Card headlines
A short headline, or the subtitle instead.
Content / widget · Elementor module
ACF Text Fallback Chain Widget Plugin for Elementor
Show the first of up to three ACF Text or Textarea fields that is filled in on the post, then the excerpt or title, with line breaks kept and optional shortening.
Included in All AccessClassic Elementor widgetFrom $29 USD / year
Complementor / ACF text fallback chainProduct preview
Text, style and layout controls inside Elementor
01 / Interactive demonstration
Try it
These are the actual published widgets reading fields saved on the demo page.
02 / Inside WordPress
ACF text fallback chain controls in Elementor
Fallback chain picks up to three Text or Textarea fields in order and a last resort of the excerpt or title, with keeping line breaks, shortening to words, the editor-only source note, text before and after, text when all are empty, the HTML tag and an icon. The Style tab covers the text and surface, the line height and longest line, and the icon.
03 / Website use cases
Where to use acf text fallback chain
Templates for cards and posts often need a short line that not every post has: a card headline on some, only a subtitle or summary on others. This widget shows the first of up to three ACF Text or Textarea fields that has text on the current post, then optionally the post’s excerpt or title, keeping line breaks, shortening long text to a number of words, and saying in the editor which source it used.
Summaries
A summary field, or the excerpt.
Mixed content
Posts filled in at different times.
04 / Installation and setup
How to show the first filled-in ACF field in Elementor
Start with Complementor installed and your license connected. Enable this module in the WordPress library, then configure it in Elementor.
Install Advanced Custom Fields and Complementor, connect your license and enable ACF text fallback chain in the Complementor library.
Add the widget to your post, page or card template.
Choose the fields in the order you prefer them.
Pick the excerpt or title as a last resort, if you like.
Choose the HTML tag and style it like the rest of your card.
05 / Content and style controls
Customize acf text fallback chain in Elementor
Configure the settings available for this module to suit the page you are building.
Up to three Text or Textarea fields in order.
The excerpt or title as a last resort.
Blank fields and fields of spaces are skipped.
Line breaks kept from Textarea fields.
Shorten to a number of words.
An editor-only note of which source is shown.
06 / Choose the right approach
ACF text fallback chain and Elementor alternatives
Compare the existing Elementor workflow with this Complementor module before choosing your setup.
ACF field text template
Several fields in one sentence.
ACF field equality notice
A notice when two fields match.
07 / Requirements and compatibility
ACF text fallback chain compatibility with Elementor
- Requires Elementor and Advanced Custom Fields.
- Reads Text and Textarea fields saved on the post being viewed.
- Shows plain text; markup in the fields is removed.
Complementor uses classic Elementor APIs. Atomic-native controls are not implemented. Check your theme, cache and integrations on a staging site before release.
08 / Common setup problems
Troubleshoot acf text fallback chain
Check these settings if the published page behaves differently from the editor.
Why do I see nothing?
Every chosen field is empty on this post; pick the excerpt or title as a last resort or add text for that case.
Why is a field skipped?
It is blank or holds only spaces on this post.
Why is my excerpt not used?
Only an excerpt written for the post is used, not one made from the content.
ACF text fallback chain plugin questions
Does it need Elementor Pro?
No. It works with the free versions of Elementor and Advanced Custom Fields.
Can visitors see which field was used?
No. That note appears only in the Elementor editor.
Does it keep formatting from the fields?
It keeps line breaks and shows plain text; markup is removed.
Can I shorten long summaries?
Yes. Set a number of words; shortened text ends with an ellipsis.
Is it accessible?
Yes. It is plain text in the HTML tag you choose, and the icon is decorative.
10 / Annual All Access subscription
Get acf text fallback chain with Complementor
This module is included with all 1007 current Complementor solutions. Choose your production website allowance; every plan includes the same modules.
One website
$29USD / year
- All 1007 current modules
- Plugin downloads and updates for one year
- New releases during the paid term
- Product support
Renews at $29 USD each year.
A few websites
$49USD / year
- All 1007 current modules
- Plugin downloads and updates for one year
- New releases during the paid term
- Product support
Renews at $49 USD each year.
More websites
$99USD / year
- All 1007 current modules
- Plugin downloads and updates for one year
- New releases during the paid term
- Product support
Renews at $99 USD each year.
Applicable taxes extra. Annual subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled in your customer account. Elementor Pro is required for Exclude current post. Read the terms and 14-day technical-issue refund policy.