This guide explains how to import custom fields (such as Advanced Custom Fields / ACF) from WordPress export data into Shopify metafields using Blog Importer.
By converting your XML file to a CSV and adjusting the column names in Google Sheets, you can easily centralize and manage complex extended data.
The Challenge: Losing Custom Fields During Migration
Extended data created in WordPress using plugins like “Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)” is often ignored by standard migration tools. Manually creating corresponding metafields in Shopify and copying the data one by one is extremely time-consuming and prone to human error.
By combining Blog Importer’s “XML to CSV Converter” with its CSV import feature, you can safely and efficiently bulk-migrate this data.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Export from WordPress
From your WordPress admin dashboard (Tools > Export), export your XML file ensuring custom fields are included. Select either “All content” or “Posts”.
Step 2: Convert XML to CSV
Convert the exported XML file into a Shopify-formatted CSV using our XML to CSV Converter Tool.
Step 3: Open in Google Sheets
Open the converted and downloaded CSV file in Google Sheets (or Microsoft Excel).
Step 4: Verify Custom Field Columns
Ensure that columns named metafield_custom_xxx exist within your spreadsheet. These contain the custom field values extracted from WordPress.
Step 5: Add Metafields in Shopify
Log into your Shopify admin panel. Navigate to Settings > Custom data > Metafields > Blog posts (or the relevant definition) and add metafields that correspond to the custom fields in your CSV.
Step 6: Rename Columns
In Google Sheets, rename the metafield_custom_xxx columns to match the exact namespace and key of the metafields you added in Shopify (e.g., custom.attribute_name).
Step 7: Edit Data (Optional)
If necessary, modify and adjust the data directly within the spreadsheet. You can also perform bulk replacements here.
Step 8: Import with Blog Importer
Open Blog Importer, upload your edited CSV file, and start the import process.
Pro Tip: Test Import Recommended Custom metafields require strict data type matching. To prevent data inconsistencies, we strongly recommend running a test import with just a few records first to verify they display correctly in your Shopify admin.
FAQ
Does it support all data types?
Currently, we primarily support single-value data types (e.g., text, numbers, URLs). List formats or complex object types may be imported as plain text strings.
Why are my metafields not displaying?
Double-check that your metafield definitions are correctly set up in the Shopify admin. Additionally, ensure your CSV headers strictly follow the “namespace.key” format (e.g., custom.my_field).
Edit Blogs Using Spreadsheets
Learn how to use CSV templates and master advanced editing techniques using spreadsheets.
Migrate Your Blog from WordPress
Check here for the standard WordPress migration steps using direct XML file uploads.
