How to update custom field value in WordPress

Description

Updates the value of a specific field.

Parameters

update_field($selector, $value, [$post_id]);

• $selector (string) (Required) The field name or field key.
• $value (mixed) (Required) The new value.
• $post_id (mixed) (Optional) The post ID where the value is saved. Defaults to the current post.

Return

(bool) True on successful update, false on failure.

Examples

Updating via field name

This example shows how to update the value of a field called ‘views’ on the current post being viewed.

// Get the current value.
$count = (int) get_field('views');

// Increase it.
$count++;

// Update with new value.
update_field('views', $count);

Updating via field key

This example shows how to achieve the same result as above using the field’s key instead of its name. The field’s key should be used when saving a new value to a post (when no value exists). This helps ACF create the correct ‘reference’ between the value and the field’s settings.

Each value saved in the database is given a ‘reference’ of the field’s key. This allows ACF to connect a value with its field. ACF does this so it can format values when loaded based of the field type and settings. For example, the image field contains a setting to return an array of image data instead of the attachment ID.

// Get the current value.
$count = (int) get_field('field_123456');

// Increase it.
$count++;

// Update with new value.
update_field('field_123456', $count);

Update a value from different objects

This example shows a variety of $post_id values to update a value from a post, user, term and option.

$post_id = false; // current post
$post_id = 1; // post ID = 1
$post_id = "user_2"; // user ID = 2
$post_id = "category_3"; // category term ID = 3
$post_id = "event_4"; // event (custom taxonomy) term ID = 4
$post_id = "option"; // options page
$post_id = "options"; // same as above

update_field( 'my_field', 'my_value', $post_id );

Saving values to a new post.

This example will demonstrate how to create a new post, and save multiple field values to it.

// Create new post.
$post_data = array(
    'post_title'    => 'My post',
    'post_type'     => 'post',
    'post_status'   => 'publish'
);
$post_id = wp_insert_post( $post_data );

// Save a basic text value.
$field_key = "field_123456";
$value = "some new string";
update_field( $field_key, $value, $post_id );

// Save a checkbox or select value.
$field_key = "field_1234567";
$value = array("red", "blue", "yellow");
update_field( $field_key, $value, $post_id );

// Save a repeater field value.
$field_key = "field_12345678";
$value = array(
    array(
        "sub_field_1"   => "Foo",
        "sub_field_2"   => "Bar"
    )
);
update_field( $field_key, $value, $post_id );

// Save a flexible content field value.
$field_key = "field_123456789";
$value = array(
    array( "sub_field_1" => "Foo1", "sub_field_2" => "Bar1", "acf_fc_layout" => "layout_1_name" ),
    array( "sub_field_x" => "Foo2", "sub_field_y" => "Bar2", "acf_fc_layout" => "layout_2_name" )
);
update_field( $field_key, $value, $post_id );

Notes

No change detected

If the value passed to this function is the same as the value that is already in the database, this function returns false.

Related Basic: get_field() Functions: delete_field()

Overview

This guide will discuss how to update the Advanced Custom Fields (and PRO version) plugin on your website. Updates can be applied by either of the two methods shown below.

One click update

The Advanced Custom fields plugin can be updated via the ‘Plugins’ page found in your WordPress website admin area. Updates will appear when available and can be applied by simply clicking on the ‘update now’ button.

This method of update is also available for ACF PRO, however, you will also need to activate your license. This is easily done via the ‘Custom Fields -> Updates’ admin page. If your license has not been activated and an update is available, you will be notified when viewing the ‘Plugins’ page.

Manual update

You may also apply plugin updates manually by copying and pasting the plugin files into your ‘wp-content/plugins’ folder. You can download the Advanced Custom Fields plugin files from the WordPress repository page and the ACF PRO plugin files from your account online.

There is no loss or change to data whilst modifying the plugin’s files making it safe to delete and re-upload the plugin folder.

Notes

Some updates may trigger a prompt to upgrade the DB. The logic to check if a DB upgrade is required will run in the admin area after a new version number is detected, therefore, it is fully compatible with both the update methods listed above.

Related Guides: How to activate