be manually downloaded, and community-based support is available rather than direct premium support.
This license gives flexibility and freedom to developers, making it a great choice for those who prefer open-source solutions.
ACF Pro GPL vs ACF Pro: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a simple comparison between ACF Pro GPL and ACF Pro (official version):
| Feature | ACF Pro GPL | ACF Pro (Official Version) |
|---|---|---|
| License | Open-source (GPL) | Paid, with subscription |
| Cost | Free to download | Requires a paid license |
| Support | Community-based support | Premium support included |
| Automatic Updates | No automatic updates | Automatic updates included |
| Access to Features | Full access to all features | Full access to all features |
| Usage | Unlimited websites | Unlimited websites (with subscription) |
| Custom Code Access | Full access to modify code | Full access to modify code |
Key Difference:
The main difference lies in support and updates. With the official version, you get premium support and automatic updates, while the GPL version requires manual updates and relies on community support.
ACF Pro Version History and Timeline
Here’s a brief timeline of the major versions of ACF Pro and its key updates:
- Version 5.0 (Released in 2017)
- Initial release of ACF Pro with advanced custom field functionality and added features for better user experience.
- Version 5.6 (Released in 2018)
- Introduced repeater fields and flexible content fields for more customizable layouts and content management.
- Version 5.8 (Released in 2019)
- Introduced a new block editor with integration into the WordPress block editor (Gutenberg).
- Version 5.9 (Released in 2020)
- Included new options for creating custom fields and more powerful user interface tools.
- Version 6.0 (Released in 2021)
- Introduced performance enhancements and streamlined workflows for content management.
- Version 6.5 (Released in 2022)
- Added support for modern themes and further integrated with the WordPress customization tools.
- Version 6.6 (Released in 2023)
- Added additional field types and integrations with popular page builders like Elementor.
These updates have consistently improved ACF Pro, making it a valuable tool for developers and designers looking to add custom fields, layouts, and content management features to WordPress websites.