Do you want a stylish landing page but don't know any code? A page builder can help. It is a plugin that lets you design pages visually by dragging and dropping elements onto the screen.
Popular names include Elementor, Beaver Builder and Divi. Many of them offer a free version, so you can try them before paying. In this article, we will see how they work and whether you really need one.
How does a page builder work?
Most page builders open your page in a visual editor that looks just like the live site. You drag elements like headings, images, buttons, sliders and forms into rows and columns. Then you adjust colors, spacing and fonts with simple controls.
They also come with ready-made templates. For example, you can import a full homepage design and simply replace the text and images.
Pros and cons of page builders
- Pro: You can design complex layouts without writing code.
- Pro: Live editing shows exactly what visitors will see.
- Con: They add extra code, which can slow down your pages.
- Con: The best features often need a paid license.
- Con: Moving away from a builder later can be difficult.
Some page builders leave behind shortcodes or lose your layout if you deactivate them. Pick one you are happy to stay with for the long term.
Do you still need a page builder?
Not always. The built-in block editor now offers columns, groups, patterns and full site editing free of cost. For a simple blog, that is usually enough.
I personally write blog posts in the block editor and use a builder only for complex sales pages. If you decide to use one, compare the options in our list of the best page builders for WordPress.
Also, pair your builder with a theme that supports it well. Our list of the best WordPress themes for Elementor is a good place to start.
A page builder trades a little speed for a lot of design freedom. That covers the basics of page builders. Still confused about choosing one? Ask us in the comment box below.