Plugin
Updated
Meta Box Tabs
Meta Box Tabs is an extension plugin by Meta Box that organizes custom fields into tabs inside the WordPress admin. It works with the Meta Box plugin and turns long, crowded meta boxes into tabbed sections that editors can move through without endless scrolling.
- Version
- 1.2.2
- Released
- Sep 14, 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 Meta Box Tabs 1.2.2
Version 1.2.2 · Sep 14, 2026
Latest
- FixedScroll to validation error after switching to its tab
What it does
Custom field setups tend to grow. A product page, a property listing or a team profile can easily end up with dozens of fields stacked in one long meta box, and clients struggle to find what they need. This extension solves that by splitting those fields into tabs, so related fields sit together and the edit screen stays readable. It uses the default WordPress tab styles, so the result looks like part of the admin rather than a bolted-on interface.
Setup is done through parameters. You define the tab titles, then assign each field to a tab, and your existing meta box code stays as it is. You can place tabs along the top or down the left side, similar to the layout WooCommerce uses, and add icons from Dashicons, other icon fonts or custom images. It also pairs with MB Columns, so you can combine tabs with a 12-column grid for more structured field layouts.
Best for
- Developers building custom field setups with Meta Box
- Agencies delivering tidy admin screens to clients
- Sites with long custom field forms on edit pages
Features
Native WordPress tab styling
Tabs use the default WordPress admin styles, so the interface feels familiar to editors and matches the rest of the dashboard.
Top, left and icon tab styles
Choose from three tab styles: tabs across the top, tabs on the left similar to WooCommerce, or tabs with icons added.
Flexible tab icons
Add icons to tabs with Dashicons by default, or use any icon font or custom images to match a client's branding.
No rewrite of existing code
Organize fields by adding tab titles and assigning fields to them, leaving your current meta box code in place.
Optional wrapper removal
Remove the default meta box wrapper for a cleaner tab display on post edit pages.
Works with MB Columns
Combine tabs with MB Columns and its 12-column grid to arrange fields inside each tab in structured layouts.
Validation errors stay visible
When a field fails validation, the screen scrolls to the error after switching to the tab that contains it.
Meta Box Tabs older versions
- 1.2.1Sep 17, 20251 fix
- 1.2.0Feb 5, 20251 new
- 1.1.19Dec 17, 20241 improvement
- 1.1.18Aug 20, 2024
- 1.1.17Sep 18, 2023
- 1.1.16Jul 18, 2023
- 1.1.15Apr 18, 2023
Members and buyers of this product can download older versions.
Questions about Meta Box Tabs
Do I need the Meta Box plugin for this to work?
Yes. Meta Box Tabs is an extension for the Meta Box plugin. It adds tab organization to the meta boxes and custom fields you create with Meta Box, so the core plugin needs to be in place.
Will I have to rewrite my existing meta boxes?
No. You add tab titles as parameters and assign each field to a tab. Your existing field definitions stay the same, which makes it practical to add tabs to projects that are already built.
Can I put the tabs on the side instead of the top?
Yes. You can place tabs across the top or down the left side, similar to the WooCommerce product data layout. There is also a style that adds icons to the tabs, using Dashicons, icon fonts or custom images.
Can I combine tabs with column layouts?
Yes. It works alongside MB Columns, which provides a 12-column grid. Together they let you group fields into tabs and then arrange the fields within each tab in columns.
Is Meta Box Tabs free?
The code of Meta Box Tabs 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 Meta Box Tabs is this?
Version 1.2.2, released Sep 14, 2026. New versions appear here when the developer publishes them, and members get them as automatic updates.
How do I update Meta Box Tabs?
Install the free GPL Feast Updater on your site and connect it with your API key. It installs new versions of Meta Box Tabs automatically and keeps a backup, so you can roll back.
What does Meta Box Tabs need?
Meta Box Tabs needs Meta Box installed and active.
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