Custom fields, also called user-defined fields, are individual data fields used in content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress to add additional information to a post, page, or custom post type. They allow website developers and administrators to flexibly design content by customizing and managing specific information that is not included in the default editor of a CMS.
Advantages of Custom Fields
- Flexibility: Custom fields offer web developers the ability to structure information more precisely and give the editorial team more options when creating content. For example, specific data such as pricing, contact information, or technical details can be added and updated separately from the main content of the page.
- Integration: Custom Fields can be seamlessly integrated into website templates. Web developers can access Custom Fields values using PHP or other programming languages and dynamically integrate them into the layout or content rendering.
- Extensibility: By using Custom Fields, a web developer can customize the CMS to meet specific requirements without relying on additional add-ons or plugins. From simple texts to more complex custom input fields, this feature offers the possibility to develop more comprehensive and customized solutions for clients.
Application in WordPress
In WordPress, Custom Fields can be added directly in the post or in page editing. Using Custom Fields in WordPress often requires basic knowledge of PHP to integrate them into the theme templates. Alternatively, plugins such as Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) or Pods can be used to make it easier to create and manage custom fields and automatically generate the PHP code.
Custom Fields and SEO
Although custom fields are predominantly used for structuring content and extending layout options, they can also have an indirect impact on a website's SEO ranking. By helping to increase the quality and relevance of the content on a page, custom fields not only support the user experience, but can also lead to better indexing of the website by search engines.
