Get sub-category to use its parent category template

See:
https://codex.www.ads-software.com/User:MichaelH/MyPlugins#Use_Parent_Category_Template

Michael, it seems the plugin makes values from custom fields disappear. I understand the original plugin had this issue too, as two people mentioned here:

https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/230590?replies=12

It would be great if this could be resolved. This must be a very common requirement. The only other option is heaps of subcategory php files, all exactly the same other than their file name. :/

I put your code into a filter in functions.php instead and it then works with custom fields:

add_filter('category_template','my_category_template_filter');
function my_category_template_filter(){

	$cat = get_query_var('cat');
    $category = get_category ($cat);

	if ( file_exists(TEMPLATEPATH . '/category-' . $category->cat_ID . '.php') ) {
		$file = TEMPLATEPATH . '/category-' . $category->cat_ID . '.php';
	} elseif ( file_exists(TEMPLATEPATH . '/category-' . $category->category_parent . '.php') ) {
		$file = TEMPLATEPATH . '/category-' . $category->category_parent . '.php';
	}

    return $file;
}

Disclaimer: I have no idea if this is a good idea or not, as I have almost zero idea how actions / filters work. I did see someone filtering the category template for other reasons (to run names instead of ID’s in the file names) so assumed this would work too.

This plugin seems to work okay:
https://www.ads-software.com/extend/plugins/elevate-parent-category-template/

That one also has the custom fields disappearing problem according to the last poster here:

https://www.ads-software.com/support/topic/230590?replies=12

I installed and tested with custom fields in a category template at version 2.8. Don’t know what more to say.

Thanks all for your help, I’ll make some tests and return with feedback.