Divi to Elementor: Why and How to Make the Switch for Your WordPress Site
When it comes to building a WordPress website, two of the most popular page builders are Divi and Elementor. Both tools provide drag-and-drop functionality to help you design beautiful, responsive websites without needing to write code. However, while Divi has been a favorite for many years, Elementor has emerged as a strong contender, offering even more customization options, faster performance, and an intuitive user experience.
If you’re currently using Divi but are considering switching to Elementor, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the key differences between Divi and Elementor, the benefits of switching, and step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition smoothly.
What is Divi?
Divi is a premium WordPress theme and page builder developed by Elegant Themes. It allows users to build custom websites using its visual drag-and-drop editor. Divi offers an extensive range of pre-made templates and design elements, allowing users to create unique layouts and web pages easily.
While Divi’s features are powerful, some users find that it can be restrictive, particularly when it comes to customization and performance.
What is Elementor?
Elementor is a WordPress page builder plugin that allows users to design websites using a drag-and-drop interface. Unlike Divi, Elementor is not tied to a specific theme. It works with most WordPress themes, offering a high level of flexibility and customization.
Elementor provides both a free version and a Pro version. The Pro version unlocks additional features, such as advanced widgets, theme-building capabilities, and integrations with third-party tools, making it a more versatile option for many developers.
Why Should You Consider Switching from Divi to Elementor?
While both Divi and Elementor have their merits, Elementor offers a few distinct advantages that might make it worth considering for your WordPress site. Here’s why you might want to make the switch:
Faster Performance
Elementor is known for its lightning-fast speed. Pages built with Elementor generally load faster than those created with Divi. This can have a significant impact on user experience and SEO rankings, as Google takes site speed into account when ranking websites.
More Design Flexibility
Elementor offers greater control over design elements, such as typography, layout, and colors. With Elementor Pro, you can design custom headers, footers, and blog pages, something Divi is less intuitive about.
Better User Interface
Elementor’s interface is highly intuitive, offering a real-time live editor that lets you see changes as you make them. Divi, on the other hand, has a more static editor, and users often find themselves jumping between the backend and the front-end to tweak settings.
A Wider Range of Widgets and Templates
Elementor offers an extensive range of pre-designed widgets and templates, including advanced widgets for buttons, galleries, sliders, and forms. Divi also offers templates but doesn’t have the same variety of third-party integrations that Elementor supports.
No Theme Lock-In
Divi is tied to its own theme, meaning that if you want to use Divi’s builder, you’ll need to stick with the Divi theme. Elementor, on the other hand, can work with any theme, giving you more freedom in choosing your WordPress theme and style.
Challenges When Switching from Divi to Elementor
While the advantages of Elementor are clear, switching from Divi to Elementor is not without challenges. Some issues you may face include:
- Content and Layout Rebuilding: Since Divi and Elementor use different shortcodes and layouts, your existing pages may not transfer over seamlessly to Elementor. You’ll need to manually rebuild your pages and layouts in Elementor, which can be time-consuming.
- Theme Compatibility: While Elementor is compatible with most WordPress themes, there could be some issues with certain themes. Be sure to check for compatibility before making the switch.
- Learning Curve: If you’re accustomed to Divi’s interface, it may take some time to get used to Elementor’s layout and features. However, Elementor’s user-friendly interface makes this learning curve manageable.
How to Switch from Divi to Elementor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Switching from Divi to Elementor requires some preparation and a structured process to ensure your website stays intact throughout the transition. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the switch:
Step 1: Back Up Your Website
Before making any major changes, always back up your website. This way, if anything goes wrong during the process, you can restore your website to its original state.
Step 2: Install Elementor
To get started, install the Elementor plugin. You can do this by going to your WordPress dashboard, navigating to Plugins > Add New, and searching for Elementor. Once installed, activate it.
If you want to take advantage of Elementor Pro features, you can purchase a license and install the Pro plugin alongside the free version.
Step 3: Deactivate Divi
After installing Elementor, you’ll need to deactivate Divi. Divi’s shortcodes won’t work with Elementor, so it’s important to turn off Divi’s page builder to prevent conflicts. You can deactivate the plugin by going to Plugins > Installed Plugins and clicking “Deactivate” next to Divi Builder.
Step 4: Rebuild Pages in Elementor
Now comes the most time-consuming part: rebuilding your pages in Elementor. Elementor’s drag-and-drop editor allows you to rebuild your pages without any coding knowledge. While this may seem like a lot of work, Elementor’s ease of use should make the process much quicker than expected.
You can start by creating a new page and selecting one of Elementor’s pre-designed templates. From there, you can customize the template and add your content.
Step 5: Adjust Global Settings
After you’ve rebuilt your pages, adjust the global settings to match your brand’s colors, typography, and style. Elementor allows you to set global colors and fonts, which will apply across your entire website for consistency.
Step 6: Test Your Site
Once everything is rebuilt and customized, it’s time to test your site. Check for responsiveness across different devices, make sure all links work, and ensure that your pages load quickly. You can also use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your website’s performance.
Elementor Features That Make the Transition Worth It
Now that you know how to switch from Divi to Elementor, let’s take a closer look at some of the standout features of Elementor:
Theme Builder
Elementor Pro offers a Theme Builder that allows you to design your entire website, including headers, footers, and archives. This is a major advantage over Divi, which requires separate tools for designing different parts of your site.
Popup Builder
Elementor Pro also comes with a Popup Builder, allowing you to create popups for lead generation, announcements, or promotions. You can design popups just like any other Elementor widget, giving you complete control over their appearance.
WooCommerce Builder
If you’re running an online store, Elementor’s WooCommerce Builder lets you design product pages, shop layouts, and other e-commerce elements. This is particularly useful for online businesses looking to enhance their store’s design.
Advanced Customization Options
With Elementor, you have access to advanced design options, such as custom CSS, motion effects, and animations. These features let you create highly interactive and visually appealing websites.
Divi vs. Elementor: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Divi | Elementor |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Visual Builder | Real-time drag-and-drop editor |
| Performance | Slower page load times | Faster loading times |
| Customization | Limited flexibility | Greater design flexibility |
| Theme Compatibility | Divi theme required | Works with any WordPress theme |
| Widgets and Templates | Less variety | Extensive range of widgets and templates |
| Price | One-time payment for lifetime use | Free and Pro versions available |
Common Issues When Switching from Divi to Elementor
While switching to Elementor can be beneficial, some common issues include:
- Lost Shortcodes: Divi uses its own set of shortcodes, which may not transfer over to Elementor. You’ll need to manually rebuild any custom modules you’ve created with Divi.
- Learning Curve: If you’ve been using Divi for a long time, it may take some time to adjust to Elementor’s interface. However, the transition is typically smoother than expected due to Elementor’s intuitive design.
Is Switching to Elementor Right for You?
If you’re looking for better performance, more design freedom, and a faster workflow, switching from Divi to Elementor might be the right decision. Elementor’s modern interface and advanced features make it an excellent choice for both beginners and professional web designers.
Conclusion
Making the switch from Divi to Elementor doesn’t have to be complicated. By following this guide, you can smoothly transition your WordPress website while maintaining (and even improving) your design, performance, and SEO rankings. Start building with Elementor today and experience the difference it can make for your site!