Meta Box Include Exclude is a developer-focused extension that controls the visibility of meta boxes on the WordPress editing screen based on specific conditions. This plugin removes meta boxes completely from the page load when conditions are not met, ensuring a clean administrative interface. It provides a server-side solution for managing complex metadata requirements across different post types and templates.
WPExclusive members get access to Include Exclude as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full MetaBox collection →
What Is Meta Box Include Exclude?
Meta Box Include Exclude is developed by MetaBox and is a fields plugin for WordPress. It belongs to the fields category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for advanced data management. This extension allows developers to define strict rules for where specific custom field groups should appear within the admin dashboard.
The plugin solves the problem of cluttered edit screens by restricting meta boxes to relevant pages, such as specific contact templates or news categories. It is designed for developers who need precise control over the WordPress back-end layout without writing extensive conditional logic manually.
Meta Box Include Exclude Features
The feature set is built around server-side conditional logic that prevents meta box HTML from rendering unless defined criteria are met.
Advanced Conditional Rules
Include Exclude allows developers to show or hide meta boxes based on post IDs, parent IDs, and post slugs. These rules extend to page templates and specific taxonomies including categories, tags, or custom terms. By targeting these specific identifiers, developers can ensure that metadata fields only appear exactly where they are required for content entry in the fields management workflow.
Logical Operations and Combinations
The plugin supports combining multiple conditions using logical operators like AND and OR. This capability enables complex restrictions, such as showing a meta box only for a specific user role on a specific page template. Users can define these rules within the meta box configuration array to create highly filtered administrative environments.
User and Role-Based Targeting
When used with other extensions, Include Exclude can trigger visibility based on user roles, user IDs, and specific user capabilities. This is particularly useful for membership sites or multi-author platforms where certain data fields should only be accessible to administrators or specific editors. It ensures that sensitive or irrelevant custom fields remain hidden from unauthorized user groups.
Custom Functional Hooks
If the built-in rules are insufficient, the plugin allows for custom conditional functions. Developers can write their own PHP functions to determine meta box visibility, offering unlimited flexibility for bespoke WordPress installations. This makes the plugin compatible with virtually any third-party logic or external data check required before displaying a field group.
Pricing
Check current pricing on the Include Exclude sales page — WPExclusive members access it as part of their plan.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Box Bundle | From $199/year | Unlimited | Include Exclude + Extensions |
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | Include Exclude + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers Include Exclude plus hundreds of other plugins and themes — usually less than one premium license.
Latest Version
The current version is 1.1.1. The plugin receives regular updates to maintain compatibility with the core Meta Box library. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release.
How to Install
- Download the Include Exclude .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Open your meta box configuration file or use the Meta Box Builder
- Add the ‘include’ or ‘exclude’ parameter to your meta box array with the desired conditions
Use Cases
Template-Specific Metadata Management
Developers creating custom landing pages can ensure that fields related to testimonials or hero sections only appear when the “Landing Page” template is selected. This prevents these fields from cluttering standard blog posts or privacy policy pages.
Client Site Simplification
By using the Include Exclude extension, agencies can hide complex configuration meta boxes from non-technical clients based on their user role. This reduces support tickets by preventing clients from interacting with backend settings that they do not need to manage.
Taxonomy-Driven Custom Fields
For directory sites, certain fields might only apply to a “Real Estate” category and not a “Professional Services” category. The plugin allows these fields to be conditionally included only when the specific category is assigned to the post.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
WPExclusive provides significant value for agencies by offering a single source for all Meta Box extensions. Instead of buying individual licenses for every client project, developers can access the entire library for one monthly fee.
vs Alternatives
| Feature | Include Exclude | ACF (Location Rules) |
|---|---|---|
| Logic Type | Server-side (PHP) | JS/PHP Hybrid |
| Custom PHP Function support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Removes HTML Markup | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Starting Price | Part of Bundle | $49/year |
| Available on WPExclusive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Browse the full fields plugins on WPExclusive →
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Strict server-side removal ensures no unnecessary HTML is rendered on the page.
- Prevents data from being saved unintentionally since the inputs are not present.
- Extremely lightweight with minimal performance impact on the admin dashboard.
⚠️ Limitations
- Requires a page reload to show/hide boxes; it does not support real-time AJAX toggling.
- Limited to meta boxes only; for individual field-level logic, MB Conditional Logic is required.
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is Meta Box Include Exclude GPL Licensed?
Yes. Meta Box Include Exclude is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) — the same license that governs WordPress itself. GPL gives any user the legal right to use, study, share, and redistribute the software. This is the legal framework that makes WPExclusive’s membership model possible.
WPExclusive distributes 100% original, unmodified files — the same release the developer publishes. No injected code, no alterations, no security risks.
Get Meta Box Include Exclude on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you Meta Box Include Exclude plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full MetaBox collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Meta Box Include Exclude do?
Meta Box Include Exclude is a visibility control extension that hides or shows meta boxes based on post ID, template, or custom rules. Include Exclude removes the meta boxes completely from the edit screen server-side.
Is Meta Box Include Exclude free?
This is a premium extension available in Meta Box bundles. Via WPExclusive, you can access it for $9.99/month.
What is the latest version of Meta Box Include Exclude?
The current version is 1.1.1. The plugin is actively maintained — WPExclusive members always receive the most current release.
How much does Meta Box Include Exclude cost?
It is typically sold as part of the Meta Box Pro bundles starting at $199. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month.
Is it legal to use Meta Box Include Exclude via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files — fully within GPL terms.
What is the difference between Include Exclude and Show Hide?
Include Exclude works server-side and removes the meta box HTML completely, while Show Hide uses JavaScript to toggle visibility instantly without reloading the page. All are available on WPExclusive within the same membership.
