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Custom Metadata Manager
A code-only developer plugin for registering custom fields on posts, pages, custom post types, users and comments.
The facts
- Rating
- 4.4★ from 5
- Active installs
- 700+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 21 Aug 2026
- Added
- Oct 2010
- Requires WP
- 6.4
- Tested up to
- WP 7.1
- Requires PHP
- 7.4
- Downloads
- 17,015
Our analysis
AI-assistedCustom Metadata Manager is a WordPress plugin designed for developers to add custom fields to various object types, including posts, pages, and custom post types. It allows for a code-based approach to registering fields, ensuring that these fields are stored alongside your theme or plugin code rather than through a point-and-click interface.
This plugin is particularly beneficial for developers who work across multiple environments, as it eliminates the need for database synchronisation. The fields are grouped into metaboxes and can be rendered with built-in field types or custom callbacks, providing flexibility in how data is managed and displayed.
Best for: This plugin is best suited for developers looking to manage custom fields in WordPress through code.
What it does well
- ✓Provides a consistent API for adding custom fields
- ✓Fields are stored through standard WordPress metadata APIs
- ✓No database synchronisation needed when moving between environments
- ✓Fields remain available even if the plugin is deactivated
- ✓Well-documented API reference for developers
Where it falls short
- •Not suitable for users who prefer a visual interface
- •Requires coding knowledge to implement
Verdict
Custom Metadata Manager offers a robust solution for developers needing custom field functionality, though it may not be ideal for those without coding skills.
From the developer
Mohammad Jangda's own description of Custom Metadata Manager, lightly tidied.
Custom Metadata Manager gives developers a single, consistent API for adding custom fields to any object type in WordPress: post, page, any custom post type, user and comment. Rather than offering a point-and-click interface, it follows the WordPress approach of registering content in code, so your fields live alongside the rest of your theme or plugin.
Fields are grouped into metaboxes, stored through the standard WordPress metadata APIs, and remain available even if the plugin is later deactivated. You can render fields with the built-in field types or supply your own display and sanitisation callbacks, and you can include or exclude fields and groups for specific objects, either by ID or through a callback.
This approach is particularly useful when working across multiple environments (local, staging and production), because your field definitions travel with your code and need no database synchronisation.
Usage
Custom Metadata Manager is a developer-focused plugin: you register your fields and groups in code, typically from a theme’s functions.php or your own plugin. The full API reference — object types, registering fields and groups, include and exclude rules, multifields and worked examples — is documented in DEVELOPERS.md.
Contributing
Contributions are welcome. Please read CONTRIBUTING.md for how to set up a local environment, run the tests and submit a pull request.
Support
Please report bugs and request features through the GitHub issue tracker.
Credits
Custom Metadata Manager is maintained by Automattic, and was originally created by Stresslimit. Thank you to the many community contributors who have helped shape the plugin.
License
This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License, version 2 or later, as published by the Free Software Foundation. It is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the LICENSE file for the full licence text.
Tagged as
purpose
Custom Fields & Post Types
audience
Developers
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