Choose your content model

Model	Use it when
Separate fields	Values do not need to repeat together.
Compound Field	Repeated records have one fixed shape and belong to the host.
Paragraphs	Editors combine different component types, or pieces need their own entity behavior.
Custom Field	Its column types and widgets fit your site.

Compound Field items have no independent IDs, publication state or revision history. For example, a conference can own repeated speaker cards while each card references a reusable biography node.

Both Compound Field and Paragraphs use native Drupal field types. Compound Field stores sub-fields in the host field table; Paragraphs references child entities. Both can nest. Compound sub-fields require finite caps, and cycles are refused.

Custom Field also stores composite values in one field table, with its own column-type and widget system. Compound Field delegates to native Drupal plugins, such as Address, and shares each compound definition across its host fields. Compare the types and limits your site needs.

To convert existing content, try the Paragraphs or Custom Field procedure on a site copy. Run preflight before deciding whether conversion fits your data and history.