Editing the footer in WordPress using Elementor is straightforward once you understand the tools available in both the free and Pro versions. Whether you want to update design elements or customize layout and content, this guide walks you through every option.
Understanding Footer Editing in Elementor
Elementor allows users to visually edit website sections, including footers, but the approach depends on whether you're using the free or Pro version. The Pro version includes a Theme Builder which significantly simplifies footer customization.
How to Edit Footer in Elementor Free
In the free version of Elementor, footer editing depends on the active WordPress theme. Many themes offer widgetized footers, which can be edited from the WordPress dashboard.
Use WordPress Customizer
- Go to Appearance > Customize in your WordPress dashboard.
- Select the Footer or Widgets section.
- Edit content, layout, or style based on your theme’s options.
- Save your changes and preview the footer on your website.
Use Footer Widgets
- Navigate to Appearance > Widgets.
- Locate the widget area labeled Footer or similar.
- Add, remove, or update widgets like text, menus, or social icons.
- Click Update to save the changes.
Using Elementor Pro to Edit the Footer
With Elementor Pro, the Theme Builder makes footer editing far easier and more flexible. You can create custom designs from scratch and set global footer templates.
Create or Edit a Footer in Theme Builder
- Go to Templates > Theme Builder.
- Click Footer and then Add New or choose an existing one.
- Design your footer using Elementor widgets, layout tools, and style settings.
- Use Display Conditions to assign the footer across your website.
Customize Footer Design in Elementor
Whether using Pro or Free, here are some common footer customization options:
- Add social icons: Use the Social Icons widget to link to your platforms.
- Edit footer layout: Use columns and sections for organized content.
- Change background: Customize color, image, or gradient backgrounds.
- Insert menus: Drag the Nav Menu widget for easy navigation links.
- Adjust typography: Control font size, weight, and color for footer text.
Create a Responsive Footer
A responsive footer ensures that your website maintains usability and visual harmony across all screen sizes—from large desktops to compact mobile devices. Elementor's built-in Responsive Mode makes it easy to adjust the layout for each device type without affecting others.
Preview your footer on multiple devices
- In the Elementor editor, click the Responsive Mode icon (monitor screen) at the bottom of the panel.
- Switch between Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile views.
- This allows you to see how the footer layout behaves on different devices in real time.
Adjust spacing and alignment per device
- Select any footer section, column, or widget.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab and click the device icon next to Padding or Margin.
- Enter values specific to Tablet and Mobile views to eliminate cramped or misaligned elements.
Stack or rearrange columns for mobile
- Footers with multiple columns often need stacking on small screens.
- Select the footer’s inner section or column container.
- Under Layout > Direction, switch to Vertical on mobile to stack content from left-to-right into top-to-bottom.
Hide or duplicate elements selectively
- If some elements don't fit well on mobile (e.g., logos, social icons, extra links), consider hiding them.
- Go to the widget’s Advanced > Responsive section and disable it on Tablet or Mobile.
- Optionally, duplicate and redesign elements specifically for smaller screens—showing the mobile version only when needed.
Use typography and icon adjustments
- Open the Style tab for any text or icon widget.
- Click the device icon next to Typography or Size.
- Choose smaller font sizes or resize icons for a better mobile look without affecting desktop settings.
Common Footer Issues in Elementor and Fixes
Here are typical problems users face and how to solve them:
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Footer not showing | Check Theme Builder display conditions. |
| Changes not saving | Clear cache and ensure you click Update after editing. |
| Layout broken on mobile | Use responsive controls to adjust elements per device. |
| Missing widgets | Ensure required plugins are installed and active. |
Elementor Free vs Pro for Footer Editing
Here is a quick comparison to help decide which version suits your needs:
| Feature | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Edit with Elementor | Limited or theme-dependent | Full access via Theme Builder |
| Custom footer templates | No | Yes |
| Responsive design tools | Yes | Yes |
| Global footer control | No | Yes |
Useful Links
Create or Modify Your Footer (Elementor Theme Builder) – Official Elementor documentation guiding users through creating, editing, assigning display conditions, exporting, and deleting footer templates using Theme Builder.
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Conclusion
Learning how to edit footer in WordPress Elementor empowers you to create a more professional and functional website. Elementor Pro offers a seamless editing experience through the Theme Builder, while the free version allows for basic customization depending on your theme. Whether you're designing a responsive layout or adding widgets, mastering footer edits helps refine the final impression your website leaves.
