The combination of Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and Elementor is a game-changer for WordPress developers and site owners looking to create custom layouts. ACF allows you to add and manage custom fields, while Elementor provides the design flexibility to display this data dynamically. Together, they empower you to build unique, dynamic, and user-friendly websites without touching complex code. This post explores how to integrate ACF with Elementor for custom layouts and offers best practices to make the most of this powerful pairing.

Why Use ACF Elementor Integration?
ACF and Elementor complement each other perfectly. ACF handles the backend, enabling you to collect and manage custom data, while Elementor manages the frontend, giving you a drag-and-drop interface to design visually stunning layouts.
Benefits of this integration include:
- Dynamic Content Display: Use custom fields to display personalized content for posts, pages, or custom post types.
- Flexible Design: Elementor’s widgets and templates allow you to customize how your ACF data appears on your site.
- Improved Workflow: Streamline the process of creating dynamic layouts without needing custom PHP templates.
Learn more about ACF’s dynamic capabilities and Elementor’s features.
Setting Up ACF and Elementor for Integration
Install and Activate ACF and Elementor
To start, ensure you have both plugins installed and activated on your WordPress site. For dynamic content, you’ll need Elementor Pro, which supports custom fields integration.
Download ACF from the WordPress Plugin Repository and get Elementor Pro from the official Elementor website.
Create Custom Fields with ACF
- Navigate to Custom Fields in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click Add New to create a new field group.
- Define the fields you want, such as text, images, or repeaters.
- Assign the field group to specific post types, pages, or templates.
For example, if you’re creating a portfolio site, you might add fields for project name, description, client name, and completion date.
Refer to the ACF field group guide for detailed instructions.
Integrating ACF with Elementor
Using Dynamic Tags in Elementor
Once your custom fields are created, you can display them dynamically in Elementor:
- Edit the page or template in Elementor.
- Add a widget, such as a heading or text widget, to your layout.
- Click on the Dynamic Tags option in the widget’s content settings.
- Select the ACF field you want to display.
For example, you can pull in a custom field for a project description to display it dynamically in a portfolio layout.
Styling Custom Fields in Elementor
Elementor allows you to style your custom fields easily:
- Adjust typography, colors, and spacing in the style tab of the widget.
- Use Elementor’s built-in design tools to ensure your custom fields blend seamlessly with your site’s overall aesthetic.
Explore Elementor’s dynamic content documentation for more customization options.
Advanced Techniques for ACF Elementor Integration
Displaying Repeater Fields
Repeater fields in ACF allow you to store multiple rows of data, such as a list of services or team members. To display these fields in Elementor:
- Use Elementor’s Repeater Widget or add a custom loop using shortcodes or plugins like Dynamic.ooo.
- Pull in each sub-field dynamically and style it within the widget.
Example Use Case: Display a list of team members with fields for name, role, and profile image.
Learn more about ACF repeater fields.
Conditional Display of Fields
You can conditionally display ACF fields in Elementor based on specific criteria. For example, show a “Sale” badge only when a custom field for a discount is populated.
To implement this:
- Use plugins like Dynamic.ooo or Elementor Custom Conditions to add conditional logic.
- Define rules for when the field or widget should appear.
This technique is ideal for e-commerce or promotional layouts.
Creating Custom Post Type Templates
ACF and Elementor simplify the process of designing templates for custom post types. For example, a real estate website can use this integration to display property details dynamically.
- Create a custom post type using plugins like CPT UI or manually with code.
- Assign custom fields using ACF to store property details such as location, price, and amenities.
- Design a single post template in Elementor and map ACF fields to the template dynamically.
Refer to the Elementor guide for single post templates for step-by-step instructions.
Optimizing ACF and Elementor for Performance
Minimize Database Queries
Displaying custom fields dynamically can increase database queries. To optimize performance:
- Cache frequently accessed ACF fields using WordPress Transients.
- Use plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache to enable page caching.
Optimize Images in ACF Fields
If you’re displaying images from ACF fields, ensure they are optimized for web use. Use WordPress’s built-in image sizes and enable lazy loading to reduce page load times.
Example:
<img src="<?php echo esc_url($image['sizes']['medium']); ?>" alt="<?php echo esc_attr($image['alt']); ?>" loading="lazy">
Real-World Use Cases
Portfolio Websites
A creative agency can use ACF and Elementor to create dynamic portfolio layouts. Custom fields like project title, description, and tools used can be displayed dynamically in beautifully designed templates.
E-Commerce Websites
Online stores can enhance product pages by using ACF fields for additional product details, such as materials, compatibility, or care instructions. Elementor’s WooCommerce widgets can display these fields dynamically.
Explore ACF for WooCommerce for more ideas.
Event Websites
Event organizers can use ACF to add custom fields for dates, times, venues, and ticket links. Elementor templates can display this data dynamically for each event, creating a professional and functional event listing.
Testing and Debugging
Testing your ACF and Elementor integration ensures everything works seamlessly:
- Use tools like Query Monitor to identify and optimize slow database queries.
- Test layouts on different devices to ensure responsive design.
- Validate that dynamic fields display correctly and fallback content is provided for empty fields.
Learn more about debugging WordPress.
Conclusion
ACF Elementor integration is a powerful way to create custom layouts in WordPress. By combining the dynamic content capabilities of ACF with Elementor’s flexible design tools, you can build unique, responsive websites tailored to your specific needs.
From portfolio sites to e-commerce stores and event listings, this integration opens up endless possibilities for dynamic content and custom layouts. For further resources, visit the official ACF documentation and Elementor’s knowledge base.
Start exploring ACF Elementor integration today to take your WordPress projects to the next level!