Learning how to edit the header in Elementor is essential for customizing your WordPress website’s appearance. Whether you're using the free version or Elementor Pro, this guide walks you through the process of editing and enhancing your header with clear, step-by-step instructions.
Accessing the Header in Elementor
If you're wondering how to edit WordPress header with Elementor, the first step is knowing how to locate and open the header section for editing. This process varies slightly depending on whether you’re using the free or Pro version of Elementor.
- Elementor Pro Users: Navigate to Templates > Theme Builder in your WordPress dashboard. Here you’ll find a list of header templates. Click on the "Header" tab and either create a new header or edit an existing one directly within Elementor's visual builder.
- Elementor Free Users: Since the Theme Builder is a Pro feature, you’ll need a compatible theme such as Hello Elementor or Astra. Go to Appearance > Customize to manage the header through the WordPress Customizer, or install a plugin like Elementor Header & Footer Builder to gain drag-and-drop header editing capabilities.
Once you've accessed the header, you can begin customizing it with widgets, layouts, and styling tools to match your brand’s design.
Changing Header Layout in Elementor
Customizing the structure and layout of your header is simple with Elementor's drag-and-drop builder.
- Drag the Inner Section widget to divide the header into columns.
- Add widgets like Site Logo, Navigation Menu, or Button to your layout.
- Adjust column widths to control spacing and alignment.
Add Logo and Navigation Menu
A functional header usually includes your site logo and navigation menu.
| Element | How to Add |
|---|---|
| Site Logo | Drag the Site Logo widget into a header column and choose your logo image. |
| Navigation Menu | Use the Nav Menu widget. Assign a menu from your WordPress menu settings. |
Style and Design Options
Elementor provides powerful style tools to personalize your header:
- Typography: Change font family, size, and weight for text elements.
- Colors: Set background and text colors to match your brand.
- Spacing: Use padding and margin settings to improve layout aesthetics.
Responsive Header Design in Elementor
Ensuring your header looks good on all devices is crucial.
- Click the Responsive Mode icon in the Elementor editor.
- Switch between Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile views.
- Adjust settings for each view, including font size, padding, and alignment.
Header Visibility Settings
Understanding how to change the header in Elementor also involves controlling when and where it appears. Elementor offers flexible visibility settings to fine-tune header behavior across your website.
- Display Conditions: Choose whether your header is visible across the entire website, only on specific pages, posts, archives, or even custom post types. This is useful for creating different headers for different sections.
- User Roles: With Elementor Pro, you can assign headers based on user roles. For example, show a different header to logged-in users than to guests.
- Sticky Header: Enable a sticky effect that keeps your header fixed at the top of the screen during scrolling. This setting is found under the Motion Effects tab of the section settings.
- Hide on Devices: You can hide headers or specific elements within them on mobile, tablet, or desktop by using the Responsive options under the Advanced tab.
Elementor Free vs Pro for Header Editing
The ability to edit headers differs depending on your version of Elementor.
| Feature | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Edit Header | Limited (via theme or plugin) | Full theme builder access |
| Responsive Design | Yes | Yes |
| Display Conditions | No | Yes |
| Sticky Header | No | Yes |
Common Issues and Fixes
Here are frequent problems and how to resolve them:
Header not showing: Check your display conditions or plugin conflicts.
Menu not displaying: Make sure a menu is assigned in WordPress under Appearance > Menus.
Changes not saving: Clear cache or disable performance plugins temporarily.
Useful Links
Using the Theme Builder – Official Elementor guide on how to create and manage headers (and other site parts) through the Theme Builder tool, including setting display conditions.
How To Create A Header & Footer In WordPress – Official Elementor blog post explaining the benefits and process of designing custom headers and footers with Elementor Pro’s Theme Builder.
Ultimate Addons for Elementor (formerly Header & Footer Builder) – Plugin page for a popular free alternative enabling drag‑and‑drop header and footer creation without Elementor Pro.
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Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to edit the header in WordPress Elementor. From adjusting layouts to making the header responsive, Elementor provides a flexible way to tailor your website’s top section. Whether you use the free version with plugins or Elementor Pro for full control, these steps ensure your header looks and functions just as you want.
