The ACF Export Add-On Pro (currently in beta) is an extension for Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), a popular WordPress plugin used for creating custom fields and content management solutions. The ACF Export Add-On Pro provides enhanced export features, allowing you to easily export and import custom field groups and field configurations from one WordPress site to another. This is especially useful for developers and agencies managing multiple WordPress sites or migrating sites with complex custom fields.

Key Features:

1. Export Custom Field Groups:
   • This add-on allows you to export ACF field groups, including all field types, settings, and values, from one site to another.
   • It provides a way to move complex field structures (e.g., fields for post types, taxonomies, user fields) between different environments (like staging to production).
2. Import/Export Options:
   • The Pro version offers more powerful import/export capabilities than the free version, such as bulk exporting and importing field groups and data.
   • You can export ACF field settings (but not necessarily data), making it ideal for site migrations or deploying changes to other sites.
3. Export to JSON:
   • The add-on allows you to export ACF field groups as JSON files. These files can be easily imported into another WordPress site using the same plugin.
4. Field Configuration Preservation:
   • When you export and import fields, the configurations such as field types, instructions, conditional logic, and layout settings are preserved.
5. Support for Flexible Content Fields:
   • The add-on supports exporting flexible content fields (like repeating field groups) and ensures that the layout and structure are replicated correctly on the new site.
6. Custom Post Type Compatibility:
   • It works with custom post types and other custom content types, ensuring that custom fields assigned to different post types are properly exported and imported.
7. Pro Version Enhancements:
   • As the Pro version is still in beta, you can expect more advanced export features like batch exports, enhanced customization for which fields to export, and improved handling of large datasets.
8. Version Control & Sync:
   • The add-on could potentially allow you to sync ACF field groups between environments, providing version control or easy management of field structure changes across multiple sites.

How to Use:

1. Install ACF Plugin:
   • You must have the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin installed and activated on your WordPress site.
2. Install the ACF Export Add-On Pro:
   • Since it’s in beta, you would typically download the ACF Export Add-On Pro from the developer’s website or a beta program. Install it via the WordPress plugin dashboard by uploading the add-on file.
3. Export Field Groups:
   • After activating the plugin, go to the ACF field group management area in your WordPress dashboard.
   • You will see a new option for exporting field groups. Choose the field groups you want to export, and the plugin will generate a JSON file with the field group configurations.
4. Import Field Groups:
   • On the target site, install ACF and the Export Add-On Pro (if not already installed).
   • Use the import option to upload the previously exported JSON file. The field groups and their settings will be replicated on the new site.
5. Customization:
   • If needed, you can customize the export settings before exporting, such as filtering specific field groups, choosing to export specific fields, or excluding unnecessary settings.

Benefits:

• Time-Saving: Instead of manually copying field group settings and configurations between sites, this add-on automates the process, making migrations and site duplication faster and more reliable.
• Consistency: Ensures that field structures are replicated exactly, reducing the chances of mistakes when moving ACF data.
• Developer-Friendly: Ideal for developers who need to export and import field groups frequently between staging, testing, and live sites.
• Backup & Restore: The ability to export your ACF field configurations allows you to keep a backup of your custom field setups, useful for restoring or moving to another server.

Ideal For:

• WordPress Developers: Who manage multiple sites and need to move or replicate field structures quickly and easily.
• Agencies: Working on client projects with complex custom fields that need to be migrated across environments or clients’ sites.
• Site Migrations: When migrating a site from one domain or server to another, the ACF Export Add-On Pro ensures custom fields are properly moved.

Considerations:

• Beta Version: As it’s still in beta, there might be bugs or limitations that need attention. Be cautious when using it on live sites.
• ACF Pro Compatibility: This add-on is designed to work with ACF Pro, so ensure you have the correct version installed.
• Field Data: This add-on focuses on the field groups' structure and configuration, not necessarily the content (values) stored in those fields. You may need to use other methods to migrate content data itself.

Conclusion:

The ACF Export Add-On Pro (beta) is an excellent tool for developers and WordPress site managers who frequently work with Advanced Custom Fields. It significantly simplifies the process of exporting and importing field groups, configurations, and settings, especially in environments with complex custom field structures. If you’re working with multiple WordPress sites or require easy migration of ACF configurations, this addon will save you time and effort.