To install Elementor, log in to WordPress, go to Plugins, Add New, search for “Elementor”, click Install Now and then Activate. Then install the Hello Elementor theme, set your global colours and fonts in Site Settings, check a few settings (breakpoints, post types, CSS print method) and open any page with “Edit with Elementor”. The whole setup takes about 15 minutes.
- Elementor installs like any WordPress plugin. It is free on WordPress.org.
- Elementor Pro is a separate plugin you download from your Elementor account and connect with your licence.
- Hello Elementor is the lightest theme to pair with it.
- Set global colours and fonts first, so every page stays consistent.
- Keep Elementor and Elementor Pro on matching versions.
What do you need before installing Elementor?
- A working WordPress site on hosting with a current PHP version (8.1 or newer is a safe choice in 2026). See how to install WordPress on hosting.
- An administrator login.
- A recent backup if the site already has content.
- Enough PHP memory. Elementor recommends at least 256 MB; your host can raise it if needed.
How do you install the free Elementor plugin?
- Open Plugins, Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Search for “Elementor Website Builder” and check the author is Elementor.com.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
- Skip or follow the onboarding wizard. It offers to install Hello Elementor and a starter kit. Both are optional.
If your host does not allow plugin installs from the dashboard, download the zip from WordPress.org and upload it under Plugins, Add New, Upload Plugin.
Live 1-to-1 WordPress and Elementor lessons on your own site, from $40. Every lesson recorded. Beginners welcome.
How do you install Elementor Pro?
- Buy a plan and log in to your account at my.elementor.com.
- Download the Elementor Pro zip.
- Upload it under Plugins, Add New, Upload Plugin, then activate. The free Elementor plugin must stay active too.
- Connect your licence under Elementor, License, so you receive updates.
Which settings should you change first?
| Setting | Where | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Appearance, Themes | Hello Elementor (light and built for Elementor) |
| Global colours and fonts | Editor, Site Settings, Global Colors and Global Fonts (Variables in the Atomic Editor) | Set 4 to 6 brand colours and 2 fonts |
| Layout width | Site Settings, Layout | 1140 to 1280 px content width |
| Breakpoints | Site Settings, Layout, Breakpoints | Keep the defaults unless you have a reason |
| Post types | Elementor, Settings, General | Pages, and posts only if you design posts with it |
| Performance features | Elementor, Settings, Performance (or Features) | Keep optimised loading features on |
Detailed steps for colours and type are in Elementor global colours and typography.
How do you start designing your first page?
- Create a page under Pages, Add New, give it a title.
- Click “Edit with Elementor”.
- Set the page layout to Elementor Full Width or Canvas in the page settings if you want no theme title or sidebar.
- Add a container and drop widgets into it.
- Check mobile view using the responsive mode switch, then Publish.
The Elementor interface guide explains every panel you will see.
What if Elementor does not load after installing?
A grey loading screen usually means a plugin conflict, low PHP memory or a caching or security setting. Disable other plugins temporarily, raise memory to 256 MB and clear caches. Our guide to Elementor editor not loading covers ten fixes in order.
Want to learn Elementor faster, live and 1-to-1?
I teach WordPress and Elementor 1-to-1 over Zoom or Google Meet, on your own website, at your pace. Lessons start at $40, every lesson is recorded so you can rewatch it, and you get a short checklist afterwards. Beginners, business owners, students and freelancers are all welcome. See lessons and prices or book a free intro call.
Frequently asked questions
Is Elementor free to install?
Yes. The core plugin is free from WordPress.org. Elementor Pro is a paid add-on installed separately.
Do I need Elementor and Elementor Pro installed together?
Yes. Pro extends the free plugin, so both must be active.
Which theme is best with Elementor?
Hello Elementor is the lightest and is made by the Elementor team. Astra, Kadence and GeneratePress also work well.
Why is Edit with Elementor missing?
Check the post type is enabled in Elementor settings, and that the plugin is active. Some themes or roles also hide the button.
How much PHP memory does Elementor need?
Elementor recommends at least 256 MB. Ask your host to raise the limit if the editor is slow or fails to load.
Sources
Live 1-to-1 WordPress and Elementor lessons on your own site, from $40. Every lesson recorded. Beginners welcome.
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Tanvir H is a Bangladesh-based WordPress and Elementor web designer with 7+ years of experience, 650+ projects and a 4.9 client rating. New websites, redesigns, fixes, speed, security and SEO, handled by one expert who explains everything in plain English and works with clients worldwide.
