Custom Block-Building Features in ACF: What You Need to Know

The custom block-building features in ACF allow you to add functionality to your WordPress site that the core block does not have. With ACF Blocks, you can create any custom block that you need and require. 

The core WordPress blocks offer various functionalities. They are generally used and only suitable for basic content requirements. These WordPress core blocks are flexible and lightweight. However, they are less customizable and not enough for advanced uses. For example, if you need extensive template customization, tailor-specific designs, or a core functionality, you will need custom blocks. This is where ACF Custom Blocks come to your rescue. 

In this blog, we will discuss everything about the custom block-building features in ACF that you need to know. Make sure you read until the end. Now, without further ado, let us get right into the topic! 

What are ACF Custom Blocks?

Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is a powerful WordPress plugin. It allows you to create any custom Gutenberg blocks that are dynamic and customizable. You can also build additional content editing fields throughout the WordPress interface. Similarly, you can create detailed and unique layouts for your websites. You can tailor your content and website to your requirements. You can design anything from texts to images, checkboxes, meta boxes, user profiles, and custom post types.

The ACF Blocks are features of the ACF Pro version, which is premium. It does not require JavaScript and is built using PHP and ACF’s Block API. Similarly, it uses a PHP template file or callback function to render the block. It also provides full control over the HTML output. The ACF Blocks plugin was specifically designed for developers and content managers. Therefore, it offers powerful functions to enhance and expand the features. The intuitive interface and easy-to-use features do not require any coding. You can focus on designing custom blocks for your site without having to worry about technical aspects.

Features of ACF Custom Blocks

Some of its most notable features of custom block-building features in ACF are as follows: 

Seamless Gutenberg Integration: ACF custom blocks seamlessly integrate with Gutenberg. They appear directly in the Gutenberg editor, along with other core WordPress blocks. Developers can easily organize these ACF blocks by assigning custom icons, categories, and keywords. 

Easy Block Registration: It is easy to register ACF custom blocks. Thus, if you are familiar with PHP, you can register these blocks. You do not need to know complex codes like JavaScript. You can register the block using the function acf_register_block_type (). 

Custom Field Integration: ACF custom blocks integrate with custom fields. Wide field types are available, such as text, image, repeater, gallery, and more. The interface is interactive and user-friendly for content editors. Thus, it makes it easier for developers to create custom blocks. 

Dynamic Rendering: Another notable feature of ACF custom blocks is their dynamic rendering. ACF renders these custom blocks on the server. It uses PHP templates, so the developer has full control over the design and output. The ACF fields’ data can also be displayed dynamically. Thus, it enables a unique layout and advanced functionality. 

Performance Enhancement: The ACF custom blocks can help you improve your website’s performance. Unlike JavaScript, they are lightweight and reusable with PHP-based templates. Thus, it helps in performance optimization. The content is consistent and accurate as developers have full control over the block’s HTML structure and styling.

Advantages of Custom Block-Building Features in ACF

Easy customization

One of the major advantages of custom block building is the ease of customization. With the help of custom block-building features in ACF, you can easily create unique layouts and designs that fit your needs. There are more than 30 field types available with ACF. It includes text, images, galleries, repeaters, and more. Moreover, there is no need for technical knowledge, such as JavaScript or React. Developers have more freedom to create unique and responsive web designs. 

Flexibility and control 

ACF’s custom block-building features offer developers full control. It is one of the best plugins for the WordPress Gutenberg editor. It allows you to create highly customized and dynamic content. You can customize the field types of each custom block so that the content structure matches your website’s needs. Similarly, developers have full control over the block’s HTML structure and CSS styling. ACF offers an intuitive interface for managing complex content for even non-technical content editors. It is also a flexible content block within WordPress. 

Compatibility 

Another advantage of ACF is its compatibility feature. It fully integrates with the WordPress Gutenberg block editor and functions like a core block. Similarly, it integrates with any WordPress theme. These custom blocks adapt to the theme’s structure and maintain the website’s design consistency. Similarly, the ACF custom blocks are compatible with popular WordPress plugins. It allows you to extend the block’s functionality. These blocks are also compatible with multilingual plugins and fully support WordPress’s REST API. 

Real-time editor previews

The ACF custom blocks support real-time editor previews. It enhances the editing experience in the WordPress Gutenberg editor. You can see the changes in content in the Gutenberg editor instantly. Hence, it eliminates the need for multiple previews. It also makes it simple for non-technical users to edit the content. One can toggle between editing and preview modes with ease. The ACF custom block-building real-time editor preview massively improves the editing experience. It helps to reduce errors and increase productivity. 

Enhanced website performance 

One advantage of custom block-building features in ACF is enhanced website performance. These custom blocks are lightweight, so your site runs efficiently with faster page loading times. Improved loading speed leads to better user engagement and lower bounce rates. The ACF custom blocks generate cleaner and more efficient code. You can use the advanced features. They reduce the server load and improve the website’s performance. In addition to the website’s performance, ACF also enhances the site’s functionality. 

Cost-effective

As mentioned before, the ACF custom blocks are a premium version of ACF Pro. It is a subscription-based plugin that costs a one-time, budget-friendly fee without recurring fees. ACF is also cost-effective as it simplifies block creation and reduces development time. There is also no need for additional or resource-heavy third-party plugins to create custom layouts or functionality. Moreover, the custom blocks built in ACF are reusable across multiple pages. These lightweight blocks reduce the usage of website resources and lower hosting costs. Due to its budget-friendliness, ACF is ideal for small projects with limited budgets. 

Process of building ACF Custom Blocks

The process of building custom blocks in ACF is straightforward. Here is how you can do it:

1. Install and activate ACF Pro

The first step to building new block using ACF is to purchase the ACF Pro plugin, as it is a premium feature. Then, you need to upload and activate the plugin through the WordPress admin. You can activate it by clicking Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin. 

2. Plan your custom block

After installing ACF Pro, the next step is to plan your custom ACF block. You need to decide what custom block functionalities you need for your WordPress website. 

3. Register the block 

Next, you need to register your block. You need to use the acf_register_block_type () function in your plugin or theme’s function.php file. You will come across some key parameters during the block registration process, which are as follows: 

• name: It is a unique identifier for the block. The name should be in a lowercase and use hyphenated string. 
• title: It is the name of the block that appears in the WordPress editor. It is a human-readable name and is displayed in the block inserter. 
• description: This is a brief description of the block that helps users understand its purpose. It is optional but provides clarity.
• render_template: This file is the path to the PHP template file used to render blocks on the front end. It allows you to define how the block content is rendered. 
• category: It is the category under which the custom blocks are listed in the block inserter. You can either choose an existing category or create a new one. 
• icon: It is an icon that will represent the block in the block inserter. You can use a Dashicon class, SVG string, or custom icon. 
• keywords: This is a collection of search keywords that help you find the block in the block inserter. 
• supports: This parameter indicates whether the block feature is supported or blocked. You can control features like alignments, custom styles, modes, etc. 
• acf_block: Use acf_block for block registration function. 

4. Create PHP template

The next step is to create a PHP template file. For this, you need to create a new folder structure for your block and add a PHP file named custom-block.php. This PHP file is your custom block’s render template. 

5. Add ACF Fields

After creating a PHP template, you need to add custom fields for your block. You will have to follow the following steps: 

• Go to Custom Fields> Add New in the WordPress admin dashboard.
• Create a new field group for your block.
• Add required fields (heading, text, image, content, etc.). 
• Go under location and set it to Block > Block is equal to Custom Block. 

6. Design the custom block

It is time to design your custom block. To do this, add CSS and JavaScript to your block. Create a CSS file for the block in the appropriate files. Add the stylesheet to your theme or plugin by enqueuing it.

7. Run a test on your block

The next step is to run a test on your block in the editor. You can do this by:

• Go to the WordPress block editor. 
• Add your custom block and search for “Testimonial” in the block selector. 
• Fill in the custom fields. 
• Preview the custom block on the front end. 

8. Optimize and refine the block 

It is time to optimize the custom blocks. You can test the responsiveness and cross-browser compatibility. You can use CSS media queries to ensure the block is responsive on all devices. Similarly, you can optimize asset loading to improve the site’s performance. You should validate fields and, if necessary, improve error handling. 

9. Publish

Finally, if you are satisfied with your custom block’s design and functionality, you can publish and use it for your WordPress site. 

Conclusion

The Advance Custom Fields’s extensive features make it one of the essential WordPress plugins. These are some major things you need to know about the custom block-building features in ACF. Anyone familiar with PHP can use the plugin with ease. It is a premium plugin that makes designing custom blocks easy. Even non-tech users can use the block template without the need for technical knowledge like JavaScript. The ACF custom block helps to add extensive functionality to WordPress’s core block.

ACF is a powerful and versatile plugin. Its custom blocks are excellent for customizing and managing your WordPress website and its content. Using ACF blocks not only enhance your site’s performance but also the user experience. We hope you will find the information on ACF custom block-building features useful. If you have any queries, you can leave a comment or contact us directly!

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