Content2M+ users

Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Alternative for Next.js & Astro

The most popular custom fields plugin for WordPress. Learn how modern CMS solutions handle custom content.

TL;DR

You don't need Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) after migrating to Next.js or Astro. Modern frameworks offer built-in solutions or lightweight npm packages that replace Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) with better performance and zero plugin bloat. See the alternatives below.

Official docs: Next.js Documentation · Astro Documentation

The Problem with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)

ACF adds complexity to WordPress and creates custom database structures. Headless CMS solutions offer better content modeling.

Modern Alternatives

Payload CMS Collections

Define content schemas in TypeScript with full type safety.

library

Pros

  • Type-safe
  • Code-based config
  • Self-hosted

Cons

  • Requires hosting
  • Learning curve

How to Implement

Define collections in Payload config with fields matching your ACF setup.

Sanity Schemas

Flexible content modeling with GROQ queries.

service

Pros

  • Powerful queries
  • Real-time
  • Customizable studio

Cons

  • Usage limits on free
  • Hosted service

How to Implement

Define document schemas that mirror your ACF fields.

MDX Frontmatter

Store custom fields in YAML frontmatter for static content.

code

Pros

  • Simple
  • Git-based
  • No database

Cons

  • No visual editor
  • Manual validation

How to Implement

Define frontmatter schema with Zod and Contentlayer.

Migration Steps

1

Export ACF field groups configuration

2

Map ACF field types to new CMS equivalents

3

Create schemas in new CMS

4

Export content with ACF data

5

Transform and import to new CMS

6

Update frontend to use new data structure

Code Example

// Payload CMS collection matching ACF fields
const Posts: CollectionConfig = {
  slug: 'posts',
  fields: [
    {
      name: 'title',
      type: 'text',
      required: true,
    },
    {
      name: 'featuredImage',
      type: 'upload',
      relationTo: 'media',
    },
    {
      name: 'author',
      type: 'relationship',
      relationTo: 'users',
    },
    {
      name: 'customFields',
      type: 'group',
      fields: [
        { name: 'subtitle', type: 'text' },
        { name: 'readTime', type: 'number' },
        { name: 'isFeatured', type: 'checkbox' },
      ],
    },
  ],
};

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep the same content structure?
Yes! Map your ACF fields to equivalent fields in Payload, Sanity, or Strapi. The structure will be very similar.

Related Plugin Alternatives

Guides for Replacing Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)

In-depth guides and tutorials to help with your migration

Ready to Leave WordPress Behind?

Migrate your entire WordPress site to Next.js - including replacing Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) functionality.

Start Free Migration

Browse all migration guides →