Allow Excerpt Generation to target alternate fields (e.g. custom excerpt, subtitle, or dek fields)

[jeffpaul]

Is your enhancement related to a problem? Please describe.

Expand the Excerpt Generation feature to allow generated excerpts to be stored in custom or alternate fields beyond the default WordPress excerpt.

This could include:

• Selecting a custom field (e.g. editorial_subtitle, custom_excerpt, dek)
• Option to define a fallback priority (e.g. try custom field first, then default excerpt)
• Support for ACF or post meta field targeting
• UI option in settings to specify the target field for excerpt generation

Alternatively, replicate excerpt generation logic for use with subtitle or dek-specific fields to better support editorial workflows using structured content blocks or custom meta.

Designs

Some editorial workflows, particularly in enterprise publishing environments, do not use the native WordPress excerpt field. Instead, they store excerpts, subtitles, or deks in custom fields. This enhancement would allow teams using tools like ACF or custom meta integrations to benefit from AI-powered excerpting in their preferred field layout.

Describe alternatives you've considered

• Could use the same logic and UI patterns as the Featured Image generation field selection
• Should integrate with WordPress get_post_meta() and update_post_meta() or acf APIs where appropriate
• A filter could allow further customization for custom implementations
• Consider frontend fallback display logic (e.g., if the target field is empty but a default excerpt exists)

Code of Conduct

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