How to Use WordPress get_post_meta to Display Custom Fields?

Since its inception, WordPress has been one of the best ways to start a website. Whether you want to create a single page site or start a full-blown eStore, WordPress has the resources that can help. But what if you need more flexibility than the standard post types and taxonomies?

Well, you can use custom fields to store additional info within your pages and posts. But how do you actually display this custom data on your site? That’s where the WordPress get_post_meta function comes in.

I’ll explain through this blog how the WordPress experts use get_post_meta to display the custom fields. Let’s begin.

WordPress get_post_meta Function

The get_post_meta function in WordPress is a powerful tool that allows you to retrieve custom field data associated with a specific post. This function is essential for customizing your WordPress website and displaying dynamic content.

How It Works

• Custom Fields: You create custom fields to store additional information beyond the standard post fields like title, content, and categories.   
• get_post_meta Function: This function takes three parameters:
  • Post ID: The ID of the post you want to retrieve data from.   
  • Meta Key: The unique name of the custom field.
  • Single Value: A boolean value indicating whether to return a single value or an array of values.   
• Retrieving Data: The function fetches the specified custom field value(s) from the WordPress database and returns them.

This function can help enhance the functionality and flexibility of your WordPress website.

Basic Syntax & Parameters of get_post_meta

The basic syntax for the get_post_meta function is:

get_post_meta( $post_id, $key, $single );

Parameters:

• $post_id: This is the ID of the post you want to retrieve the metadata from.
• $key: This is the meta key (name) of the custom field you want to retrieve.
• $single: This is a boolean value. If set to true, the function will return a single value. If set to false, it will return an array of values.

<?php

// Get the ID of the current post
$post_id = get_the_ID();

// Get the value of a custom field named 'phone_number'
$phone_number = get_post_meta( $post_id, 'phone_number', true );

// Display the phone number
echo '<p>Phone Number: ' . $phone_number . '</p>';

The get_post_meta function is commonly used in template files like single.php or page.php to display custom field data on specific post or page types.

How to Use the get_post_meta Function in WordPress?

You can use the get_post_meta function in your WordPress website one of two ways. You can either go the manual coding route or use a WordPress plugin.

Manual Method

Let’s see how you can use the get_post_meta function manually, without any plugin.

Step 1: Log into your WordPress admin dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to Appearance > Theme File Editor.

Step 3: Locate the single.php file within the anatomy of a WordPress theme.

Step 4: Add the following snippet at the end of the file before the <?php closing tag.

echo get_post_meta(Post ID, 'key', true );

Remember to change the values in this code snippet according to your needs.

Step 5: Next, add the WordPress loop, so the code can pull and display the retrieved data. Here’s an example of a code excerpt displaying post meta value at the bottom of your WordPress post.

<?php if ( have_posts() ) : while ( have_posts() ) : the_post(); ?>

<?php endwhile; else: ?>

<?php endif; ?>

This step is optional.

Step 6: Save the changes by clicking “Update File”.

You can access this file using the cPanel offered by your WordPress hosting provider.

Using a Plugin

The best WordPress plugin for this process would be Advanced Custom Fields (now known as Secure Custom Fields). It offers a user-friendly interface to create and display custom fields without needing to write complex code.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Log into the WordPress dashboard and install the ACF plugin.

Step 2: Go to Custom Fields > Add New.

Step 3: Give your field group a name and select the post types where you want to use it (e.g., ‘post’, ‘page’, or a custom post type).

Step 4: Add fields to your field group, such as text, image, select, or repeatable fields.

Step 5: Use the get_field() function to retrieve the value of a specific field:

<?php

$phone_number = get_field('phone_number');

echo '<p>Phone Number: ' . $phone_number . '</p>';

With this method, you can add a wide range of field types to suit various needs and make your site more dynamic and flexible.If you need help with this process, get our professional WordPress development services.

FAQs on WordPress get_post_meta

Let’s Summarize

The get_post_meta function is a powerful tool in your WordPress arsenal, so you can retrieve and display custom field data. That helps enhance the dynamic nature of your website. With its basic syntax, parameters, and common use cases, you can use get_post_meta function to create personalized and engaging user experiences.

Remember to consider performance implications, especially when dealing with a large number of custom fields. Employ caching techniques and optimize your queries to ensure a smooth user experience.

If you need help with this function and more, hire our WordPress professionals today!