Introduction
Overview of Elementor
Elementor is one of the most popular page builders for WordPress, providing a powerful, intuitive interface for designing and customizing websites without the need for coding skills. Launched in 2016, Elementor quickly gained traction due to its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, extensive library of pre-designed templates, and robust feature set. It caters to a wide range of users, from beginners creating their first website to professional developers crafting complex, dynamic sites.
Page builders like Elementor have revolutionized web design by democratizing the process, allowing anyone with a vision to bring their ideas to life quickly and efficiently. With Elementor, users can see real-time changes as they edit, making the design process more interactive and immediate. This visual approach saves time and effort, ensuring that websites look exactly as envisioned.
Purpose of the Guide
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Elementor Free and Elementor Pro, focusing on their features, capabilities, and value propositions. By the end of this guide, readers will have a clear understanding of what each version offers, enabling them to make an informed decision on which version best suits their needs.
Whether you're a small business owner looking to establish an online presence, a blogger aiming to enhance your site's aesthetics, or a developer seeking advanced customization options, this guide will help you navigate the differences between Elementor Free and Pro.
Section 1: Getting Started with Elementor
What is Elementor?
Elementor is a versatile and powerful WordPress page builder that enables users to create stunning, custom-designed websites without requiring any coding knowledge. Since its inception in 2016, Elementor has become a go-to tool for web designers and developers due to its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and extensive customization options.
Key Benefits of Using Elementor
- User-Friendly Interface: Elementor’s drag-and-drop editor allows users to build and customize pages visually. This WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) approach means changes are seen in real-time, simplifying the design process.
- Comprehensive Template Library: Elementor offers a vast library of pre-designed templates and blocks, which can be easily customized to fit any style or purpose.
- Responsive Design: Built-in responsive editing ensures that designs look great on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Customization Options: From basic elements like text and images to advanced features like pop-ups and dynamic content, Elementor provides extensive customization capabilities.
Installation and Setup
How to Install Elementor Free
- Access the WordPress Dashboard: Log in to your WordPress admin area.
- Navigate to Plugins: Click on "Plugins" in the sidebar, then select "Add New."
- Search for Elementor: In the search bar, type "Elementor Page Builder."
- Install and Activate: Click "Install Now" next to Elementor Page Builder, then click "Activate" once the installation is complete.
Upgrading to Elementor Pro
- Purchase Elementor Pro: Visit the Elementor website and select the Pro plan that best suits your needs. Complete the purchase process to receive your Pro license.
- Download the Pro Plugin: After purchasing, you will be provided with a download link for the Elementor Pro plugin. Download the plugin file to your computer.
- Install Elementor Pro:
- Go back to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to "Plugins" > "Add New."
- Click "Upload Plugin" at the top of the page.
- Choose the downloaded Elementor Pro file and click "Install Now."
- Activate Elementor Pro: Once installed, click "Activate Plugin."
- Enter Your License Key: After activation, you will be prompted to enter your Elementor Pro license key. This key is available in your Elementor account. Enter the key and click "Activate" to start using Pro features.
Section 2: Core Features of Elementor Free
Drag-and-Drop Editor
One of the standout features of Elementor Free is its intuitive drag-and-drop editor. This user-friendly interface allows users to design and customize their web pages visually, without any coding knowledge. The editor displays changes in real-time, providing a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) experience.
Key Elements Available
- Text Widgets: Easily add and format text blocks, including headings and paragraphs.
- Image Widgets: Insert and customize images, with options for resizing, cropping, and adding alt text.
- Video Widgets: Embed videos from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
- Button Widgets: Create customizable buttons for calls to action.
- Spacer and Divider Widgets: Manage the layout and spacing of your page elements.
Templates and Blocks
Elementor Free comes with a substantial library of pre-designed templates and blocks, which can be used to speed up the design process.
Pre-Designed Templates
- Pages: Full-page templates for various purposes, such as homepages, about pages, and contact pages.
- Sections: Specific sections of a page, like headers, footers, and call-to-action areas, that can be mixed and matched.
Using and Customizing Blocks
- Insert Blocks: Easily insert blocks into your page by dragging them from the library.
- Customize Content: Modify text, images, and other elements within blocks to fit your content and style.
- Save and Reuse: Save customized blocks and templates for reuse across different pages.
Responsive Design
In today’s mobile-first world, having a responsive website is crucial. Elementor Free provides built-in responsive design capabilities, allowing users to adjust their designs for different screen sizes.
Mobile and Tablet Editing Features
- Device Preview: Switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your design looks on different devices.
- Custom Breakpoints: Adjust settings specifically for tablet and mobile views to ensure optimal layout and readability.
- Responsive Controls: Modify font sizes, padding, margins, and more for different devices.
Theme Builder (Limited)
While the full theme builder capabilities are reserved for the Pro version, Elementor Free does offer some basic theme building options.
Basic Theme Building Capabilities
- Header and Footer: Customize basic header and footer layouts using available widgets.
- Single Post and Archive Pages: Make limited adjustments to the layout and design of individual posts and archive pages.
Third-Party Widget Integration
Elementor Free is compatible with a wide range of third-party plugins and widgets, allowing users to enhance their websites with additional functionality.
Compatibility with Other Plugins
- Popular Plugins: Seamless integration with popular WordPress plugins such as Yoast SEO, WooCommerce, and Contact Form 7.
- Extended Functionality: Use third-party widgets to add features like social media feeds, advanced forms, and more.
Section 3: Core Features of Elementor Pro
Advanced Widgets
Elementor Pro significantly expands the range of available widgets, offering advanced options that enhance functionality and design capabilities.
Pro-Exclusive Widgets
- Forms: Create custom forms with advanced fields and integrations (e.g., contact forms, signup forms).
- Slides: Design engaging slideshows with various transition effects and customization options.
- Posts: Display posts dynamically with customizable layouts and query options.
- Portfolio: Showcase portfolios with various grid and hover effects.
- Price Tables: Create detailed pricing tables for products or services.
- Countdowns: Add countdown timers for promotions, events, or product launches.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Display customer reviews and testimonials in various styles.
Theme Builder (Full Access)
One of the most powerful features of Elementor Pro is the full access to the Theme Builder, allowing complete control over every aspect of your website's design.
Complete Control Over Website Elements
- Headers and Footers: Design custom headers and footers with advanced widgets and global settings.
- Single Posts and Archive Pages: Create unique templates for single posts, archive pages, and custom post types.
- 404 Pages and Search Results: Customize error pages and search result layouts to enhance user experience.
- WooCommerce Integration: Build custom product pages, shop pages, and checkout pages with dedicated WooCommerce widgets.
Popup Builder
Elementor Pro includes a versatile Popup Builder, enabling the creation of dynamic, eye-catching popups without the need for additional plugins.
Creating and Managing Popups
- Popup Types: Design various types of popups, such as modal windows, slide-ins, and full-screen overlays.
- Triggers and Conditions: Set triggers (e.g., time delay, scroll, exit intent) and display conditions (e.g., specific pages, user roles) for precise control over when and where popups appear.
- Templates and Customization: Utilize pre-designed popup templates or create custom designs from scratch.
WooCommerce Builder
For those building e-commerce sites, Elementor Pro offers a dedicated WooCommerce Builder, providing advanced tools to create visually appealing and highly functional online stores.
Features for Building E-commerce Sites
- Product Pages: Customize product pages with unique layouts and dynamic elements.
- Shop and Category Pages: Design attractive shop and category pages with advanced filtering and sorting options.
- Cart and Checkout Pages: Enhance the shopping experience with custom cart and checkout page designs.
- Product Widgets: Use specialized widgets like Product Grid, Add to Cart, and Related Products for greater flexibility.
Global Widgets
Elementor Pro introduces Global Widgets, allowing users to create and reuse widgets across multiple pages, ensuring consistency and saving time.
Reusable Widgets
- Create Once, Use Everywhere: Design a widget once and insert it into any number of pages.
- Centralized Updates: Update the global widget in one place, and changes are reflected everywhere it is used.
- Dynamic Content: Integrate dynamic content from posts, custom fields, and more.
Dynamic Content
Dynamic content capabilities in Elementor Pro enable the creation of more personalized and interactive web experiences.
Integrating Dynamic Content
- Custom Fields: Use data from custom fields to dynamically populate widget content.
- Dynamic Tags: Insert dynamic tags for post titles, dates, author info, and more.
- Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Integration: Seamlessly integrate with ACF to display custom field data in dynamic ways.
Custom CSS and Code
Elementor Pro provides the ability to add custom CSS and JavaScript directly within the editor, offering greater control over design and functionality.
Adding Custom CSS and Scripts
- Inline CSS: Write custom CSS rules that apply specifically to individual widgets or entire pages.
- JavaScript Integration: Embed custom scripts to add interactive elements and advanced functionalities.
- Global Customization: Apply custom CSS across the entire site for consistent styling.
Section 4: Detailed Comparison of Elementor Free vs Pro
Feature Comparison Table
To provide a clear overview, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key features available in Elementor Free and Elementor Pro:
| Feature | Elementor Free | Elementor Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Editor | Yes | Yes |
| Basic Widgets | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Widgets | No | Yes (Forms, Slides, Posts, etc.) |
| Templates | Yes (Basic Templates) | Yes (Advanced and Premium Templates) |
| Theme Builder | Limited | Full Access |
| Popup Builder | No | Yes |
| WooCommerce Builder | No | Yes |
| Global Widgets | No | Yes |
| Dynamic Content | No | Yes |
| Custom CSS and Code | No | Yes |
| Support and Updates | Basic Community Support | Premium Support and Updates |
Design and Customization
Differences in Design Capabilities
Elementor Free:
- Basic Design Options: Elementor Free provides essential design tools and customization options suitable for creating standard web pages.
- Limited Widget Variety: Users have access to basic widgets like text, images, videos, and buttons, which are sufficient for simple websites.
- Basic Templates: A selection of basic templates is available to kickstart the design process.
Elementor Pro:
- Advanced Design Tools: Elementor Pro offers enhanced design capabilities, including advanced widgets, custom CSS, and dynamic content integration.
- Extensive Widget Library: Pro users gain access to a wider variety of widgets, such as forms, slideshows, post grids, and more, enabling more sophisticated designs.
- Premium Templates: Pro users can choose from a vast library of premium templates and blocks, allowing for quick and professional-looking page setups.
Widgets and Elements
Number and Variety of Widgets
Elementor Free:
- Limited Widget Selection: The free version includes essential widgets like headings, images, text, video, buttons, dividers, and spacers. These widgets cover basic website needs but lack advanced functionality.
Elementor Pro:
- Comprehensive Widget Library: Pro users have access to a comprehensive set of widgets, including advanced ones like forms, carousels, portfolios, price tables, countdown timers, and social media widgets. This extended library enables more dynamic and interactive website elements.
Templates and Blocks
Quantity and Quality of Available Templates
Elementor Free:
- Basic Templates and Blocks: The free version offers a limited selection of templates and blocks that are suitable for standard website layouts.
Elementor Pro:
- Premium Templates and Blocks: Pro users can access an extensive library of premium templates and pre-designed blocks. These templates are designed for a wide range of industries and purposes, providing a solid starting point for any website project.
Advanced Functionalities
Access to Advanced Features and Tools
Elementor Free:
- Basic Functionality: Suitable for simple websites and blogs, providing essential tools and customization options.
- No Access to Advanced Features: Lacks advanced features such as the Popup Builder, WooCommerce Builder, and dynamic content capabilities.
Elementor Pro:
- Advanced Functionality: Ideal for professional web designers and developers who require advanced tools and features.
- Comprehensive Toolset: Includes advanced features like the Popup Builder, WooCommerce Builder, Theme Builder, dynamic content integration, and the ability to add custom CSS and JavaScript directly within the editor.
Section 5: Pros and Cons
Pros of Elementor Free
- Cost-Effective
- Free to Use: Elementor Free is completely free, making it an excellent choice for individuals and small businesses on a budget.
- Essential Features: Offers a robust set of basic features that are sufficient for creating simple, attractive websites.
- User-Friendly Interface
- Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Editor: The easy-to-use editor allows users to build and customize pages without any coding knowledge.
- Real-Time Editing: Changes are visible immediately, providing a seamless design experience.
- Basic Widgets and Templates
- Wide Range of Basic Widgets: Includes essential widgets like text, images, videos, and buttons.
- Pre-Designed Templates: Access to a selection of basic templates that can be customized to fit various needs.
- Responsive Design
- Built-In Responsive Controls: Ensures that websites look great on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
- Third-Party Integration
- Compatibility with Popular Plugins: Works well with other WordPress plugins, enhancing functionality without additional cost.
Cons of Elementor Free
- Limited Advanced Features
- Basic Widget Library: Lacks advanced widgets and features available in the Pro version, such as forms, slideshows, and post grids.
- Restricted Customization Options: Limited access to customization options like custom CSS and dynamic content.
- No Theme Builder
- Limited Theme Building Capabilities: Basic theme customization options are restricted, which can be a drawback for users looking to fully control their website’s appearance.
- No Popup Builder
- Lacks Popup Functionality: Users cannot create and manage popups without additional plugins.
- Limited Support
- Community Support Only: Users rely on community forums for support, which may not be as responsive or comprehensive as premium support.
Pros of Elementor Pro
- Comprehensive Feature Set
- Advanced Widgets: Includes a wide range of advanced widgets like forms, slideshows, price tables, and countdown timers.
- Theme Builder: Full control over headers, footers, single posts, and archive pages with the Theme Builder.
- Popup Builder: Ability to create and manage various types of popups with precise control over triggers and conditions.
- Enhanced Customization
- Custom CSS and JavaScript: Add custom code directly within the editor for more advanced styling and functionality.
- Dynamic Content: Integrate dynamic content from custom fields, post data, and more for interactive and personalized web experiences.
- Premium Templates and Blocks
- Extensive Template Library: Access to a vast library of premium templates and pre-designed blocks, suitable for various industries and purposes.
- WooCommerce Integration
- E-commerce Tools: Advanced WooCommerce Builder for creating custom product pages, shop layouts, and checkout processes.
- Global Widgets
- Reusable Widgets: Create and reuse global widgets across multiple pages, ensuring consistency and saving time.
- Premium Support
- Dedicated Support: Pro users have access to premium support, providing quicker and more comprehensive assistance.
Cons of Elementor Pro
- Cost
- Subscription-Based Pricing: Elementor Pro requires a paid subscription, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
- Potential Overkill for Simple Sites
- Advanced Features Not Always Needed: The extensive feature set of Elementor Pro might be more than what is necessary for simple websites, making the free version a more suitable option for basic needs.
- Learning Curve
- Complex Features: The additional features and customization options may introduce a learning curve for new users or those not familiar with advanced web design tools.
Section 6: Pricing and Value for Money
Cost of Elementor Pro
Elementor Pro is available through a subscription-based pricing model, with different plans designed to cater to varying needs and budgets. Here are the current pricing tiers (as of the time of writing):
- Essential Plan
- Price: $49 per year
- Features: Suitable for one website, includes all Pro features, updates, and support.
- Advanced Plan
- Price: $99 per year
- Features: Suitable for up to three websites, includes all Pro features, updates, and support.
- Expert Plan
- Price: $199 per year
- Features: Suitable for up to 25 websites, includes all Pro features, updates, support, and an Elementor Expert profile.
- Studio Plan
- Price: $499 per year
- Features: Suitable for up to 100 websites, includes all Pro features, updates, support, VIP support, and an Elementor Expert profile.
- Agency Plan
- Price: $999 per year
- Features: Suitable for up to 1,000 websites, includes all Pro features, updates, support, VIP support, and an Elementor Expert profile.
Value Comparison
Assessing the Value of Elementor Free
For Beginners and Simple Websites:
- Cost-Effective: Free version provides a comprehensive set of basic tools without any financial investment.
- Essential Features: Sufficient for creating simple blogs, portfolios, or informational websites.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes it accessible for users with no coding experience.
Limitations:
- Advanced Features Missing: Lack of advanced widgets and customization options may limit design and functionality.
- No Premium Support: Users rely on community forums and documentation for help, which might not be as responsive as needed.
Assessing the Value of Elementor Pro
For Professional Web Designers and Developers:
- Advanced Tools: Access to a wide range of advanced widgets, Theme Builder, Popup Builder, and WooCommerce Builder significantly enhances design capabilities.
- Customization: Ability to add custom CSS and integrate dynamic content offers unparalleled flexibility.
- Efficiency: Global widgets and premium templates save time and ensure consistency across projects.
For Businesses and E-commerce Sites:
- E-commerce Capabilities: WooCommerce integration makes it ideal for creating sophisticated online stores.
- Marketing Tools: Popup Builder and advanced forms help in capturing leads and enhancing user engagement.
- Support and Updates: Access to premium support ensures timely assistance and regular updates keep the site secure and up-to-date.
Cost Considerations:
- Subscription Fee: The annual fee might be a barrier for small businesses or individuals with limited budgets.
- Potential Overkill: For very simple websites, the extensive feature set of Elementor Pro may be unnecessary, making the free version a more appropriate choice.
Determining Value Based on Needs
Use Elementor Free If:
- You Are a Beginner: Just starting with web design and need basic tools to create a simple website.
- Budget Constraints: You have limited or no budget for web development tools.
- Simple Projects: Your project doesn’t require advanced features or extensive customization.
Upgrade to Elementor Pro If:
- Professional Requirements: You are a professional web designer or developer needing advanced tools and customization options.
- Business Needs: You run a business or e-commerce site that can benefit from advanced features like WooCommerce integration and popup forms.
- Efficiency and Support: You value time-saving tools like global widgets and need access to premium support for troubleshooting and assistance.
Section 7: Use Cases and Recommendations
When to Use Elementor Free
Elementor Free is a powerful tool that provides essential features for various types of websites, making it suitable for many use cases.
Ideal Scenarios and User Types
Beginners and Hobbyists:
- Personal Blogs and Portfolios: For individuals looking to create personal blogs or showcase portfolios, Elementor Free offers enough functionality to design attractive and functional websites without any financial investment.
- Small Personal Projects: Those working on small, non-commercial projects will find the free version sufficient for their needs.
Budget-Conscious Users:
- Small Businesses and Startups: Small businesses or startups with limited budgets can utilize Elementor Free to establish an online presence without incurring additional costs.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Non-profits and community groups can build informational websites to communicate their mission and activities effectively.
Basic Websites:
- Informational Websites: Simple websites that primarily provide information, such as local business sites, event pages, or basic service listings, can be effectively built with the free version.
- Landing Pages: Create basic landing pages for campaigns or promotions using Elementor Free's drag-and-drop editor and basic widgets.
When to Upgrade to Elementor Pro
Elementor Pro offers advanced features and tools that cater to more complex requirements, making it ideal for certain use cases and user types.
Situations Where Pro Features Are Beneficial
Professional Web Designers and Developers:
- Client Projects: For those working on multiple client projects, Elementor Pro's advanced features like the Theme Builder, Popup Builder, and extensive widget library significantly enhance productivity and design capabilities.
- Advanced Customization: The ability to add custom CSS, JavaScript, and dynamic content makes Elementor Pro indispensable for creating highly customized and interactive websites.
Businesses and E-commerce Sites:
- E-commerce Websites: Online stores built with WooCommerce can benefit from Elementor Pro’s WooCommerce Builder, which allows for the creation of custom product pages, shop layouts, and checkout processes.
- Lead Generation and Marketing: The Popup Builder and advanced form widgets help businesses capture leads, create marketing popups, and integrate with CRM tools.
Large-Scale and Dynamic Websites:
- Content-Rich Websites: Blogs, news sites, and other content-rich platforms can utilize dynamic content features to display posts, custom fields, and other dynamic elements efficiently.
- Membership and Community Sites: Websites that require member-specific content or user interaction can leverage Elementor Pro’s advanced widgets and customization options.
Case Studies
Real-Life Examples of Websites Using Free vs. Pro
Elementor Free Case Study:
- Small Local Business: A local café uses Elementor Free to create a simple yet effective website. The site includes an attractive homepage, an about section, a menu page, and a contact form. Using the free version, they maintain a professional online presence without incurring additional costs.
Elementor Pro Case Study:
- E-commerce Store: A fashion retailer leverages Elementor Pro to build a sophisticated e-commerce site. The WooCommerce Builder allows them to create custom product pages with engaging designs, integrate dynamic product displays, and implement marketing popups to boost sales. The retailer also uses global widgets to maintain consistent branding across the site.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
Throughout this guide, we've explored the features and benefits of both Elementor Free and Elementor Pro, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which version is best suited for your needs.
- Elementor Free:
- Essential Features: Offers a robust set of basic tools that are sufficient for creating simple, attractive websites.
- User-Friendly: The drag-and-drop editor, responsive design capabilities, and compatibility with third-party plugins make it accessible for beginners and budget-conscious users.
- Elementor Pro:
- Advanced Functionality: Includes a wide range of advanced widgets, Theme Builder, Popup Builder, WooCommerce Builder, and dynamic content capabilities.
- Customization: Provides enhanced customization options with custom CSS, JavaScript, and global widgets, making it ideal for professional web designers, developers, and businesses with more complex needs.
- Value for Money: Despite the subscription cost, the extensive feature set and premium support offer significant value for those requiring advanced tools and support.
Final Recommendation
Choosing between Elementor Free and Elementor Pro ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals.
- Use Elementor Free If:
- You are a beginner or hobbyist looking to create a simple blog, portfolio, or informational website without any financial investment.
- You are a small business or startup with a limited budget, seeking to establish an online presence.
- Your project does not require advanced features, extensive customization, or premium support.
- Upgrade to Elementor Pro If:
- You are a professional web designer or developer needing advanced tools and customization options for client projects.
- You run a business or e-commerce site that can benefit from features like the WooCommerce Builder, Popup Builder, and advanced forms.
- You value time-saving tools like global widgets and need access to premium support for troubleshooting and assistance.
