access acf repeater within group in bricks builder

3 min read 23-01-2025

access acf repeater within group in bricks builder

This article explains how to access and display Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) repeater fields nested within a group field using Bricks Builder. This common scenario requires understanding how to correctly structure your ACF fields and then leverage Bricks Builder's dynamic data capabilities.

Understanding the Field Structure

Before diving into the Bricks Builder implementation, let's ensure you have the correct ACF field setup. You'll need a group field containing a repeater field. For example:

Group Field (e.g., "Section"): This holds the overall section settings.
Repeater Field (e.g., "Items"): Inside the group, this allows for multiple repeatable items.
Sub-fields within Repeater: These are the individual fields within each repeatable item (e.g., "Title", "Image", "Description").

Example ACF Field Structure:

Group Field: Section
    - Text Field: Section Title
    - Repeater Field: Items
        - Text Field: Item Title
        - Image Field: Item Image
        - Text Area: Item Description

Accessing the Data in Bricks Builder

Bricks Builder's dynamic data feature allows you to access and display this nested data. Here's how to do it:

1. Add a Loop

Since you have a repeater field, you'll need a loop to iterate through each repeated item. In Bricks Builder, this is typically achieved using a dynamic block or a similar structure provided by the builder. Look for options related to looping or repeating content – the exact terminology might vary depending on your Bricks Builder version.

2. Accessing Group Field Data

First, you need to access the data within the group field itself. In the settings of your loop, find where you can specify the data source. You will usually select your ACF group field (e.g., "Section"). This will make the group's data available within the loop.

Note: If you're not using a loop, you will need a method within Bricks Builder to retrieve data from the parent group field to use it outside the loop. The specific method depends on the builder’s functionality.

3. Accessing Repeater Field Data Within the Loop

Inside your loop, you can now access the repeater field. You'll likely find options to select the repeater field (e.g., "Items") as the data source within the loop. This will allow access to the individual repeated items.

4. Accessing Sub-fields

Within the loop, you can now access the individual sub-fields from the repeater. This is where you'll use the dynamic data feature of Bricks Builder to pull in the content of each sub-field (e.g., "Item Title", "Item Image", "Item Description"). The exact method to access these fields will depend on Bricks Builder's implementation, but will typically involve selecting the field name from a dropdown menu or entering a code snippet.

Example Implementation (Conceptual)

Let's assume your loop block in Bricks Builder allows you to select data sources. The implementation would look something like this:

Add a Loop Block: Add a loop block to your Bricks Builder page.
Select Data Source: Select your "Section" (group field) as the outer data source.
Inner Loop: Within the loop, select the "Items" (repeater field) as the data source.
Display Data: Inside the inner loop, use dynamic data features to display the "Item Title", "Item Image", and "Item Description" fields.

The specific steps might be slightly different depending on the version of Bricks Builder and its interface. Consult the Bricks Builder documentation for the precise methods.

Troubleshooting

Incorrect Field Names: Double-check that you're using the exact names of your ACF fields. Case sensitivity matters.
ACF Conflicts: Ensure there are no conflicts with other plugins or themes that might interfere with ACF's functionality. Deactivate other plugins temporarily to rule this out.
Caching Issues: Clear your browser's cache and your website's caching plugins to ensure you're seeing the latest data.
Bricks Builder Updates: Make sure your Bricks Builder version is updated to the latest release.

By carefully following these steps, you can efficiently access and display ACF repeater fields nested within group fields using Bricks Builder. Remember to consult the official documentation for both ACF and Bricks Builder for specific instructions tailored to your versions.