ACF, Gutenberg, or Full Site Editing: Which Will Dominate in 2025?

WordPress in 2025: What’s New and What’s Next?

As of early 2025, WordPress remains a leading content management system (CMS), powering over 40% of all websites. Recent estimates show that its market share in the CMS sector has exceeded 60%. The plugin catalog offers over 60,000 options, while the number of available themes has surpassed 10,000. With a large and supportive community, WordPress can meet a diverse range of needs, reinforcing its status as the most popular CMS in the world.

Why is WordPress Still the King of CMS?

One of the primary reasons for WordPress’s popularity is its simplicity, in addition to a limitless ability to expand, which benefits both end users and developers as users can start small and expand the website while their services or businesses grow. Also, it is highly customizable, integrates seamlessly with third-party systems, and provides comprehensive documentation.

The Best Content Management Tools in 2025: Which One Should You Use?

In 2025, WordPress will remain a versatile platform offering a range of content management solutions. The most popular include:

• Gutenberg (Block Editor)
• ACF (Advanced Custom Fields)
• Page Builders (such as Elementor, Divi, etc.)

Choosing the best approach for a specific project or client can be challenging. Let’s take a closer look at each option to help you make a well-informed decision.

ACF: The Powerhouse for Structured Data & Customization

ACF is a plugin designed to manage structured data. It enables developers to create custom fields, implement specific functionalities, apply unique styles, and more. One of its greatest strengths is its proven stability and versatility in managing dynamic content and complex integrations.

Why Choose ACF?

Integration with External Systems

It is ideal for projects that need to retrieve content from external sources, such as client-owned CMS, learning management systems (LMS), customer relationship management (CRM) tools, or medical and sports databases. ACF enables dynamic content population and data display on the front end, tailored to meet specific business requirements.

Perfect for Complex Projects with Multiple CPTs

ACF is particularly effective in highly structured content scenarios, where managing dynamic blocks and various content types is essential.

Full Control Over Content Structure

ACF provides detailed specifications for the required data transfer and display, ensuring organized and user-friendly content presentation.

ACF Limitations: What You Should Know

It remains a plugin

Although ACF is quite versatile, its functions are limited by plugin regulations. Any custom logic that ACF does not support will require additional development time, which may lead to bugs.

Visual limitations in the admin panel

Content managers often find it difficult to preview pages before publishing, especially in projects that use multiple templates and dynamic fields.

Premium features require a paid license

Some advanced features of ACF are exclusive to the Pro version, which may increase project costs.

🎥 Filling the Hero Section for the Page Template

Gutenberg: A Native and Future-Proof Solution

Gutenberg has been undergoing significant evolution in recent years and provides numerous advantages:

Native to WordPress

This ensures seamless integration, full compatibility, and increased customization options without the need for third-party builders.

Real-Time Visual Editing for Instant Previews

Content managers can instantly preview their page while editing, enabling efficient updates.

Custom Blocks & Built-in Features

Gutenberg offers built-in blocks and the ability to create custom blocks tailored to specific project requirements.

Gutenberg Drawbacks: Is It for Everyone?

It is ideal for:

• For landing pages and business brochure websites, 
• For clients who prefer flexible layouts instead of rigid templates,
• For projects where visual editing is a primary requirement.

Limitations of Gutenberg

User Experience Concerns

Some users find Gutenberg’s user interface and experience less intuitive than traditional page builders.

Adaptation Period for New Users

Transitioning from builders like Elementor or Divi may require time to adapt to Gutenberg’s format.

Managing Multiple Content Editors

If multiple content managers are working on the site, it is crucial to implement access restrictions to avoid accidental changes to the content.

Evolving Features

Some features may still seem unfinished or may need further customization.

🎥 Custom Quote Slider Block in Admin and on Page

Hybrid Approach: ACF + Gutenberg – Best of Both Worlds?

For projects needing structured data management and visual editing, combining ACF with Gutenberg can be an ideal approach.

Structured Data Meets Visual Editing: The Ultimate Combo

1. Supports complex content structures while ensuring an intuitive user interface.
2. Allows for the creation of highly customizable templates without compromising ease of content editing.
3. Enhances content management workflows by offering structured input fields and real-time previews. 

When Should You Use ACF + Gutenberg Together?

This method is applicable to projects of all sizes, from small business websites to large-scale enterprise solutions.

🎥 Custom Hero Section Block in Admin and on Page

The Final Verdict: What’s Your Best Bet for 2025?

• In 2025, WordPress remains the most popular CMS, providing a variety of solutions:
• Need structured content with precise data control?→ Use ACF (Advanced Custom Fields).  
• Seeking flexibility with native WordPress features? → Choose Gutenberg.  
• Interested in a hybrid approach that combines structure with visual editing? → Use ACF in conjunction with Gutenberg.  
• Looking for full drag-and-drop customization? → Consider page builders like Elementor.  

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