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hyva-cms-custom-field skill

/skills/hyva-cms-custom-field

This skill helps you create Hyvä CMS custom field types and handlers for tailored editor experiences in Magento 2 components.

npx playbooks add skill hyva-themes/hyva-ai-tools --skill hyva-cms-custom-field

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---
name: hyva-cms-custom-field
description: Create custom field types and field handlers for Hyvä CMS components. Use when the user mentions Hyvä, Hyva, or CMS together with custom field, custom input, or modal selector (e.g. hyva custom field, custom cms field, hyva modal selector, custom hyva input, custom cms input). Do not use for generic form or UI work outside Hyvä CMS.
---

# Hyvä CMS Custom Field Type Creator

## Overview

This skill guides the creation of custom field types and field handlers for Hyvä CMS components. Custom field types extend the built-in field types (text, textarea, select, etc.) with specialized input controls for the CMS editor interface.

**Two types of custom fields:**
1. **Basic Custom Field Type**: Custom input control with direct data entry (e.g., date range, color picker, custom validation)
2. **Field Handler**: Enhanced UI with complex interactions (e.g., product selector with images, searchable dropdown, link configuration modal)

**Command execution:** For commands that need to run inside the development environment (e.g., `bin/magento`), use the `hyva-exec-shell-cmd` skill to detect the environment and determine the appropriate command wrapper.

## Workflow

### Step 1: Module Selection

If not already specified in the prompt, determine where to create the custom field type:

**Option A: New Module**

Use the `hyva-create-module` skill with:
- `dependencies`: `["Hyva_CmsBase", "Hyva_CmsLiveviewEditor"]`
- `composer_require`: `{"hyva-themes/commerce-module-cms": "^1.0"}`

**Option B: Existing Module**

Verify the module has required dependencies:
- `Hyva_CmsBase` and `Hyva_CmsLiveviewEditor` in `etc/module.xml`
- `hyva-themes/commerce-module-cms` in `composer.json`

Add missing dependencies if needed.

### Step 2: Field Type Details

Gather information about the custom field type:

1. **Field type name** (lowercase identifier, e.g., `date_range`, `product_selector`, `color_picker`)
2. **Purpose** (what data does it collect?)
3. **UI pattern**:
   - **Basic field**: Simple input with validation (date picker, pattern input, enhanced text field)
   - **Inline handler**: Enhanced control in field area (searchable dropdown, color picker)
   - **Modal handler**: Separate dialog for complex selection (product selector, link builder, media gallery)
4. **Data structure** (simple string, JSON object, array?)
5. **Validation requirements** (pattern, required, custom rules?)

### Step 3: Implementation Pattern Selection

Based on the UI pattern identified in Step 2:

**Pattern A: Basic Custom Field Type**

For simple inputs with custom HTML5 validation or specialized input controls:
- Single template file for the field
- No separate handler modal
- Example: Date range selector, custom pattern validation, slider input

**Pattern B: Inline Field Handler**

For enhanced controls that remain in the field area:
- Single template file with Alpine.js component
- No separate handler modal
- Example: Searchable select dropdown, color picker with swatches

**Pattern C: Modal-Based Field Handler**

For complex selection interfaces requiring more space:
- Field template (displays selection + trigger button)
- Handler modal template (separate dialog with full UI)
- Layout XML registration for the handler
- Example: Product selector, link configuration, media gallery

See `references/handler-patterns.md` for detailed implementation patterns and code examples for each type.

### Step 4: Generate Field Template

Create the field template at `view/adminhtml/templates/field-types/[field-type-name].phtml`.

**Required template elements:**
1. Field container with proper ID: `field-container-{uid}_{fieldName}`
2. Input element(s) with name: `{uid}_{fieldName}`
3. Validation messages container: `validation-messages-{uid}_{fieldName}`
4. `updateWireField()` or `updateField()` call on value change
5. Error state handling via `$magewire->errors`
6. **IMPORTANT**: Use null coalescing for field value: `$block->getData('value') ?? ''` (NOT type casting)

Use the appropriate template from `assets/templates/`:
- `basic-field.phtml.tpl` - Basic custom field type
- `inline-handler.phtml.tpl` - Inline enhanced control
- `modal-field.phtml.tpl` - Modal handler field template

See `references/template-requirements.md` for detailed template requirements and patterns.

### Step 5: Generate Handler Modal (if needed)

For modal-based handlers only, create the handler template at `view/adminhtml/templates/handlers/[handler-name]-handler.phtml`.

**Handler modal structure:**
1. `<dialog>` element with Alpine.js component and `open:flex` class (NOT static `flex`)
2. Listen for initialization event from field template
3. Implement selection UI (search, filters, grid, etc.)
4. Dispatch `editor-change` event on save

Use `assets/templates/modal-handler.phtml.tpl` as the starting point.

See `references/handler-communication.md` for event protocols and data exchange patterns.

### Step 6: Register Field Type

Add registration to `etc/adminhtml/di.xml`:

```xml
<type name="Hyva\CmsLiveviewEditor\Model\CustomField">
    <arguments>
        <argument name="customTypes" xsi:type="array">
            <item name="[field_type_name]" xsi:type="string">
                [Vendor]_[Module]::field-types/[field-type-name].phtml
            </item>
        </argument>
    </arguments>
</type>
```

### Step 7: Register Handler Modal (if needed)

For modal-based handlers only, create or update `view/adminhtml/layout/liveview_editor.xml`:

```xml
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<page xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
      xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="urn:magento:framework:View/Layout/etc/page_configuration.xsd">
    <body>
        <referenceContainer name="before.body.end">
            <block name="[handler_name]_handler"
                   template="[Vendor]_[Module]::handlers/[handler-name]-handler.phtml"/>
        </referenceContainer>
    </body>
</page>
```

**Note:** Inline handlers do NOT require layout XML registration.

### Step 8: Usage Example

Provide an example of using the custom field type in `components.json`:

```json
{
    "my_component": {
        "label": "My Component",
        "content": {
            "[field_name]": {
                "type": "custom_type",
                "custom_type": "[field_type_name]",
                "label": "Field Label",
                "attributes": {
                    "required": true,
                    "pattern": ".*"
                }
            }
        }
    }
}
```

## Resources

### references/template-requirements.md

Complete reference for custom field type template requirements:
- Required markup patterns and element IDs
- Field container structure
- Validation message containers
- Field value update methods (`updateWireField` vs `updateField`)
- HTML5 validation attributes
- Error state handling

Read this file when implementing the field template to ensure proper integration with the CMS editor.

### references/handler-patterns.md

Implementation patterns for all three custom field types:
- Basic custom field type (simple input)
- Inline field handler (enhanced control)
- Modal-based field handler (dialog selection)

Each pattern includes:
- Complete code examples
- When to use each pattern
- Alpine.js component structure
- Data flow and state management

Read this file when selecting the implementation pattern and writing the template code.

### references/handler-communication.md

Event protocols and data exchange for field handlers:
- Initialization event structure
- Save event structure
- Field value encoding/decoding
- Error handling patterns
- Common pitfalls and solutions

Read this file when implementing handler modals to understand the communication protocol.

### references/built-in-handlers.md

Reference for Hyvä CMS built-in field handlers:
- Product Handler (modal-based, image grid selection)
- Link Handler (modal-based, multi-type link config)
- Searchable Select (inline enhanced dropdown)

Each includes:
- Location in Hyvä CMS module
- Key features and patterns
- Usage examples
- Code to examine for patterns

Read this file when looking for implementation examples or patterns to copy.

### assets/templates/basic-field.phtml.tpl

Template for basic custom field types with custom validation or input controls.

Placeholders:
- `{{FIELD_TYPE_NAME}}` - Custom field type identifier
- `{{FIELD_INPUTS}}` - Input element(s) HTML
- `{{VALIDATION_LOGIC}}` - Custom validation JavaScript (optional)

### assets/templates/inline-handler.phtml.tpl

Template for inline enhanced controls (searchable dropdown, color picker, etc.).

Placeholders:
- `{{HANDLER_NAME}}` - Alpine.js component name
- `{{HANDLER_LOGIC}}` - Alpine.js component implementation
- `{{HANDLER_UI}}` - Enhanced control HTML

### assets/templates/modal-field.phtml.tpl

Field template for modal-based handlers (trigger button + hidden input).

Placeholders:
- `{{EVENT_NAME}}` - Custom event name to dispatch
- `{{BUTTON_LABEL}}` - Button text
- `{{DISPLAY_VALUE}}` - Current selection display

### assets/templates/modal-handler.phtml.tpl

Handler modal template for modal-based selection interfaces.

Placeholders:
- `{{HANDLER_NAME}}` - Alpine.js component name
- `{{MODAL_TITLE}}` - Dialog header text
- `{{SELECTION_UI}}` - Selection interface HTML
- `{{SAVE_LOGIC}}` - Save button logic

## Important Guidelines

### Core Requirements

1. **Template Requirements**: All custom field types must follow required markup patterns (container ID, input name, validation messages)
2. **Handler Registration**: Modal handlers need layout XML registration; inline handlers do not
3. **Validation**: Apply HTML5 validation attributes via `$filteredAttributes` for automatic validation
4. **Alpine Components**: If using custom Alpine components, keep input fields outside the component and update via vanilla JS
5. **Built-In Examples**: Reference built-in handlers in `Hyva_CmsLiveviewEditor::page/js/` for proven patterns

### Accurate Patterns from Codebase

Based on built-in Hyvä CMS handler implementations:

1. **Event Naming Convention**: Use `toggle-{type}-select` pattern
   - ✅ Correct: `toggle-product-select`, `toggle-link-select`, `toggle-category-select`
   - ❌ Incorrect: `toggle-product-handler`, `toggle-link-handler`

2. **Handler Function Naming**: Use `init{Type}Select()` pattern
   - ✅ Examples: `initProductSelect()`, `initLinkSelect()`, `initCategorySelect()`

3. **Field Value Update Methods**:
   - **Use `updateWireField`** (default): Products, Link, Category handlers
     - Triggers immediate server-side validation via Magewire
     - Keeps component state synchronized
   - **Use `updateField`** (specialized): Image handler, debounced inputs (color, range)
     - Updates preview without server round-trip
     - Defers validation until save

4. **JSON Encoding Pattern**: All complex data (arrays, objects) must be JSON-encoded
   ```php
   // Field template
   value="<?= $escaper->escapeHtmlAttr(json_encode($fieldValue)) ?>"
   
   // Handler initialization
   const data = JSON.parse(fieldValue);
   
   // @change handler
   @change="updateWireField(..., JSON.parse($event.target.value))"
   ```

5. **wire:ignore for Livewire Compatibility**: Searchable select uses `wire:ignore` wrapper
   ```php
   <div wire:ignore>
       <div x-data="initSearchableSelect(...)">
           <!-- Alpine component -->
       </div>
   </div>
   ```

6. **Separate Handler Files**: Even inline handlers may have separate function files
   - Field template: `liveview/field-types/searchable_select.phtml`
   - Handler function: `page/js/searchable-select-handler.phtml`

7. **Icons View Model**: Use for UI elements
   ```php
   /** @var Icons $icons */
   $icons = $viewModels->require(Icons::class);
   <?= /** @noEscape */ $icons->trashHtml('', 22, 22) ?>
   ```

8. **FieldTypes View Model**: Use for attribute filtering
   ```php
   /** @var FieldTypes $fieldTypes */
   $fieldTypes = $viewModels->require(FieldTypes::class);
   $filteredAttributes = $fieldTypes->getDefinedFieldAttributes($attributes);
   // Or for specific attributes:
   $filteredAttributes = $fieldTypes->getAttributesByKeys($attributes, ['required', 'data-required']);
   ```

9. **CRITICAL: Layout XML referenceContainer**: Handler modals MUST use `before.body.end` container
   - ✅ Correct: `<referenceContainer name="before.body.end">`
   - ❌ Incorrect: `<referenceContainer name="content">`
   - The `before.body.end` container ensures the handler modal is loaded at the end of the page body, which is required for proper Alpine.js initialization and modal functionality

10. **CRITICAL: Field Value Type Handling**: NEVER use type casting for field values, always use null coalescing operator
   - ✅ Correct: `$fieldValue = $block->getData('value') ?? '';`
   - ❌ Incorrect: `$fieldValue = (string) $block->getData('value');`
   - Type casting `(string)` will fail when value is `null`, causing PHP errors
   - Use `?? ''` for string values, `?? []` for array values, or appropriate default for your data type
   - Reference: See built-in field types like `category.phtml` which use `?? []` pattern

11. **CRITICAL: Dialog Modal Classes**: Handler modals must use `open:flex` not static `flex` class
   - ✅ Correct: `<dialog class="... open:flex flex-col">`
   - ❌ Incorrect: `<dialog class="... flex flex-col">` (modal always visible)
   - The `open:` prefix applies styles only when dialog is open (native HTML dialog state)
   - Reference: See built-in handlers like `category-handler.phtml` which use `open:flex flex-col`

12. **CRITICAL: Complex Data Type Handling**: For fields storing JSON/array data, handle BOTH array and string types
   - Field values may be returned as already-decoded arrays OR as JSON strings (depends on storage/context)
   - ✅ Correct pattern:
     ```php
     $data = ['default' => 'structure'];
     if ($fieldValue) {
         if (is_array($fieldValue)) {
             $data = $fieldValue;  // Already decoded
         } elseif (is_string($fieldValue)) {
             $decoded = json_decode($fieldValue, true);
             if (is_array($decoded)) {
                 $data = $decoded;
             }
         }
     }
     
     // When outputting to hidden input, ALWAYS ensure it's a JSON string
     $fieldValueJson = is_array($fieldValue) ? json_encode($fieldValue) : $fieldValue;
     ```
   - ❌ Incorrect: `json_decode($fieldValue)` without type checking (fails if value is already an array)
   - ❌ Incorrect: Using array directly in `value` attribute without JSON-encoding first

<!-- Copyright © Hyvä Themes https://hyva.io. All rights reserved. Licensed under OSL 3.0 -->

Overview

This skill helps you create custom field types and field handlers for Hyvä CMS components. It explains when to choose a basic input, an inline handler, or a modal-based handler and provides the concrete implementation patterns required for Hyvä Liveview editor integration. It focuses on correct template structure, Alpine.js integration, and registration steps so the field works reliably in the CMS editor.

How this skill works

The skill inspects the desired field behavior (simple input, inline enhancement, or modal selector) and maps that to a clear implementation pattern: templates, Alpine components, and registration points. It enforces Hyvä-specific requirements such as container IDs, input naming, updateWireField vs updateField usage, JSON encoding of complex values, and layout registration for modal handlers. It also identifies required module dependencies and recommends commands to run in the dev environment.

When to use it

  • You need a specialized CMS input for Hyvä (date range, color picker, range slider).
  • You require an inline enhanced control inside a field (searchable dropdown, swatches).
  • You need a modal selector for complex selections (product picker, link builder, media gallery).
  • You must store structured data (JSON object/array) from a CMS field.
  • You want consistent integration with Hyva_CmsLiveviewEditor and Magewire validation.

Best practices

  • Choose pattern based on UI complexity: Basic for simple inputs, Inline for small interactive controls, Modal for complex selection workflows.
  • Follow template requirements: container ID field-container-{uid}_{fieldName}, input name {uid}_{fieldName}, and validation container ids.
  • Always use null coalescing for defaults (e.g. $block->getData('value') ?? '' or ?? []), never type-cast the stored value.
  • JSON-encode complex structures when writing to hidden inputs and handle both array and JSON-string inputs when initializing the handler.
  • Use updateWireField for server-synced fields and updateField for preview-only or debounced updates.
  • Register modal handlers in before.body.end via layout XML; inline handlers do not need layout registration.

Example use cases

  • Add a color_picker field that stores a hex string and displays swatches inline.
  • Create a product_selector modal that returns a JSON array of product ids and thumbnails.
  • Implement a date_range basic field with custom validation attributes and HTML5 pattern enforcement.
  • Build a searchable_select inline handler that uses wire:ignore and an Alpine.js component.
  • Create a link_builder modal handler that outputs a JSON object with type, url, and label.

FAQ

Should I register inline handlers in layout XML?

No. Inline handlers do not require layout registration; only modal-based handlers must be placed in before.body.end.

When do I use updateWireField vs updateField?

Use updateWireField for fields that must sync immediately with the server (product, link, category). Use updateField for preview-only updates or debounced inputs (image previews, color sliders).