# the_field()

## Description

Displays the value of a specific field.

Intuitive and powerful, this function can be used to output the value of any field from any location. Please note this function is the same as `echo get_field()`.

## Parameters

```
the_field($selector, [$post_id], [$format_value]);
```

- `$selector` *(string)* *(Required)* The field name or field key.
- `$post_id` *(mixed)* *(Optional)* The post ID where the value is saved. Defaults to the current post.
- `$format_value` *(bool)* *(Optional)* Whether to apply formatting logic. Defaults to true.

## Examples

### Display a value from the current post

This example shows how to display the value of field "text\_field" from the current post.

```
<h2><?php the_field('text_field'); ?></h2>
```

### Display a value from a specific post

This example shows how to display the value of field "text\_field" from the post with ID = 123.

```
<h2><?php the_field('text_field', 123); ?></h2>
```

### Check if value exists

This example shows how to check if a value exists before displaying it.

```
<?php if( get_field('text_field') ): ?>
    <h2><?php the_field('text_field'); ?></h2>
<?php endif; ?>
```

### Get a value from different objects

This example shows a variety of valid **$post\_id** values that specify where the value is saved.

```
$post_id = false;           // current post
$post_id = 123;             // post ID = 123
$post_id = "user_123";      // user ID = 123
$post_id = "term_123";      // term ID = 123
$post_id = "category_123";  // same as above
$post_id = "option";        // options page
$post_id = "options";       // same as above

the_field( 'my_field', $post_id );
```

## Notes

Prior to ACF 5.11, `the_field()` could be used to display the values of options or meta for items not associated with ACF fields. This had security implications as site options could be exposed. `the_field()` also could display values of fields that are no longer registered with ACF.

This was updated in ACF 5.11, see the [Updates to ACF Field Functions in 5.11](https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/resources/acf-field-functions/) resource for more info.