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Image CPT launched for symbolic & thematic media

Published on July 31, 2025

Last updated on June 6, 2026

After re‑evaluating the image strategy, a dedicated Image CPT (images) was launched instead of solely enriching Media Library items. This new architecture offers deeper integration with songs, chapters, themes, and symbolic motifs.

New CPT: images

  • New CPT images registered via custom plugin. Supports title, editor, thumbnail, and full REST integration.
  • Archive Template (archive-images.php) includes a theme‑based filter system and grid display for all images.
  • Single Template (single-images.php) shows featured image, description, and associated symbolic metadata.
  • Navigation Menu updated to include “Images” linking to /images/.

Image metadata via ACF field group

Created a comprehensive ACF field group (Image Details) to standardize symbolic and narrative tagging:

  • Image Type (select): Meme, Album Cover, Symbolic Art, Historical Photo, etc.
  • Themes: Integrated with shared non‑hierarchical theme taxonomy (checkbox display).
  • Associated Song / Lyric / Chapter (post object + relationship).
  • Symbol/Motif Notes (textarea) and Credit/Source (text).

This allows symbolic images to now function like narrative nodes — linking threads between media types (songs, lyrics, chapters, themes) across the site.

Next steps (planned for August)

  • Implement tag‑based filtering for /images/ archive (e.g., by image_type or theme).
  • Enable symbolic image embedding inside chapters using shortcode or block.
  • Explore a fallback gallery view for images not yet linked to any CPTs (orphan detection).