Auto Populate Wordpress ACF Repeater values

README.md

Add default values to ACF Repeater Fields

I came across this solution when I had about a ton of posts (200+) with values in various PDFs. I didn't want to have to spend time filling out the same values over and over again.

Walkthrough

This case is pretty straight forward; I have one repeater field field_123a56b7cb890 that has a text fields inside it (field_588a24c3cb782). I haven't tried any other types like post objects or radio buttons, but I'm sure it can be done.

Step 1. Hook into acf/load_value on your repeater field. You can use type/key/name as desired here.

Step 2. Check the post_status to see if it is set to 'auto-draft', this is WP default when you create new post. If you want to override current values in posts you can change it to 'publish'

Step 3. Set $value to your array of default values. Above, I have 4 rows by default on new posts. Each post_type had different values so I check the post_type and add the values that way.

Step 4. Return the $value. Make sure you always return it – even if you haven’t modified it.

functions.php

    // Add field key of the repeater
    add_filter('acf/load_value/key=field_123a56b7cb890',  'afc_load_my_repeater_value', 10, 3);
	function afc_load_my_repeater_value($value, $post_id, $field) {
 
        //Optional: Check for post_status otherwise published values will be changed.
		if ( get_post_status( $post_id ) === 'auto-draft' ) {
            
             //Optional: Check for post_type.
			if( get_post_type( $post_id ) == 'cpt_type_1' ){
				$value	= array();

                // Add field key for the field you would to put a default value (text field in this case)
				$value[] = array(
					'field_588a24c3cb782' => 'Tank:'
				);
				$value[] = array(
					'field_588a24c3cb782' => 'Dimensions:'
				);
				$value[] = array(
					'field_588a24c3cb782' => 'Weight:'
				);
				$value[] = array(
					'field_588a24c3cb782' => 'Base:'
				);
			}

			if( get_post_type( $post_id ) == 'cpt_type_2'  ){
				$value	= array();
				$value[] = array(
					'field_588a24c3cb782' => 'Capacity:'
				);
				$value[] = array(
					'field_588a24c3cb782' => 'Load Rating:'
				);
				$value[] = array(
					'field_588a24c3cb782' => 'Dumping Methods:'
				);
				$value[] = array(
					'field_588a24c3cb782' => 'Color:'
				);
			}
		}
		return $value;
	}