How to migrate blog content built with ACF flexible content into a Divi site without losing layout

Migrating blog content between WordPress themes can be straightforward—until custom field systems like ACF Flexible Content are involved. When not handled properly, entire posts can appear empty or lose their layout after migration.

In this case, a WordPress site migration resulted in blog posts importing without images, formatting, or content structure. The root cause was a mismatch between ACF Flexible Content layouts and a new Divi-based theme.

Issue Background

• Blog posts were imported into a new WordPress environment
• The new site used the Divi theme
• The original site used Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Flexible Content

After import:

• Titles and publish dates appeared
• Images, layouts, and content sections were missing

Diagnosis

1. Content stored in ACF Flexible Content

• 18+ layout types were used
• Content stored in structured custom fields, not the editor

2. Divi does not render ACF data by default

• Data existed in the database
• But no frontend rendering occurred

3. Missing field groups and templates

• ACF field groups were not fully recreated
• Original PHP templates were missing

Resolution Steps

1. Export posts with ACF data

• Used WP All Export or database export
• Included all custom fields

2. Import ACF field groups

• Recreated or imported all field groups
• Matched original structure

3. Copy rendering templates

• Retrieved PHP template files from original theme
• Moved into Divi child theme

4. Add rendering logic

if( have_rows('flexible_content_field') ):
  while ( have_rows('flexible_content_field') ) : the_row();
    get_template_part('template-parts/' . get_row_layout());
  endwhile;
endif;

5. Integrate with Divi

• Used Code module or shortcode in Divi Theme Builder
• Divi handles layout, ACF handles content

6. Apply styling adjustments

• Removed legacy elements
• Added custom CSS with unique classes

Final Outcome

• All content displayed correctly
• Layouts preserved
• No manual rebuild required

Key takeaway

When migrating ACF Flexible Content:

• Migrate both data and structure
• Reuse original rendering logic
• Avoid rebuilding layouts in Divi

If you need help migrating complex WordPress content or ACF structures, Freshy can help:

Contact Freshy