Understanding Checkout Field Editor Compatibility with WooCommerce Blocks and HPOS

If you use the 'Checkout Field Editor (Checkout Manager) for WooCommerce' plugin, you've likely encountered two major compatibility questions: Does it work with the new WooCommerce Blocks? And is it compatible with High-Performance Order Storage (HPOS)? These are among the most common support topics for this popular plugin. This guide explains the current state of compatibility and provides workarounds for users.

The Core Compatibility Issues

The two main areas of concern are:

1. WooCommerce Blocks (Checkout Block/Cart Block): The new block-based checkout experience introduced by WooCommerce.
2. High-Performance Order Storage (HPOS): WooCommerce's new database structure for orders, designed to improve performance.

WooCommerce Blocks Compatibility Status

Based on numerous user reports and official responses, the 'Checkout Field Editor (Checkout Manager) for WooCommerce' plugin is not currently compatible with the WooCommerce Checkout Block or Cart Block.

Why isn't it compatible?

The primary reason is technical. The plugin, like many others that add custom checkout fields, relies on specific WordPress hooks and filters that are present in the classic checkout experience. The new block-based checkout, built on a different architecture, currently lacks these necessary hooks and filters. The plugin's developers have stated they are waiting for WooCommerce to provide the necessary integration points before they can offer compatibility.

What is the recommended workaround?

If you need to use the custom checkout fields, the most reliable solution is to revert to the classic checkout experience on your site. You can do this by:

1. Editing your Checkout page.
2. Removing the Checkout Block.
3. Adding the classic [woocommerce_checkout] shortcode to the page.

Using this shortcode will trigger the classic checkout workflow, which is fully compatible with the Checkout Field Editor plugin and will allow your custom fields to appear and function correctly.

High-Performance Order Storage (HPOS) Compatibility Status

The status of HPOS compatibility is more nuanced. The developers have stated that compatibility has been added in recent versions of the plugin. However, some users on the latest version (e.g., 2.0.2) have still reported seeing incompatibility warnings from WooCommerce.

What should you do?

1. Update the Plugin: First, ensure you are running the absolute latest version of the 'Checkout Field Editor (Checkout Manager) for WooCommerce' plugin. The developers have explicitly stated that HPOS support is included in an update.
2. Check for Conflicts: If you are updated and still see a warning, a conflict with another plugin is possible. One user discovered they had two different checkout field plugins active from different authors, which was causing the issue. Deactivate any unused or redundant plugins.
3. Verify the Author: Ensure you are using the correct plugin. The official plugin is developed by 'ThemeHigh'. Confusion can arise if multiple similar plugins are installed.

If you have confirmed you are on the latest version of the correct plugin and the HPOS warning persists, it may indicate a more complex conflict that requires deeper technical investigation.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• WooCommerce Blocks: Not compatible. Use the [woocommerce_checkout] shortcode as a workaround to enable the classic checkout.
• HPOS: Compatibility has been declared by the developers. Update to the latest plugin version and check for conflicts with other plugins if issues arise.

The development team for 'Checkout Field Editor (Checkout Manager) for WooCommerce' has indicated they are actively monitoring both of these WooCommerce features and will provide further compatibility updates as the WooCommerce core development progresses.