In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of integrating Make.com with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) in WordPress. You’ll learn how to automate the synchronization of various data types, including text, images, and repeating groups, to enhance your WordPress experience.
Overview
Integrating Make.com with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) in WordPress simplifies how I manage content. This process allows for seamless synchronization of various data types, including text, images, and repeating groups. By leveraging these tools, I can automate data transfer efficiently, enhancing my workflow when creating or updating posts.
To begin, it’s essential to understand the foundational elements involved in this integration. ACF serves as a powerful plugin that enables the addition of custom fields to WordPress posts. This flexibility allows for more tailored content, making it easier to manage diverse data types. Meanwhile, Make.com provides a robust platform for automation, allowing me to create scenarios that connect different applications and services.
Throughout this guide, I’ll explore the steps involved in creating and updating posts in WordPress, using JSON for ACF fields, importing data from Airtable, handling repeater fields with iterators, and setting up ACF for API access. Each section will break down the process in a way that’s easy to follow, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with technical jargon can grasp the concepts.
Creating and Updating Posts in WordPress
Creating a post in WordPress via Make.com involves a few straightforward steps. Initially, I need to establish a connection to my WordPress site. If I haven’t set up a connection yet, it’s crucial to do so by installing the necessary plugin on my site.
Once the connection is established, I can proceed to create a new post. I’ll input a title and some content. For instance, I might title the post “Test Post” followed by a random number for differentiation. After selecting the post type, I can save the post.
Next, I need to transfer data into the ACF fields. This involves making an API call where I specify the post ID and use the POST method. The body of the request must be formatted correctly. It should start with a curly bracket followed by “ACF” and include all relevant fields within additional curly brackets. This structure allows for a clear and organized data transfer.
For example, if I’m adding a title and description, my JSON might look something like this:
{
"ACF": {
"title": "Test Title",
"description": "Test Description"
}
}After saving this structure, I can run the module to see if the post updates successfully. If done correctly, the post should now reflect the title and description added through the ACF fields.
Using JSON for ACF Fields
JSON plays a crucial role in transferring data to ACF fields. The format must be precise to avoid errors during the data transfer process. To create a JSON structure, I can use the ‘Create JSON’ module in Make.com. This allows me to define a data structure that aligns with the fields I’ve set up in ACF.
When constructing the JSON, I need to ensure that each field corresponds to its designated type in ACF. For instance, if I have a field for calories as a number, I’ll represent it in the JSON accordingly.
In practice, this means that my JSON data structure must be organized and clear. I’ll typically start by defining the overall structure, then filling in each field with the relevant data. For example:
{
"ACF": {
"title": "Recipe Title",
"description": "This is a delicious recipe.",
"calories": 350,
"image": 123
}
}Once the JSON is ready, I can save it and run the module to ensure that the data is transferred correctly. This method streamlines the process of updating posts, allowing me to manage content efficiently.
Importing Data from Airtable
Importing data from Airtable into WordPress is a powerful feature that enhances my content creation process. To start, I need to set up a connection with my Airtable base. This involves selecting the appropriate table and specifying any filters I want to apply, such as only pulling records with a certain status.
Once the connection is established, I can create a new post using data imported from Airtable. For example, I can pull the title and description directly from my Airtable records. This is particularly useful for managing large amounts of content, as I can quickly create posts based on existing data.
After selecting the relevant fields from Airtable, I proceed to sync this data to WordPress. By running the module, I can create a new post populated with the title and description fetched from Airtable.
Handling Repeater Fields with Iterators
Repeater fields in ACF allow for the inclusion of multiple entries under a single field. This is particularly useful for recipes, where I might want to list multiple ingredients. To handle these repeater fields, I need to set up iterators in Make.com.
First, I’ll create a router to manage the flow of data. This router will direct the process to the iterator, which will loop through the IDs of the ingredients that I’ve linked in Airtable. This step is crucial as it allows me to gather all necessary ingredient data for the final post.
After the iterator is established, I can retrieve each ingredient’s details from Airtable. This involves using the ‘Get a Record’ module to fetch the data for each ingredient based on its ID. Once I have the ingredient details, I’ll construct the JSON structure that reflects the ingredient name, amount, and unit.
Finally, I need to aggregate the data from the iterator into a single JSON structure that ACF can accept. This involves combining all ingredient entries into one JSON array, ensuring that they are formatted correctly for the repeater field in ACF.
Setting Up ACF for API Access
To make ACF fields accessible via the API, I need to enable the “Show in REST API” option for each field group. This setting is crucial as it allows Make.com to interact with the ACF fields effectively. It’s important to check the version of ACF being used, as this option is only available from version 5.11 onwards.
After ensuring the correct settings are applied, I can easily access and update ACF fields through API calls made from Make.com. This integration is integral to my workflow, allowing me to automate content updates without manual intervention.
By following these steps, I can create a streamlined process for managing my WordPress content using Make.com and ACF. This not only saves time but also enhances the overall efficiency of my content management system.
Creating JSON Structures
Creating JSON structures is essential for transferring data to ACF fields accurately. I utilize the ‘Create JSON’ module in Make.com to define this structure. This module allows me to specify the data format that matches the ACF fields in WordPress.
When I set up the JSON, I ensure each field corresponds to its designated type in ACF. For example, if I have a field for calories, which is a number, I represent it correctly in the JSON format.
To illustrate, my JSON data structure might look like this:
{
"ACF": {
"title": "Recipe Title",
"description": "This is a delicious recipe.",
"calories": 350,
"image": 123
}
}Once I finalize the JSON, I run the module to verify the data transfers correctly. This method makes updating posts seamless, allowing for efficient content management.
Mapping Fields to ACF
Mapping fields to ACF is crucial for ensuring that data flows correctly from Make.com to WordPress. I carefully align each field in my JSON with the corresponding ACF field name. This alignment is vital for successful data transfer.
For instance, if I have a field labeled “calories” in ACF, I must ensure that my JSON includes a corresponding key named “calories.” This consistency prevents errors during the transfer process.
Additionally, I need to pay attention to the data types. Text fields in ACF should receive string values in JSON, while number fields should receive numerical values. This attention to detail ensures that my posts update correctly with the desired content.
Connecting with Airtable
Connecting Airtable to my workflow enables me to pull data effortlessly into WordPress. I start by establishing a connection with my Airtable base. This involves selecting the relevant table and setting filters to refine the data I want to import.
Once the connection is established, I can create new posts using data from Airtable records. For instance, I might pull the title and description directly from my Airtable base. This capability is especially beneficial for managing large amounts of content efficiently.
After selecting the necessary fields from Airtable, I sync this data to WordPress. By running the module, I can create a new post filled with the title and description fetched from Airtable.
Uploading Media Items
Uploading media items to WordPress from Airtable involves a few steps. First, I retrieve the image URL from my Airtable records. This is done by using the ‘Get File’ module to fetch the image URL.
Next, I create a media item in WordPress. I map the image URL to the media item module. To avoid issues with image overrides in Make.com, I often append a timestamp or similar identifier to the image URL.
After the media item is uploaded, I receive a media ID in return. This ID is crucial because ACF requires it to link the image to the corresponding post. I then edit my JSON structure to include this media ID under the image field.
Aggregating Recipe Ingredients
Aggregating recipe ingredients is a vital step when working with repeater fields in ACF. I utilize an iterator to handle multiple ingredient entries efficiently. This process starts with creating a router and then an iterator to loop through the ingredient IDs linked in Airtable.
Each ingredient’s details are retrieved using the ‘Get a Record’ module. I fetch the data based on the ingredient ID. With this information, I construct a JSON structure representing the ingredient name, amount, and unit.
Once I have all ingredient details, I aggregate them into a single JSON array. This array needs to be formatted correctly to match the repeater field requirements in ACF. This step ensures that all ingredients are represented correctly in the final post.
Finalizing the Workflow
Finalizing the workflow involves ensuring all components work together seamlessly. I review each step to confirm data flows correctly from Airtable to WordPress. This includes verifying that all fields are correctly mapped and that the JSON structures are accurate.
After running the entire scenario, I check WordPress to ensure the post reflects all updates. This includes the title, description, image, and ingredients. If all data appears correctly, I know my workflow is functioning as intended.
In practice, I also update the status of records in Airtable after syncing. This prevents the same records from being processed repeatedly. By managing the status, I maintain an efficient workflow without unnecessary duplication.
