Advanced Custom Fields Extended Pro and Why It’s So Popular?
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is a powerful WordPress plugin that allows developers to add custom fields to their posts, pages, and other content types. ACF Extended Pro is an enhancement suite that builds upon the ACF Pro plugin, offering over 100 advanced features to supercharge your WordPress development. It provides additional field types, enhanced field settings, and a dedicated UI for managing custom post types, taxonomies, block types, and options pages.
Advanced Custom Fields Extended Free vs Pro GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | Free Version | Pro GPL Version |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Custom Fields | ✔️ Available | ✔️ Available |
| Advanced Fields (ACF Integration) | ❌ Not available | ✔️ Full integration |
| Post Types & Taxonomy Management | ❌ Limited | ✔️ Full control with UI |
| Options Pages | ❌ No | ✔️ Create & manage options pages |
| Block Types Support (ACF Blocks) | ❌ No | ✔️ Create blocks easily |
| Forms (Frontend forms creation) | ❌ No | ✔️ Available |
| Advanced Field Settings | ❌ Basic only | ✔️ Extensive settings options |
| Dynamic Values and Conditional Logic | ❌ No | ✔️ Advanced dynamic fields & conditions |
| GPL Licensed | ❌ Official Only | ✔️ Yes (GPL Download) |
Can You Get Advanced Custom Fields Extended Pro for Free?
Officially, Advanced Custom Fields Extended Pro is a paid plugin, and there’s no free legal way to get the Pro version from the developer without purchasing a license. However, GPL-licensed versions are available through trusted GPL providers, allowing you to access the full features without paying high fees. Always ensure you download from reputable GPL sources to avoid malware or outdated files.
Best Free or Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Advanced Custom Fields Extended Pro
If you want similar features without the premium cost, here are some great alternatives:
| Alternative Plugin | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Pods | Free WordPress plugin for creating custom post types, fields, and taxonomies. |
| Meta Box (Free Version) | Lightweight and offers essential custom field functionality. |
| Toolset Types | Great for creating custom post types and fields, although limited in free version. |
| Custom Field Suite (CFS) | Simple and free alternative for managing custom fields. |
What is Advanced Custom Fields Extended Pro General Public License?
The General Public License (GPL) for ACF Extended Pro means that the plugin is released under an open-source license. This allows anyone to download, use, modify, and redistribute the plugin, as long as the same rights are passed along to others. The GPL license ensures transparency, freedom, and community-driven development for the plugin.
Advanced Custom Fields Extended Pro GPL vs Advanced Custom Fields Extended Pro: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between the GPL version and the official Pro version of Advanced Custom Fields Extended lies in the distribution method and the licensing terms:
| Feature | Official Pro Version | GPL Version |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | Premium, paid license | Open-source, GPL-licensed |
| Updates & Support | Provided by the official developer | Limited support, no official updates |
| Features | Full features with frequent updates | Same features, but may not be as current |
| Distribution | Sold via the official website | Available from third-party GPL providers |
Advanced Custom Fields Extended Pro Version History and Timeline
The version history of ACF Extended Pro is as follows:
- Initial Release: ACF Extended Pro first launched as a powerful plugin for extending the capabilities of Advanced Custom Fields, adding extra features and flexibility.
- Ongoing Updates: Regular updates have been released to fix bugs, improve compatibility, and introduce new features, including field types and customization options.
- Version 5.0 and Beyond: Key updates have included improvements to the UI, additional field types, and better integration with WordPress block editors and page builders.
The plugin continues to evolve with ongoing community feedback and developer enhancements.