How to Install Elementor on WordPress

Elementor has revolutionized the way people build WordPress websites. This powerful page builder transforms complex website design into an intuitive, visual process. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a complete beginner, learning how to install Elementor on WordPress is the first step toward creating a stunning, professional, and fully SEO-optimized site.

This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire WordPress installation process. You will learn to install the Elementor plugin (the free version), activate it, and then unlock advanced features by covering how to install Elementor Pro.

By the end of this article, you will be ready to start building your dream WordPress website with the industry-leading Elementor website builder.

Understanding Elementor: Revolutionizing WordPress Web Design

Elementor is more than just a WordPress plugin. It is a complete drag-and-drop editor that replaces the traditional, often cumbersome WordPress editor.

This innovative approach allows you to design your site’s frontend in real-time. You see precisely what your visitors will see as you create the layout. This is known as a true visual builder.

The core Elementor plugin is available for free. It comes packed with essential functionality and a wide range of basic widgets. These widgets are the building blocks of your page. You can use them to add text, images, videos, and more.

Elementor Free vs. Elementor Pro: What Elementor Offers

Understanding the difference between the free version and Elementor Pro is key. The free version is excellent for building websites with simple pages and posts. It provides a foundational set of tools.

However, the Elementor Pro version is where the magic of complete site design truly begins. Elementor Pro transforms your WordPress site into a fully customizable entity.

Feature	Elementor Free	Elementor Pro
Drag and Drop Editor	Yes	Yes
Basic Widgets (Headings, Images, Button)	Free (approx. 30+)	Included
Theme Builder (Custom Header, Footer, Post Layouts)	No	Yes (Build your entire website)
Advanced Widgets (Forms, Posts, Price Lists, Mega Menu, Countdown Timers)	No	Yes (approx. 90+ widgets)
Custom CSS	No	Yes (Add custom css to any widget)
Popup Builder	No	Yes
WooCommerce Builder (Custom Product Pages)	No	Yes (Essential for an online store)
Professional Templates	Limited Access	Full Access to 300+ Templates and Kits
Motion Effects, Scrolling Effects	No	Yes

If your goal is to create an advanced online store, dynamic landing pages, or custom product pages, install Elementor Pro to unlock these crucial advanced features.

Prerequisites Before Installing Elementor on WordPress

Before installing Elementor, ensure your system meets the following basic requirements. Elementor is a robust page builder, and an optimized WordPress installation is the foundation for a fast, stable WordPress website.

• An Active WordPress Installation: You must have a functional WordPress site hosted online. You should already have your login details for the WordPress login screen.

• PHP Version: Elementor recommends PHP 7.4 or higher for optimal performance. Most modern hosting providers use this version, but it is wise to check.

• WordPress Version: Your WordPress site should be running version 6.0 or higher. Always use the latest stable version of WordPress.

• Sufficient PHP Memory Limit: Elementor’s visual editor performs optimally with a PHP memory limit of at least 256MB, which helps prevent slow loading or common ‘widgets not loading’ errors. You may need to contact your hosting provider to increase this setting.

• A Compatible Theme: While Elementor works with nearly any theme, using a dedicated Elementor-compatible theme, such as Hello Elementor or Astra, is recommended. This provides a clean canvas and prevents layout conflicts.

Meeting these prerequisites ensures a smooth WordPress installation and prevents the frustrating “Elementor slow” issue later on.

How to Install Elementor on WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide

The process to install Elementor (the free version) is straightforward. You will use the official WordPress plugin repository directly from your WordPress dashboard.

Step 1: Accessing the WordPress Dashboard

First, log in to your WordPress site.

• Open your web browser.
• Log in to your WordPress Admin access area. This URL is typically yourwebsite.com/wp-admin.
• Enter your username and password. You will land on the main WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Navigating to the Plugins Section

The Elementor plugin is installed just like any other WordPress plugin.

• In the left panel of your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Plugins menu.

• Click on the Add New Plugin submenu. This will take you to the official WordPress plugin repository.

Step 3: Searching for Elementor Plugin

You need to find the official Elementor website builder.

• In the search bar (or search field) on the top-right of the Add Plugins page, enter “elementor.”

• The first result, usually titled Elementor Website Builder, is the correct plugin. Look for the distinctive pink ‘E’ logo. The publisher should be Elementor.com.

Step 4: Installing the Elementor Plugin

Now you will begin the WordPress installation.

• Click install now on the Elementor Website Builder plugin card.

• WordPress will download and install the plugin files to your site. This process usually takes a few seconds.

• The ‘Install Now’ button will change to an ‘Activate’ button once the installation is complete.

Step 5: Activating the Plugin

The final crucial step for the free version is activation.

• Click Activate on the Elementor Website Builder plugin card.

• This action activates and enables the Elementor plugin on your WordPress site.

• You will be redirected to an Elementor welcome screen. This is a quick setup wizard. You can follow the prompts or simply click Skip to return to your dashboard. The Elementor installed message confirms your success.

The Elementor menu item will now appear in your left panel. Congratulations, you have successfully installed Elementor on WordPress. You are ready to start building!

Installing Elementor Pro: Unlocking Advanced Features

While the free version is powerful, installing Elementor Pro enhances your design capabilities, enabling you to create a truly customized WordPress website.

Elementor Pro is an add-on, meaning it works in conjunction with the free Elementor plugin. Elementor Pro is not available in the WordPress plugin repository; you must download it from your Elementor account.

Step 1: Purchasing Elementor Pro

You must first buy a license from the official Elementor website.

• Navigate to the Elementor pricing page.

• Choose a plan that fits your needs (typically based on the number of sites you need to use the plugin on).

• Complete the purchase. This automatically creates your Elementor account and provides access to the Pro files.

Step 2: Downloading the Elementor Pro Plugin

After purchase, you need to download the plugin file.

• Log in to your My Elementor account dashboard.

• Navigate to the Subscriptions or Downloads section.

• Find the Elementor Pro plugin download link.

• Click to download the Elementor Pro plugin zip file to your computer. Note: DO NOT unzip the file.

Step 3: Uploading Elementor Pro to WordPress

This step uses the manual plugin upload feature in WordPress.

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Plugins and click Add New Plugin.
• At the top of the page, click the Upload Plugin button.
• Click Choose File, then locate and select the Elementor Pro plugin zip file you just downloaded.
• Click Install Now. WordPress will upload and install the Pro plugin.

Step 4: Activating Elementor Pro

The final step is to activate the plugin and connect your license.

• After the upload and installation are complete, click Activate plugin. The Elementor Pro plugin is now active.

• You will see a notification bar prompting you to connect and activate your license.

• Click this link. You will be redirected to the Elementor account page.

• Click Connect & Activate again to link your live WordPress site to your purchased license. This step unlocks all the advanced features.

With Elementor installed and Pro activated, you now have the complete toolset, including custom forms, mega menu builder, countdown timers, and more.

Getting Started with Elementor: Creating Your First Page

Now that you know how to install Elementor on WordPress and have the Elementor website builder running, it is time to put the drag-and-drop editor to work.

Step 1: Creating a New Page

You will begin by creating a new blank page or post in WordPress.

• In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Pages → Add New. (You can also do this for a post).

• Give your new page a title (e.g., “Home Page”).

• In the Page sidebar settings (or page settings panel), look for the Page Layout option. For best results with Elementor, select Elementor Full Width or Elementor Canvas. This removes the theme’s default header, footer, and sidebar, allowing Elementor to control the entire layout.

Step 2: Launching Elementor Editor

You are ready to enter Elementor.

• Click the prominent Edit with Elementor button.

• The Elementor editor interface will launch. The main canvas shows your page layout. The left panel is your primary workspace, containing all the widgets and settings.

Step 3: Designing Your Page

Design in Elementor works by adding sections, columns, and widgets.

• Add a Structure: Click the + icon in the center of the canvas. This prompts you to select a structure (e.g., a single column or two columns). This creates a Section (or Container).

• Drag and Drop Widgets: Navigate to the left panel. Find a widget you want, such as the Image widget or the Elementor button widget. Drag it from the left panel and drop it into your newly created section on the canvas.

• Customize: Click on the widget you just added. The left panel will switch to that widget’s settings. You can change the text, upload an image, link the Elementor button, and adjust styling (including custom CSS with Pro), motion effects, and more.

• Repeat: Continue to drag and drop various widgets (image gallery, image box, Google Maps, search bar, testimonials) to create your desired layout.

Once your page is complete, click the “Publish” or “Update” button at the bottom of the left panel. Your visually designed page is now live on your WordPress site.

Troubleshooting Common Elementor Installation Issues

While the WordPress installation is usually smooth, you may occasionally encounter issues. Elementor’s complexity can lead to minor conflicts, which you can easily resolve.

Elementor Editor (Gray/Blank Page)

Cause: Low PHP Memory Limit or Plugin Conflict.

Solution:

• Increase your PHP Memory Limit (ask your host for 256 MB or more).
• Deactivate all other plugins (except Elementor plugins) and re-test.
• In Elementor settings, try switching the Editor Loader Method (located in the Advanced tab).

Widgets Not Loading or Elementor Slow

Cause: Insufficient Server Resources or Caching.

Solution:

• Clear all Caches (WordPress caching plugin, server cache, and browser cache).
• Regenerate CSS in Elementor → Tools → General → Regenerate CSS & Data.

Changes Not Showing on Live Site

• Cause: Caching.

• Solution: Purge all website and browser caches immediately after clicking ‘Update’. Use a private/incognito window to check the live site.

Content Area Missing

• Cause: Theme Compatibility Issue.

• Solution: Switch your page layout to Elementor Full Width or Elementor Canvas in the page settings. If the problem persists, temporarily switch your WordPress theme to Hello Elementor to rule out a theme conflict.

Elementor Pro License Not Activating

• Cause: Connection Issue.

• Solution: Ensure both the free Elementor plugin and the Elementor Pro plugin are active. Navigate to Elementor → License and click Connect & Activate again to refresh the license link.

These troubleshooting steps cover the majority of problems new users face. A little patience is key, and the Elementor community is always ready to help.

Read Further: How to Change Your Page URL with Elementor in Simple Steps

Conclusion: Elevate Your WordPress Site with Elementor

Learning how to install Elementor on WordPress is the pivotal moment in your web design journey. You have successfully taken the step from using the basic WordPress editor to embracing the power of a full drag-and-drop editor.

With the Elementor plugin, the free version, and the powerful Elementor Pro plugin at your fingertips, you have all the necessary advanced features to create any type of WordPress website.

From basic blog posts and stunning image gallery pages to a fully functional online store with custom product pages, Elementor offers the ultimate freedom in visual design capabilities.

Stop dreaming about a better website and start building it today. The Elementor ecosystem is ready to help you elevate your site from a simple WordPress installation to a professional, high-performing, and beautiful online presence. Your journey as an Elementor builder has just begun!

FAQs About How to Install Elementor on WordPress