Introduction
The Elementor plugin has revolutionized the way websites are designed on WordPress, giving both beginners and experienced developers the tools they need to create visually appealing, responsive, and high-performing web pages without writing a single line of code. This is not just another plugin—it’s a complete design environment where creativity meets functionality.
When it comes to Custom Templates, mastering the Elementor plugin allows you to move beyond standard layouts and into the realm of unique, brand-aligned designs. Whether you’re focused on how to design a website with Elementor for beginners or making an informed choice between Elementor free vs Elementor pro which should I choose, this guide will equip you with advanced strategies for success.
In this extensive article, we’ll cover every stage of the journey: from basic setup to using the Best Elementor templates for eCommerce websites, integrating WooCommerce, crafting responsive landing pages, and even building pop-ups to capture leads. You’ll also learn how to make the most of Elementor addons for advanced WordPress customization so your designs stand out in a competitive market.
Quick Access Guide
Understanding the Elementor Plugin and Its Core Features
The Elementor plugin is a drag-and-drop page builder that provides a visual editing interface, enabling real-time design and layout customization without coding. It works with most WordPress themes, but is especially powerful when paired with lightweight, customizable themes like Astra or Hello Elementor.
Core features include:
- Live editing: See your changes as you make them.
- Widgets: Pre-designed elements like headings, images, buttons, and forms.
- Responsive design tools: Adjust for desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
- Theme Builder (Pro): Customize headers, footers, single posts, and archive pages.
- Popup Builder (Pro): Create engaging popups for marketing and announcements.
Example Table: Elementor Free vs Pro (Feature Overview)
| Feature | Elementor Free | Elementor Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Drag & Drop Editor | ✅ | ✅ |
| Responsive Editing | ✅ | ✅ |
| 40+ Basic Widgets | ✅ | ✅ |
| 50+ Pro Widgets | ❌ | ✅ |
| Theme Builder | ❌ | ✅ |
| WooCommerce Builder | ❌ | ✅ |
| Popup Builder | ❌ | ✅ |
| Global Custom CSS | ❌ | ✅ |
By understanding these features, you’ll know exactly which tools you have at your disposal when designing Custom Templates.
How to Design a Website with Elementor for Beginners
If you are just starting, the Elementor plugin offers an intuitive workflow.
Step-by-Step Beginner Workflow:
- Install and Activate the Plugin
- Navigate to “Plugins” > “Add New” in your WordPress dashboard.
- Search for the Elementor plugin and click “Install” then “Activate.”
- Choose a Compatible Theme
- Astra and Hello Elementor are recommended for performance and compatibility.
- Start a New Page
- Go to “Pages” > “Add New” > Click “Edit with Elementor.”
- Use the visual editor to drag widgets into the page.
- Customize Your Layout
- Adjust margins, padding, and alignment.
- Change typography, colors, and background images.
- Save as Template
- Once satisfied, save your page as a custom template to reuse later.
Beginner Tips:
- Use pre-designed templates as starting points.
- Keep the design clean and avoid too many elements.
- Optimize images before uploading to improve loading times.
Example of Beginner-Friendly Widgets:
- Heading widget for titles.
- Image widget for banners.
- Button widget for calls-to-action.
- Text Editor widget for paragraphs.
By following this process, even a complete beginner can design a fully functional and visually appealing site.
Elementor Free vs Elementor Pro — Which Should I Choose?
The decision between Elementor free vs Elementor Pro which should I choose depends on your design goals and budget.
Pros and Cons Table:
| Version | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Free | No cost, easy to use, enough for small projects | Limited templates, no advanced widgets, no Theme Builder |
| Pro | Full template library, Theme & WooCommerce Builder, Popup Builder, advanced design options | Annual subscription cost |
When to Stick with Free:
- You are building a personal blog or a basic business website.
- You don’t require advanced design control over headers, footers, and product pages.
When to Upgrade to Pro:
- You are building multiple client websites.
- You need the Best Elementor templates for e-Commerce websites.
- You plan to integrate with WooCommerce or create dynamic pop-ups.
In most professional use cases, upgrading to Pro is a worthwhile investment because it saves time, increases design flexibility, and opens up more revenue-generating possibilities.
Best Elementor Templates for eCommerce Websites
When it comes to building online stores, the Elementor plugin shines by offering a variety of ready-made designs and layouts. The Best Elementor templates for eCommerce websites combine visual appeal with conversion-focused features that drive sales.
Why Templates Matter for eCommerce:
- They save time by providing a pre-designed structure.
- They are optimized for sales funnels and product display.
- They ensure a consistent user experience across your site.
Popular Elementor Templates for Online Stores:
- Astra WooCommerce Starter Templates – Lightweight, fast, and customizable.
- Hello Elementor Store Layouts – Minimalist designs that focus on products.
- Premium Marketplace Templates – Available from providers like TemplateMonster or Envato Elements.
Key Features to Look for:
- Mobile responsiveness for shoppers on the go.
- Product-focused layouts with high-quality imagery.
- Integrated call-to-action buttons near products.
- SEO-friendly coding for better rankings.
Example Table: Comparing eCommerce Template Options
| Template Name | Speed | Mobile Ready | Customization Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra WooCommerce | High | ✅ | High | Small to medium shops |
| Hello Elementor Store | High | ✅ | Medium | Minimalist brands |
| Premium Marketplace Template | Medium | ✅ | High | Large stores with multiple categories |
By leveraging these Best Elementor templates for eCommerce websites, you not only save time but also enhance your store’s ability to convert visitors into buyers.
How to Create Responsive Landing Pages with Elementor
In today’s mobile-first world, knowing how to create responsive landing pages with Elementor is critical for user experience and SEO performance.
The Importance of Responsive Design:
- Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning your mobile version affects your ranking.
- Visitors are more likely to stay and convert if your landing page adapts to their device.
Step-by-Step Process for Responsive Landing Pages:
- Enable Responsive Mode in Elementor
- Click the device icons (desktop, tablet, mobile) to customize layouts for each device.
- Optimize Images
- Use smaller image sizes for mobile to reduce loading time.
- Adjust Typography
- Set font sizes and line heights specifically for mobile.
- Simplify Layouts for Smaller Screens
- Remove unnecessary sections to keep mobile navigation smooth.
Pro Tip: Test your landing page on multiple devices before publishing. Tools like BrowserStack can help simulate various screen sizes.
Example Table: Desktop vs Mobile Adjustments
| Element | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Hero Image | Full-width 1920px | Cropped to 1080px |
| Headline Font Size | 48px | 28px |
| Button Placement | Side-by-side | Stacked vertically |
With a responsive approach, your Elementor plugin landing pages will engage visitors regardless of the device they’re using.
Elementor Addons for Advanced WordPress Customization
While the Elementor plugin itself is powerful, adding the right extensions can take your design capabilities to the next level. Elementor addons for advanced WordPress customization allow you to introduce unique elements that the base plugin doesn’t offer.
Popular Elementor Addons:
- Essential Addons for Elementor – Adds over 70 new elements like advanced galleries, content timelines, and testimonials.
- Premium Addons for Elementor – Offers advanced animations, image hotspots, and interactive banners.
- Crocoblock – Known for JetPlugins, which add dynamic content, filtering, and booking functionalities.
Pros and Cons Table:
| Addon | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Addons | Lightweight, many free features | Some advanced elements require Pro |
| Premium Addons | Unique animations and effects | Can slow down site if overused |
| Crocoblock | Comprehensive dynamic tools | Learning curve for beginners |
Best Practices for Using Addons:
- Only install the addons you truly need.
- Avoid overlapping features from multiple addons.
- Test performance before and after installation.
Using the right Elementor addons for advanced WordPress customization ensures you can create unique, interactive, and visually stunning Custom Templates without compromising site speed.
How to Integrate Elementor with WooCommerce Store
For online businesses, knowing how to integrate Elementor with WooCommerce store is essential to creating a professional, high-converting eCommerce website. The Elementor plugin integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, allowing you to customize every part of your store without touching code.
Integration Steps:
- Install and Activate WooCommerce
- Go to “Plugins” → “Add New,” search for WooCommerce, then install and activate it.
- Enable WooCommerce Widgets in Elementor
- With Elementor Pro, you’ll get dedicated widgets such as Product Title, Price, Add to Cart, and Product Image.
- Design Custom Product Pages
- Use Elementor’s Theme Builder to design product layouts, category pages, and checkout pages.
- Optimize for Conversions
- Add urgency with countdown timers.
- Use related product widgets to boost upselling and cross-selling.
Example Table: Benefits of Elementor-WooCommerce Integration
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Custom Product Pages | Unique branding for each item |
| Optimized Checkout | Reduced cart abandonment |
| Mobile Responsive Layout | Better shopping experience |
| Dynamic Product Widgets | More interactive browsing |
When done correctly, integrating WooCommerce with the Elementor plugin gives you control over both design and functionality, improving the overall shopping experience.
Elementor Popup Builder Tutorial for Beginners
The Elementor popup builder tutorial for beginners helps you create visually striking pop-ups that drive action — whether it’s capturing leads, announcing sales, or promoting events.
Steps to Create an Elementor Popup:
- Open the Popup Builder
- In Elementor Pro, go to Templates → Popups → Add New.
- Choose a Template or Start from Scratch
- Select a design from the library or create your own.
- Customize the Design
- Add headlines, images, forms, and call-to-action buttons.
- Set Display Conditions
- Choose where and when the pop-up will appear (e.g., on exit intent, after scrolling, or after a delay).
- Publish and Test
- Ensure your pop-up looks great on all devices before going live.
Best Practices:
- Keep the message short and clear.
- Use compelling visuals.
- Don’t overwhelm visitors with too many pop-ups.
Advanced Custom Template Design Tips with the Elementor Plugin
To make the most of the Elementor plugin for custom templates, focus on advanced design techniques that enhance both aesthetics and performance.
Techniques to Try:
- Custom CSS – Add unique styles beyond default Elementor controls.
- Motion Effects – Use parallax scrolling, fade-in animations, and mouse tracking for dynamic designs.
- Global Styles – Maintain consistent colors and typography across the entire site.
- Dynamic Content – Use Elementor Pro’s integration with ACF or Pods for personalized content.
Example Table: Advanced Features vs Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Custom CSS | Greater design flexibility |
| Motion Effects | More engaging user experience |
| Global Styles | Consistent branding |
| Dynamic Content | Personalized user interactions |
These strategies ensure your Custom Templates look professional, load fast, and perform well in search rankings.
Conclusion
Mastering the Elementor plugin opens the door to limitless design possibilities. From How to design a website with Elementor for beginners to advanced integrations like How to integrate Elementor with WooCommerce store, this tool empowers you to create stunning, functional, and conversion-focused Custom Templates for any niche.
Warning
- Avoid installing too many addons — they can slow down your site.
- Always test new features in a staging environment before applying them live.
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Advice
- Update the Elementor plugin regularly for new features and security improvements.
- Use Pro if you require advanced customization and integration.
- Keep your designs clean to ensure faster loading and better user experience.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to start? How to design a website with Elementor for beginners?
A: Begin with pre-made templates, then customize them to match your brand.
Q: Is it worth paying for Pro in Elementor free vs Elementor Pro which should I choose?
A: Yes, especially if you need WooCommerce integration, Theme Builder, or Popup Builder.
Q: Can I use the Best Elementor templates for eCommerce websites for non-shopping sites?
A: Absolutely — you can adapt them for portfolio, blog, or service-based websites.
Q: How do I ensure my How to create responsive landing pages with Elementor loads fast?
A: Use optimized images, a caching plugin, and avoid heavy animations.
Q: Are Elementor addons for advanced WordPress customization safe to use?
A: Yes, if you install them from reputable developers and keep them updated.
