Curious about how to use Elementor in WordPress for free? This guide covers everything you need to start designing stunning pages with the Elementor page builder — without paying for the Pro version. Perfect for beginners and anyone wanting to explore website customization on a budget. Whether you're launching a personal blog or a business website, Elementor's free version offers plenty of functionality to get started.
Getting Started with the Free Version
The free version of Elementor is available as a plugin in the WordPress repository. You can install it directly from your WordPress dashboard and begin editing pages immediately using its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. This setup process is quick and ideal for non-technical users.
- Log into your WordPress admin dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New
- Search for "Elementor Website Builder"
- Click Install and then Activate
- Once activated, go to any page or create a new one and click on Edit with Elementor
Understanding the Elementor Interface
Once installed, open any page or post and click "Edit with Elementor." You’ll be taken to the visual editor, where you can:
- Drag widgets like text, images, and buttons onto your canvas
- Use sections and columns to structure your layout
- Preview your design in real time and make adjustments instantly
- Use responsive editing tools to ensure mobile compatibility
The interface also includes a Navigator tool to help manage complex layouts, and a History panel to undo changes step-by-step. These features are essential for designing efficiently, especially when dealing with multi-layered pages.
Widgets Available in Elementor Free
The free version of Elementor includes over 30 basic widgets, providing plenty of flexibility for building most types of pages:
| Content Widgets | Design Widgets | Functional Widgets |
|---|---|---|
| Heading, Text Editor, Image, Video | Divider, Spacer, Icon, Icon Box | Button, Google Maps, Progress Bar |
You can enhance these widgets further by using padding, margin, typography, and color controls. This allows for a polished, custom look even with the free toolkit.
Using Pre-made Templates
Elementor free comes with a library of templates that can help speed up your workflow and serve as inspiration for layout ideas:
- Click the folder icon in the editor panel to access the Template Library
- Select from a variety of basic page templates such as Home, About, Contact
- Preview, import, and modify templates to align with your content and branding
Using pre-made templates is especially useful if you're unsure how to structure your website. It’s a time-saver and a creative jumpstart.
Elementor Free vs Pro Features
Understanding the limitations of the free version is important for planning your project realistically. Here's a breakdown of what you get:
| Feature | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Widgets | Yes | Yes |
| Theme Builder | No | Yes |
| WooCommerce Widgets | No | Yes |
| Global Widgets | No | Yes |
| Popup Builder | No | Yes |
While the Pro version extends your capabilities, many personal and small business websites do just fine with the free features.
What You Can and Can't Do for Free
With the free Elementor version, you can:
- Create fully responsive page designs with drag-and-drop ease
- Access essential styling and layout controls such as fonts, spacing, and colors
- Use a wide array of widgets and templates to build out your pages
- Integrate media, Google Maps, and buttons for interactive content
However, you can’t do the following without upgrading:
- Design custom headers and footers via the Theme Builder
- Use marketing integrations like Mailchimp or ConvertKit
- Create advanced motion effects and animations
- Build WooCommerce product and archive pages
Extra Tips for Maximizing Elementor Free
Make the most of Elementor without upgrading by following these tips and best practices:
Choose a compatible theme
- Use lightweight themes like Hello Elementor, Astra, or GeneratePress for smoother performance and full compatibility
Add useful free plugins
- Enhance Elementor with free plugins such as "Essential Addons for Elementor" and "Elementor Header & Footer Builder"
Stay organized
- Use the Navigator tool to manage complex layouts efficiently
- Take advantage of version history to revert changes easily
Preview frequently
- Use responsive preview modes (mobile, tablet, desktop) to check how your page looks across devices
Useful Links
Install & Activate Elementor Core – Step-by-step guide to installing and activating the free Elementor plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
How to Use the Template Library – Learn how to access and insert pre-designed templates to accelerate your design process.
Elementor Pro vs Free – Official comparison outlining the features available in the free and Pro versions of Elementor.
Get Started with the Elementor Plugin – Comprehensive guide to begin building your website using Elementor's free tools.
Use More Plugins and Addons for Elementor – Explore additional plugins and addons to enhance your Elementor experience.
Enhance Your Elementor with Powerful Widgets!
Elfsight created dozens of useful widgets to make your website more attractive and boost its performance in so many ways. Try these no-code solutions for free on Elementor!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use Elementor for free, you can start creating beautifully designed pages within WordPress without spending a dime. From understanding the drag and drop editor to applying pre-made templates and working with over 30 widgets, Elementor’s free version is a powerful tool. Whether you're a beginner or working on a side project, this WordPress page builder guide will help you unlock your creativity while staying on budget.
