Since PMPro version 2.9 was released on July 18, 2022, the Register Helper plugin has been deprecated. The latest versions of PMPro will deactivate the Register Helper plugin and stop it from being reactivated.

Most of the functionality of the Register Helper plugin is now available in the core PMPro plugin. However, some of the features may require the installation of a different add on, or the installation or updating of some custom code to continue functioning as intended.

This post covers how each of the various features are now addressed by either the core PMPro plugin, other add ons, or other custom code.

Development Changelog for Paid Memberships Pro Release Updates

User Fields

The Register Helper plugin is no longer needed to manage user fields. With PMPro 2.9+, you can manage user fields from the Memberships > Settings > User Fields page in the WP admin dashboard.

Click here to read the latest documentation for managing user fields with Paid Memberships Pro.

User Fields via Custom Code

Even though fields can be added via the new dashboard screen, any custom code written to work with Register Helper will still work as intended with only PMPro 2.9 installed.

The names of the various functions, classes, and global variables have been updated. The old versions of these classes and functions have been mapped to the new versions and will continue to work for some time.

For example:

  • The main field class is now called PMPro_Field. (The old PMProRH_Field will also work.)
  • Checkout boxes are now called “field groups”. The function to add them is now called pmpro_add_field_group(). (The old pmprorh_add_checkout_box() will also work.)
  • The function to register fields is pmpro_add_user_field(). (The old pmprorh_add_registration_field() will also work.)

Code using the old class and function names should work as intended. It is not yet necessary to update your code, but it is a good idea to update your code to use the newer names anyway as future versions of PMPro might remove the deprecated classes and functions.

Click here to read the latest documentation for creating custom fields using code.

Member Directory

The Member Directory feature of Register Helper was spun out into its own plugin a while ago. However, if you were still using the member directory features of Register Helper, you should use the PMPro Member Directory plugin now.

Registration Forms

The Registration Form feature of Register Helper was spun out into its own plugin a while ago. However, if you were using the Register Form module with PMPro, you should use the PMPro Sign Up Shortcode plugin now.

If you were using the Register Form without PMPro, you can continue to use the last published version of Register Helper plugin, but note that it will no longer be maintained.

Restricting Members by Username or Email

If you were using the Restrict by Email/Username feature, you can use this code snippet to keep the same settings and restrictions you were using with Register Helper before. Alternatively, consider using the Approvals or Invite Only Add Ons instead.

Final Thoughts on Register Helper Deprecation

The deprecation of Register Helper means that the core PMPro plugin is better suited to support your custom user field needs. This post has covered how each of the features of the former RH Add On are now addressed by the core PMPro plugin, other Add Ons, or via custom code.

User fields can now be managed from the Memberships > Settings > User Fields page in the WP admin dashboard. Trust that any custom code written for Register Helper should still work with PMPro 2.9 installed, but it is recommended to update the code to use the newer names in future versions of PMPro.

The Member Directory and Registration Form features were spun out into their own plugins. If you were using the feature to restrict by email or username, consider using our Approvals or Invite Only Add Ons, or explore the code snippet to continue using the previous feature.

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