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Find detailed, step-by-step instructions below on plugin installation, usage, and license management.

ACF Cleaner Guide for WordPress: Optimize Custom Fields Easily
If you’re using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) extensively in WordPress, your database can quickly become cluttered with unused custom fields. ACF Cleaner, a feature of the ACF Copilot plugin, solves this problem by detecting and removing unused fields, streamlining your workflow, and optimizing your site’s performance. This guide will walk you through how to use ACF Cleaner effectively, ensuring your projects remain clean, fast, and efficient.

Why Use ACF Cleaner?

As your WordPress projects grow, custom fields may become redundant or outdated. Manually identifying and removing these fields can be time-consuming and prone to errors. ACF Cleaner automates this process, offering several benefits:
  • Improved Performance: Reduces database size by removing unnecessary fields, speeding up queries and page loads.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Eliminates clutter in your ACF setup, making it easier to manage active fields.
  • Error Prevention: Avoids potential conflicts caused by unused or orphaned fields.
Whether you’re a developer, designer, or website owner, ACF Cleaner ensures your custom field setup remains lean and efficient.

How to Use ACF Cleaner in ACF Copilot

Follow these steps to use ACF Cleaner and keep your ACF setup optimized:

Install and Activate ACF Copilot

  • Download and install the ACF Copilot plugin from the official ACF Copilot website.
  • Activate the plugin in your WordPress dashboard.

Access ACF Cleaner

  • Navigate to the ACF Copilot menu in the WordPress admin panel.
  • Select the ACF Cleaner option from the submenu.

Scan for Unused Fields

  • Click the Scan button to identify unused custom fields in your database.
  • ACF Cleaner will analyze your ACF setup and display a list of fields that are no longer linked to active content or templates.

Review the Results

  • Carefully review the detected unused fields. ACF Cleaner provides details about each field, including its name, location, and last use.
  • Ensure that none of the fields are required by custom code or plugins before proceeding.

Clean Unused Fields

  • Select the fields you want to remove and click the Clean button.
  • ACF Cleaner will delete the selected fields from your database, freeing up space and reducing clutter.
Pro Tip: Always back up your database before making changes. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy for reliable backups.

Best Practices for Using ACF Cleaner

To maximize the benefits of ACF Cleaner, follow these best practices:

Regular Maintenance

  • Schedule regular scans using ACF Cleaner to ensure your database stays optimized as your site evolves.

Verify Dependencies

  • Before deleting fields, verify that they’re not used in custom templates, plugins, or theme files. This prevents unintended functionality issues.

Combine with Performance Tools

Audit Field Groups

  • Periodically audit your ACF field groups to ensure they remain relevant to your current project needs.

How ACF Cleaner Enhances WordPress Performance

Unused custom fields can burden your WordPress database, especially on high-traffic or content-heavy sites. Here’s how ACF Cleaner improves performance:
  • Reduced Database Overhead: By removing unused fields, ACF Cleaner reduces the number of rows in the wp_postmeta table, speeding up database queries.
  • Faster Load Times: Streamlined databases enable quicker page rendering, improving user experience and SEO performance.
  • Enhanced Manageability: A lean ACF setup is easier to manage, reducing the likelihood of conflicts or errors in complex projects.
Learn more about optimizing WordPress databases with guides like this one by WPBeginner.

Common Scenarios for Using ACF Cleaner

  1. After Project Completion
    • Once a project is live, unused fields from testing or development can linger. Use ACF Cleaner to tidy up your setup.
  2. Site Redesigns
    • During redesigns, old fields may become obsolete. Cleaning them ensures your new design remains uncluttered.
  3. Plugin Changes
    • Switching plugins or features often leaves behind orphaned fields. ACF Cleaner helps remove these remnants efficiently.

Who Should Use ACF Cleaner?

ACF Cleaner is ideal for:
  • Freelancers: Manage multiple client sites without worrying about unused fields slowing down performance.
  • Agencies: Streamline large-scale projects with automated field cleanup.
  • Site Owners: Keep your WordPress site running smoothly and efficiently with minimal technical effort.

Conclusion

ACF Cleaner is an indispensable tool for anyone managing custom fields in WordPress. By automatically detecting and removing unused fields, it simplifies your workflow, improves site performance, and keeps your ACF setup clutter-free. Take advantage of ACF Copilot’s ACF Cleaner today and experience the benefits of a clean, optimized WordPress database.

Additional Resources

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ACF Copilot LivePreview Guide: Real-Time Editing for WordPress
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Copilot is a powerful WordPress plugin that simplifies the process of managing and visualizing custom fields. Whether you’re using the Classic Editor or the modern Block Editor (Gutenberg), ACF Copilot’s LivePreview feature lets you see real-time changes as you work on your website. This guide will explore how to effectively use LivePreview for both editors, optimizing your workflow and ensuring seamless front-end representation.

Why Use LivePreview in ACF Copilot?

The LivePreview Mode in ACF Copilot brings a new level of efficiency and accuracy to managing custom fields. Here are its standout benefits:
  • Real-Time Editing: See immediate changes as you tweak custom fields, reducing guesswork.
  • Improved Productivity: No need to save, refresh, or navigate back and forth between the editor and the front end.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Perfect for designers, developers, and content creators who want a smooth editing experience.

Using LivePreview in the Block Editor (Gutenberg)

The Block Editor offers a modern interface and is widely adopted for creating dynamic WordPress layouts. Here’s how you can utilize LivePreview Mode in the Block Editor:

Activate LivePreview Mode

  • Ensure you have the latest version of ACF Copilot installed.
  • Navigate to the post or page you want to edit.
  • Locate the ACF field in the editor and begin making adjustments. LivePreview Mode is activated automatically, allowing you to see your changes in real time within the Gutenberg interface.

Edit with Precision

  • Modify ACF fields, such as images, text, or custom blocks, and watch how they appear instantly.
  • Use this feature to fine-tune your layouts and ensure consistency across your site.

Test Responsiveness

  • The Block Editor’s LivePreview supports responsive views. Switch between device previews to confirm that your changes look great on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Pro Tip: Combine ACF Copilot with plugins like GenerateBlocks for advanced layout control, or Kadence Blocks for feature-rich designs.

Using LivePreview in the Classic Editor

While many users are transitioning to the Block Editor, the Classic Editor remains a staple for developers and sites requiring a simpler interface. LivePreview in the Classic Editor ensures that even traditional workflows benefit from real-time visualization.

Activate Classic LivePreview

  • Open a post, page, or custom post type in the Classic Editor.
  • Edit ACF fields directly in the meta box. Changes are reflected in real time through LivePreview Mode.

Refine Content Layouts

  • Adjust fields such as custom text, images, and repeaters. Watch how these updates will look on the front end without needing to save or refresh the page.

Preview Front-End Changes

  • Use the LivePreview pane to visualize the impact of your edits on the front end, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your design.
Helpful Resource: Learn more about the Classic Editor’s advantages on WordPress.org.

Best Practices for Using LivePreview Mode

To maximize the benefits of LivePreview in ACF Copilot, follow these best practices:
  1. Test Across Browsers
    • Ensure that your ACF field changes look consistent across major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
  2. Combine with Theme Builders
    • Use LivePreview alongside popular WordPress theme builders like Elementor or Divi to achieve precise layouts.
  3. Enable Debugging
    • Activate debugging tools during development to catch potential issues in your custom fields or theme compatibility.
  4. Leverage Conditional Logic
    • If your custom fields use conditional logic, verify their behavior in real-time with LivePreview to avoid unexpected display issues.

Who Benefits Most from ACF Copilot’s LivePreview?

  • Content Creators: Visualize how content will appear to site visitors without leaving the editor.
  • Web Designers: Ensure that custom fields align with design specifications in real time.
  • Developers: Save time by skipping the repetitive save-and-refresh cycle during development.

Conclusion

The LivePreview Mode in Advanced Custom Fields Copilot revolutionizes how you manage and view custom field changes in WordPress. Whether you prefer the Classic Editor or the Block Editor, this feature ensures a smooth, efficient, and intuitive editing experience. By incorporating real-time visualization into your workflow, you can focus on creating stunning, functional websites without worrying about how your changes will translate to the front end. Explore ACF Copilot and elevate your WordPress editing experience today! Learn more about its features on the official ACF website and stay updated with the latest WordPress tools to enhance your development process.
Additional Resources
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How to Register OpenAI API for ACF Copilot
The Advanced Custom Fields Copilot plugin enhances your WordPress development process with AI-powered tools like Code Snippets and the AI Field Generator. These features streamline your workflow, saving time and ensuring best practices. To unlock them, you’ll need to register and configure an OpenAI API access key. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of registering for the OpenAI API and integrating it with the plugin.

Why Use OpenAI API with Advanced Custom Fields Copilot?

Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Copilot provides developers with tools to simplify and automate tasks, such as:
  • AI-Powered Code Snippets: Instantly generate code snippets to customize your ACF fields. Save time and ensure best practices.
  • AI Field Generator: Automatically create tailored field groups that align with your project requirements.
By connecting the plugin to the OpenAI API, these AI-driven features can operate seamlessly and enhance your workflow.

Register for OpenAI API Access

To get started with the OpenAI API, follow these steps:

Visit OpenAI’s Website

Head to the OpenAI API registration page.

Create an Account

If you don’t already have an account, click on Sign Up and follow the instructions. You can sign up using your email, Google account, or Microsoft account. Access Your API Keys Once logged in, navigate to the API Keys section in your account settings. Here you can generate a new API key:
  1. Click Create new secret key.
  2. Copy and securely store the generated key. You’ll need this key for integration, and it won’t be shown again for security reasons.

Install and Configure ACF Copilot

Install the Plugin

  1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
  3. Search for “Advanced Custom Fields Copilot.”
  4. Click Install Now and then Activate.

Navigate to Plugin Settings

Once the plugin is active:
  1. Go to Settings > ACF Copilot in your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Locate the API Key Configuration section.

Add OpenAI API Key to ACF Copilot

  1. Copy the OpenAI API key you generated in Step 1.
  2. Paste the key into the API Key field in the ACF Copilot settings.
  3. Click Save Changes to connect the plugin to OpenAI’s API.
The plugin will verify the API key. Once validated, you’re ready to use the AI features.

Utilize ACF Copilot Features

AI-Powered Code Snippets

With the API connected, you can use the Code Snippets feature:
  1. Go to any ACF field group.
  2. Click on the “Generate Code Snippet” button.
  3. The plugin will provide a tailored code snippet for your specific field group configuration.
This feature helps you:
  • Quickly customize ACF fields.
  • Follow coding best practices.

AI Field Generator

The AI Field Generator simplifies field group creation:
  1. Navigate to the Field Generator tab in the plugin settings.
  2. Input your project requirements, such as the type of fields and structure needed.
  3. Click Generate Field Group to create a custom ACF field group automatically.

Tips for Using OpenAI with ACF Copilot

  1. Monitor API Usage: OpenAI’s API has usage limits based on your subscription. Regularly check your account to avoid exceeding limits.
  2. Fine-Tune Prompts: Customize prompts in the plugin settings to refine AI-generated outputs.
  3. Stay Updated: Keep the ACF Copilot plugin updated to access new features and improvements.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Invalid API Key: Double-check that the API key is correctly copied and hasn’t expired.
  2. API Errors: Verify your OpenAI account’s billing status and usage limits.
  3. Plugin Conflicts: Deactivate other plugins temporarily to identify conflicts.
For further support, visit the ACF Copilot Support Page or the OpenAI Help Center.

Conclusion

Integrating OpenAI’s API with the Advanced Custom Fields Copilot plugin unlocks powerful AI-driven features like Code Snippets and AI Field Generator. By following this guide, you can set up and start leveraging these tools to enhance your WordPress development process. For more information on maximizing the potential of OpenAI’s API, check out OpenAI Documentation and stay ahead in WordPress customization!
How Will I Get Regular Plugin Updates?
Plugin updates for Advanced Custom Fields Copilot Pro are delivered seamlessly, just like any other plugin installed on your WordPress website. When an update is available, you will be notified directly within your WordPress Admin dashboard, under Dashboard > Updates or Plugins > Installed Plugins, similar to plugins hosted on the WordPress.org Plugin Repository.

Enabling Auto-Updates

For convenience and security, it is strongly recommended to enable the “Enable auto-updates” option for the plugin. By doing so, your site will always run the latest version of Advanced Custom Fields Copilot Pro, ensuring compatibility, new features, and protection against vulnerabilities. Learn more about plugin auto-updates in this guide.

Licensing and Updates

You will continue to receive plugin updates and support as long as your license remains active and valid. Updates include:
  • New features or enhancements
  • Security patches
  • Compatibility improvements with the latest WordPress version
If your license expires or you cancel auto-renewal—whether directly from your account on the plugin’s website or via PayPal—you will no longer receive updates or support for the plugin. However, the plugin will still function on your site in its current version.

License Expiry Notifications

Before your license expires, you will receive an email notification to remind you to renew. This ensures you have ample time to renew and maintain access to updates and support. For more details about license management, refer to the plugin documentation or contact plugin support. By staying updated, you ensure your website remains secure and benefits from the latest features of Advanced Custom Fields Copilot Pro.
How do I Activate the Plugin License?
After successfully installing and activating the Advanced Custom Fields Copilot Pro plugin, you must enter your license key to unlock its features. If the license key is not entered or is invalid, you will see the message: “Invalid or empty license key! You need to enter and activate your license on the License page.”

Locating Your License Key

Your license key is provided at the time of purchase and can be found in several places:
  1. Purchase Receipt: After completing your payment, the license key will be displayed on the purchase confirmation page.
  2. Email Confirmation: Check the inbox of the email address you used during registration for a receipt that includes your license key.
  3. My Account Section: Log in to your account on the plugin’s website and navigate to My Account > Orders to view your license key.
If you need help locating your license key, refer to the plugin support documentation.

Activating Your License

  1. Log in to your WordPress Admin area and navigate to the Advanced Custom Fields Copilot Pro settings page.
  2. Click on the License tab. If this is your first time, the license status will show as Inactive, indicating no license has been entered.
  3. Copy your license key and paste it into the license activation field.
  4. Click the Activate License button.
If the activation is successful, you will see the message: “Plugin license key has been activated successfully!” The license status will change from Inactive to Active.

Start Using the Plugin

Once your license is activated, you can access all the features and updates included with your purchase. For more details on licensing and troubleshooting, visit the plugin’s FAQ.
How to Install the Plugin in WordPress?
Installing the Advanced Custom Fields Copilot Pro plugin through WordPress is the easiest and most user-friendly method. It requires no additional software and can be done directly from your WordPress Admin area. However, if you lack permission to upload plugins via WP Admin (common in restricted hosting environments), you will need to use an alternative method, such as FTP or SFTP.

Installing via WordPress Admin (Preferred Method):

  1. Download the Plugin: After purchasing the plugin, log in to your account on the plugin website and download the advanced-custom-fields-copilot-pro.zip file to your computer.
  2. Upload the Plugin: In your WordPress Admin area, navigate to Plugins > Add New. At the top of the page, click the Upload Plugin button. Browse to the advanced-custom-fields-copilot-pro.zip file you downloaded, select it, and click Install Now. For more details, refer to this guide.
  3. Activate the Plugin: Once the installation completes successfully, click the Activate button to enable the plugin.

Important Notes:

  • If you already have the free version of the plugin installed, it will either need to be deactivated manually or will deactivate automatically upon activating the pro version. WordPress does not allow both versions of the plugin to be active simultaneously.
  • After activation, you can access the plugin’s main settings page from the WordPress Admin menu.

Alternative Method: Installing via FTP/SFTP:

If you cannot install via the WordPress dashboard, you can use FTP or SFTP tools such as FileZilla or WinSCP. This method requires extracting the plugin zip file and uploading it to your server under the wp-content/plugins directory. Following these steps ensures your plugin is correctly installed and activated, ready for use. Should you encounter issues, visit the WordPress support forums or contact plugin support for assistance.
How to Install the Plugin with FTP or SFTP?
To install the Advanced Custom Fields Copilot Pro plugin, you can upload the plugin files to your server via FTP or SFTP using tools such as FileZilla or WinSCP. Follow the steps below for a seamless installation process:
  1. Download the Plugin: After purchasing the plugin, log in to your account on the plugin website and download the advanced-custom-fields-copilot-pro.zip file to your computer.
  2. Unzip the Archive: Extract the downloaded zip file into a folder named advanced-custom-fields-copilot-pro. This will contain all the necessary plugin files. If you’re unsure how to unzip files, refer to this guide.
  3. Upload the Plugin Files: Using your preferred FTP or SFTP client (e.g., FileZilla or WinSCP), connect to your server and navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory. Upload the extracted advanced-custom-fields-copilot-pro folder into this directory. Learn more about FTP in WordPress documentation.
  4. Activate the Plugin: Once the upload is complete, log in to your WordPress Admin dashboard. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins, locate Advanced Custom Fields CopilotPro, and click Activate.

Important Notes:

  • If you already have the free version of the plugin installed, you must either deactivate it manually or let it deactivate automatically during this process. WordPress does not allow both the free and pro versions of the plugin to be active simultaneously.
  • After activation, you can access the plugin’s features from its main settings page in your WordPress Admin area.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure the plugin is correctly installed and ready to use on your WordPress site. Should you encounter any issues, refer to the WordPress troubleshooting guide or contact support for assistance.