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[Resolved] Custom Fields or Taxonomies

This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
I am trying to understand if I should use Custom Fields or Taxonomies.

It seems to me that when creating a page for a client to complete,
some fields will be completed by selecting from a drop down list and some fields such as a description will need to enter text.

Therefore will a data entry page have both Custom Fields and Taxonomies.
Solution:
Custom fields are used to store extra information for a post, while Taxonomies are used to cluster the posts. So, basically:

- Use custom fields if you need to add additional data to a specific post
- Use taxonomies if you have information that is shared across many posts

By what you have described, I’m afraid that the custom fields would be a better choice. You can often achieve the same using custom fields or taxonomies. Here is a general list of recommendations on which option to use:

Use custom fields when you want to:

- Add information that is specific to the post
- Add information that you want to order posts by
- Add post data whose primary use is to display additional information for the post

Use taxonomies when you want to:

- Add information that is shared (the same) between many posts
- Add hierarchical information (i.e. categories with subcategories)
- Have an archive page on the front-end so you can browse posts by categories

Relevant Documentation:

Please make sure to check our documentation related: https://toolset.com/course-lesson/using-custom-fields-vs-taxonomy/

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#2470549

Hello support,
I am trying to understand if I should use Custom Fields or Taxonomies.

It seems to me that when creating a page for a client to complete,
some fields will be completed by selecting from a drop down list and some fields such as a description will need to enter text.

Therefore will a data entry page have both Custom Fields and Taxonomies.

Thank your for your help.

John

#2470903

Mateus Getulio
Supporter

Languages: English (English )

Timezone: America/Sao_Paulo (GMT-03:00)

Hello John,

Welcome to the Toolset support forum!

Custom fields are used to store extra information for a post, while Taxonomies are used to cluster the posts. So, basically:

- Use custom fields if you need to add additional data to a specific post
- Use taxonomies if you have information that is shared across many posts

By what you have described, I’m afraid that the custom fields would be a better choice. You can often achieve the same using custom fields or taxonomies. Here is a general list of recommendations on which option to use:

Use custom fields when you want to:

- Add information that is specific to the post
- Add information that you want to order posts by
- Add post data whose primary use is to display additional information for the post

Use taxonomies when you want to:

- Add information that is shared (the same) between many posts
- Add hierarchical information (i.e. categories with subcategories)
- Have an archive page on the front-end so you can browse posts by categories

Please make sure to check our documentation related: https://toolset.com/course-lesson/using-custom-fields-vs-taxonomy/

Let me know if this explanation is clear to you and solves the question. Thanks!

Best regards,
Mateus.

#2471099

My issue is resolved now. Thank you!

This ticket is now closed. If you're a WPML client and need related help, please open a new support ticket.