Integrating Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) with a media library plugin enables developers to add custom metadata, organize media files, and streamline workflows. ACF support in media library plugins allows for tailored fields, enhancing functionality for galleries and content management. Here are some top WordPress media library plugins that excel in supporting Advanced Custom Fields, each offering unique tools to optimize media management.
Media Library Folders Pro
Media Library Folders Pro is a versatile plugin with robust support for Advanced Custom Fields. Its folder-based organization integrates seamlessly with ACF, enabling developers to attach custom fields—such as tags, categories, or alt text—to media files. These fields can automate content assignments or enhance searchability. The plugin’s hooks extend ACF functionality for custom integrations with external systems.
It also supports bulk imports via FTP, cloud storage like Amazon S3, and automatic URL updates to prevent broken links. With SEO optimization and thumbnail regeneration, it’s ideal for complex media management needs.
Enhanced Media Library
Enhanced Media Library is a lightweight, user-friendly WordPress plugin that seamlessly integrates with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), enabling developers to leverage ACF’s custom taxonomies and fields for robust media organization. Users can create unlimited custom taxonomies (e.g., categories, tags, or project-specific attributes) and apply ACF fields to media files, streamlining asset assignment and filtering in the media library and popups.
The plugin supports basic export/import of settings and taxonomies for site migration but lacks cloud storage integration. With its intuitive interface and PRO version features like bulk editing and advanced search, it’s ideal for both small and large projects requiring efficient, ACF-driven media management workflows.
WP Media Folder
WP Media Folder integrates folder-based media organization with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) support, enabling developers to add custom metadata or display preferences to media files within its folder system. It offers seamless cloud integrations with services like Google Drive, Amazon S3, and others, allowing ACF fields to enhance the management of external media.
The “Replace Media” feature, compatible with ACF, allows users to update media files while preserving URLs to avoid broken links. While ACF integration is not as deeply specialized as some dedicated ACF plugins, WP Media Folder provides a robust, user-friendly solution for medium-sized projects seeking efficient media organization with custom field capabilities.
Real Media Library
Real Media Library stands out as a top contender for the best WordPress media library plugin, especially for its seamless integration with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF). This powerful plugin transforms WordPress media management by allowing users to organize thousands of files into folders, collections, and galleries, mimicking a file manager like Windows Explorer. Its virtual folder structure ensures URLs remain unchanged, preventing broken links while offering drag-and-drop functionality for easy file organization.
The dedicated ACF add-on enhances its capabilities, enabling developers to link media folders directly to custom fields, streamlining content management for complex websites. With support for multiple languages, compatibility with popular page builders, and a robust developer API for customization, it caters to both beginners and professionals.
Pods Framework
The Pods Framework is a powerful WordPress plugin for creating and managing custom content types, such as Custom Post Types, Custom Taxonomies, and Advanced Content Types, while also extending existing WordPress objects like the Media library. With its native field management system, Pods enables developers to add custom fields and taxonomies to media files—such as attributes or gallery settings—tailored to specific workflows.
Its flexibility supports complex integrations, like linking media to external data through relationship fields. While Pods requires some technical expertise and is not solely media-focused, it is ideal for developers building bespoke solutions for diverse content management needs.
Summary
Real Media Library and Media Library Folders Pro stand out as top choices for WordPress media library plugins with robust Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) integration. Real Media Library excels with its intuitive folder-based system and dedicated ACF add-on, streamlining media organization for complex websites. Meanwhile, Media Library Folders Pro offers powerful ACF support, seamless cloud integrations, and SEO optimization, making it ideal for developers managing extensive media libraries. Both plugins enhance workflows with custom field capabilities, catering to diverse content management needs.