Plugin
Updated
MB Builder
MB Builder is a WordPress plugin by Meta Box that extends the Meta Box plugin with a visual editor. It lets you create custom meta boxes and custom fields by dragging and dropping, so you can set up structured content without writing registration code by hand.
- Version
- 5.6.0
- Released
- Oct 12, 2026
- Developer
- Meta Box
- Type
- WordPress plugin
- Requires
- Meta Box
- Licence
- GPL
- Included in
- Every plan, or $4.79 a year on its own
What’s new in MB Builder 5.6.0
Version 5.6.0 · Oct 12, 2026
Latest
- NewThis release adds a Custom Model field type and a Model object type for relationships, so you can select and relate custom table rows in the builder (requires MB Custom Table). See our blog post for an overview or documentation for details.
- ImprovedLocal JSON now supports settings pages and relationships.
- FixedSuggest SQL column types from field settings in the schema modal.
- FixedFix column name detection treating SQL types as column names.
What it does
Registering custom fields in Meta Box normally means writing PHP arrays for every field, parameter and location rule. MB Builder replaces that step with a drag and drop interface. You pick from more than 40 field types, arrange them into a meta box, and set options such as location, priority, context and conditional logic from the same screen. Every built-in Meta Box field and parameter is supported, so the visual editor covers the same ground as the code approach.
The builder also works alongside other Meta Box extensions, including groups, settings pages, custom post types, taxonomies and Gutenberg blocks. When your setup is ready, you can export it as PHP code and run it on a live site without the builder active, or move configurations between projects with import and export. It also generates snippets for displaying field data in themes or plugins, and developers can add their own field controls through its API.
Best for
- Developers already building sites with the Meta Box plugin
- Agencies reusing field setups across many client sites
- Site owners who want custom fields without writing code
Features
Drag and drop field designer
Create meta boxes by dragging and arranging any of more than 40 field types, with no PHP needed to register them.
Full field and parameter support
Every built-in Meta Box field and parameter is available in the builder, so visual setups match what you could write in code.
Display and conditional logic controls
Set where and when meta boxes and fields appear using location, priority, context and conditional logic options in the interface.
PHP code export
Generate PHP code for your meta boxes and fields so you can deploy them on other sites without running the builder there.
Ready-made theme snippets
Get code snippets for fetching and displaying field values inside your theme or plugin templates, which saves writing that output by hand.
Gutenberg blocks without React
Define custom Gutenberg blocks visually through a PHP-based approach, skipping the usual React or Webpack setup.
Import, export and Local JSON
Move field group configurations between projects with import and export, and keep them in sync as Local JSON files.
Custom table schema editing
Set up custom tables for field groups with a column schema editor covering column types, indexes and automatic columns for new fields.
MB Builder older versions
- 5.5.0Sep 171 new, 5 improvements, 7 fixes
- 5.4.3Sep 31 new
- 5.4.2Jul 303 improvements, 1 fix
- 5.4.1Jul 16
- 5.4.0Jul 7
- 5.3.2Jun 12
- 5.3.1May 14
- 5.3.0Apr 22
- 5.2.3Apr 9
- 5.2.2Mar 11
Members and buyers of this product can download older versions.
51 older versions in all. If you need one that is not listed, ask support.
Questions about MB Builder
Do I need the Meta Box plugin to use this?
Yes. MB Builder is an extension of the Meta Box plugin and adds a visual builder on top of it. Meta Box provides the field framework, and the builder gives you a drag and drop interface for creating meta boxes and fields within it.
Can I use my field setups on a site without the builder?
Yes. You can export your meta boxes and fields as PHP code and add that code to a theme or plugin. The live site then registers the fields without needing the builder active, which is handy for client deployments.
Does it work with custom post types and taxonomies?
It integrates with other Meta Box extensions for custom post types, taxonomies, groups, settings pages and Gutenberg blocks. That lets you build out structured content types and their fields from the visual interface.
Can developers add their own field types?
Yes. The builder has an extensible API, so developers can add new field controls or create custom field types. It also generates code snippets for displaying field data in templates.
Is MB Builder free?
The code of MB Builder is licensed under the GPL, so anyone may use, change and share it. GPL Feast is a paid service: a plan or a single purchase gives you the download and automatic updates. The developer's own support, licence key and online services are not included.
Which version of MB Builder is this?
Version 5.6.0, released Oct 12, 2026. New versions appear here when the developer publishes them, and members get them as automatic updates.
How do I update MB Builder?
Install the free GPL Feast Updater on your site and connect it with your API key. It installs new versions of MB Builder automatically and keeps a backup, so you can roll back.
What does MB Builder need?
MB Builder needs Meta Box installed and active.
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