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Image Gallery For Free ACF Plugin

Introduction​

Divi 5 — two gallery paths
  • Native Divi Gallery — Use Insert Dynamic Content on the core Gallery module when a simple field-backed grid is enough (Native modules and dynamic content).
  • Machine Gallery/Slider — Use the steps below when you need the Gallery/Slider module (sliders, complex grids, group/repeater sources, or the free-ACF “group of images” pattern).

With Divi Machine, you can create ACF galleries without needing the Pro version of ACF. This workaround uses an ACF Group field to mimic a gallery structure and display it using Divi Machine’s Gallery/Slider module.

  1. Go to ACF Settings and either create a new field group or edit an existing one.
  2. Add a new field and set the Field Type to Group.
  3. Give the group field a name, such as Portfolio Gallery.

Step 2: Add Image Fields to the Group​

Add as many Sub Fields as you desire with Type Image.

  1. Inside the group, add individual image fields.
  2. Give each image a Label, but make sure the Name of each image field uses the same prefix and a suffix like _1, _2, _3, etc.

Example:

  • Label: Portfolio Image 1 -> Name: portfolio_image_1
  • Label: Portfolio Image 2 -> Name: portfolio_image_2
  • Label: Portfolio Image 3 -> Name: portfolio_image_3

tip

All sub-field names must share a common prefix. This is how Divi Machine recognizes them as part of a gallery.

Step 3: Add Images in the Post Editor​

When editing a post or custom post, upload images to each image field inside the group.

Step 4: Adding the Gallery/Slider Module​

  1. Edit your Theme Builder template or page with Divi where you want the gallery to appear.
  2. Add the Gallery/Slider module.
  3. In the module settings:
    • Set Layout Type to Grid or Slider (based on your design preference).
    • Set Gallery Type to Group field with image fields inside.
    • In ACF Group Field Name, enter the name of the group field you created (e.g. portfolio_gallery).
    • In ACF Group Image Name, enter the shared prefix of the image fields (e.g. portfolio_image).

It is very important that you enter for example portfolio_image and NOT portfolio_image_1 with the suffix or Portfolio Image as plain text like this for the ACF Group Image Name. :::
info

You can build a custom grid layout for your Gallery/Slider module if you want something other than a standard or masonry grid. See how to easily do this in our article on Building a Unique Gallery Grid (Grid Custom Code).