WordPress is a powerful tool for bloggers. It helps you create and manage your blog easily. One of the features you can customize is the comments form. Adding custom fields to the comments form can make your blog more interactive.

Credit: stackoverflow.com
Why Add Custom Fields?
Custom fields can gather more information from your readers. They can also make your blog comments more interesting. For example, you can ask for the reader’s social media handle. Or you can ask for their favorite book. This can help create a sense of community.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to add custom fields to your comments form in WordPress:
- Backup Your Site
Before making changes, always backup your site. This ensures you can restore it if something goes wrong. - Access Your Theme’s Functions File
You need to edit your theme’s functions.php file. You can do this through the WordPress admin panel. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor. Find the functions.php file. - Add Code to functions.php
Add the following code to your functions.php file. This code will add a new field to your comments form:
function add_custom_comment_fields($fields) {
$fields['your_custom_field'] = '';
return $fields;
}
add_filter('comment_form_default_fields', 'add_custom_comment_fields');
This code adds a text field to your comments form. You can change your_custom_field to anything you like.
Display Custom Fields in Comments
Now, we need to display the custom fields in the comments. Add this code to your functions.php file:
function save_custom_comment_meta($comment_id) {
if ((isset($_POST['your_custom_field'])) && ($_POST['your_custom_field'] != ''))
$your_custom_field = wp_filter_nohtml_kses($_POST['your_custom_field']);
add_comment_meta($comment_id, 'your_custom_field', $your_custom_field);
}
add_action('comment_post', 'save_custom_comment_meta');
function display_custom_comment_meta($comment) {
$your_custom_field = get_comment_meta($comment->comment_ID, 'your_custom_field', true);
if ($your_custom_field) {
echo 'Your Custom Field: ' . $your_custom_field . '
';
}
}
add_filter('comment_text', 'display_custom_comment_meta');
This code saves the custom field data and displays it with the comment.
Test Your Changes
It is important to test your changes. Go to your blog and leave a comment. Make sure the custom field appears. Check if the data saves and displays correctly. If you face issues, double-check your code. Ensure there are no typos.
Common Issues and Solutions
Sometimes, you may face issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Custom field not showing | Check your code for errors. Ensure you added it to the correct file. |
Data not saving | Ensure your field name matches in all parts of the code. |
Data not displaying | Check the display code. Ensure you are using the correct field name. |

Credit: www.wpbeginner.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Custom Fields In WordPress Comments?
Custom fields are extra data fields added to the comments form. They allow users to provide additional information.
How Can I Add Custom Fields To The Comments Form?
Use a plugin or add code to your theme’s functions. php file. Both methods work.
Which Plugins Are Best For Adding Custom Fields?
Some popular plugins are Advanced Custom Fields, Custom Comment Fields, and WPForms.
Is Coding Required For Adding Custom Fields?
Not necessarily. Plugins can help. But you can also add custom code if you prefer.
Conclusion
Adding custom fields to the comments form in WordPress is easy. It can make your blog more engaging. Follow the steps carefully. Always test your changes. This way, you can ensure everything works well.
We hope this guide helps you. Happy blogging!