CPT Excel Importer – Custom WordPress Plugin for Dynamic Excel to CPT Imports

Project Overview:

A client required a flexible and user-friendly solution to import structured data from Excel spreadsheets into Custom Post Types (CPT) within WordPress. The plugin needed to support various meta field frameworks (JetEngine, ACF, MetaBox), allow dynamic field mapping, and enable ongoing data updates without duplication.

Key Requirements:

• Import .xlsx and .xls Excel files into any existing CPT

• Dynamic field mapping interface (Excel columns to post title, content, meta, and taxonomies)

• Compatibility with JetEngine, ACF, and MetaBox for handling meta fields

• Support for updating existing posts based on a unique identifier (external_id)

• Admin interface for managing mappings and running imports

• AJAX-powered taxonomy loading for a smooth user experience

Delivered Solution:

A custom WordPress plugin named CPT Excel Importer was developed to meet these requirements. It provides:

• A dynamic admin interface for field mapping and importing

• Integration with the PhpSpreadsheet library for modern Excel file support

• AJAX features for taxonomy loading based on selected CPTs

• Safe handling and sanitization of all imported data

• Compatibility with WordPress 6.5+ and PHP 7.4+

Technology Stack:

• WordPress (Custom Plugin Development)

• PhpSpreadsheet (Excel File Parsing)

• JavaScript + AJAX (Dynamic UI for field mapping and taxonomy handling)

• JetEngine / ACF / MetaBox (meta field compatibility)

• Composer (library management)

Outcome:

The solution streamlined the client’s data import workflow, eliminated the need for manual data entry, and reduced errors. It empowered site admins to manage bulk content updates across multiple post types with minimal technical knowledge.