Unlocking Advanced Custom Fields with Divi: A Web Designer’s Guide to Next-Level Customization

Web design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality, flexibility, and creating user experiences that feel personalized and intentional. If you’re a web designer working with Divi, you’ve already embraced one of the most powerful page builders available. But what if you could take Divi to the next level by dynamically populating your designs with custom content? Enter Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), a WordPress plugin that unlocks boundless opportunities for creating dynamic, client-friendly websites.

In this article, we’ll explore what ACF is, why it’s a game-changer for Divi users, and how you can seamlessly integrate it into your workflow to create sites that are both visually stunning and highly functional.

What is Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)?

Advanced Custom Fields is a WordPress plugin that allows you to add custom fields to posts, pages, and custom post types. These fields let you store additional data, such as text, images, or even complex structures like repeaters and relationship fields.

For example:

• Want a custom field for a client’s bio on a team page? Easy.
• Need to showcase dynamic product specs on an e-commerce site? No problem.
• Building a portfolio with unique layouts per project? ACF is your best friend.

ACF empowers you to structure data in ways that go beyond WordPress’s default fields, giving you complete control over content management.

Why Web Designers Should Use ACF with Divi

Divi is a flexible page builder that provides countless options for layout and design. However, by default, Divi’s modules pull content from static sources like WordPress’s standard post title or body fields. This limitation can make complex, data-driven websites challenging to build.

Here’s where ACF comes in. With ACF, you can create custom fields to store dynamic data and then use Divi’s built-in Dynamic Content feature to display that data within your designs. This integration allows you to:

1. Streamline Content Updates for Clients
   Clients can fill in custom fields on the backend without touching Divi’s design elements, reducing the risk of accidental edits.
2. Create Dynamic Page Templates
   Design one template in Divi, and populate it dynamically for multiple posts or pages using ACF, saving you hours of repetitive work.
3. Improve Data Organization
   Structure your data logically and pull it into Divi modules with precision.
4. Enhance Site Functionality
   Build more robust features, like custom directories, event calendars, or portfolios, all powered by ACF and styled with Divi.

Getting Started with ACF and Divi

Step 1: Install and Activate ACF

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for Advanced Custom Fields.
3. Install and activate the plugin.

Pro Tip: Consider upgrading to ACF Pro for advanced features like repeater fields, flexible content fields, and relationship fields.

Step 2: Create Custom Fields

1. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Custom Fields > Add New.
2. Create a new field group and add fields. You can choose from various field types, including:

• Text
• Image
• URL
• Checkbox
• Date Picker

Step 3: Enable Divi’s Dynamic Content

Divi allows you to dynamically populate modules with custom field data:

1. Open a page or template in the Divi Builder.
2. Add a module (e.g., Text, Image, or Blurb).
3. Look for the Dynamic Content icon (a database symbol) in the module settings.
4. Select the ACF field you want to display.

For example:

• Use a blurb Module to display a custom “text” field.

Step 4: Style Your Content in Divi

Once your custom fields are connected, you can design your page as usual in Divi. Apply styling, animations, and responsive settings to make the dynamic content blend perfectly with your site’s overall design.

Advanced Techniques for ACF and Divi

1. Build Dynamic Templates with Divi Theme Builder

• Use the Divi Theme Builder to create templates for posts or pages that pull in ACF data dynamically. For instance, you can create a blog post template that automatically displays custom fields like “Author Bio” or “Related Resources.”

2. Use ACF Pro’s Repeater Fields

• With Repeater Fields, you can add multiple entries for a single field, such as a list of team members or product features. Divi’s Dynamic Content feature can loop through these fields to display them dynamically.

3. Add Conditional Logic

• ACF Pro supports conditional logic, allowing you to display fields only when specific criteria are met. For example, show an “Upcoming Events” field only if an event date is set.

4. Leverage Custom Post Types

• Pair ACF with custom post type plugins like Custom Post Type UI to create entirely new content types for your site, such as “Portfolio Projects” or “Case Studies,” and design them in Divi.

Benefits of Using ACF with Divi

1. Improved Client Experience

ACF provides a structured interface for content entry. Clients can add data without worrying about breaking the site’s layout.

2. Enhanced Creativity

Designers can create unique layouts that stand out while still being dynamic and manageable.

3. Time Savings

Dynamic templates mean less manual duplication of layouts, saving valuable time.

4. Scalability

Whether you’re building a blog or a large-scale e-commerce site, ACF and Divi together make scaling effortless.

Examples of Use Cases

• Real Estate Websites: Display property details like location, price, and images using custom fields.
• Event Management: Dynamically populate event dates, venues, and ticket links.
• Portfolio Sites: Showcase projects with unique attributes like tools used, client testimonials, and galleries.

Conclusion

Pairing Advanced Custom Fields with Divi is a winning combination for web designers who want to create dynamic, client-friendly websites without sacrificing creative freedom. ACF’s ability to structure data, combined with Divi’s design flexibility, opens up possibilities for building everything from simple blogs to complex, data-driven websites.

By learning how to harness this powerful duo, you’ll not only enhance your design capabilities but also set yourself apart as a web designer who delivers innovative, scalable solutions. Start experimenting today—you’ll wonder how you ever worked without ACF and Divi.