A WordPress page builder is a software that makes it easy to create the layout of your website. Thus, page builders eliminate the need for coding and editing skills in HTML or PHP files by providing a drag-and-drop interface, the ability to create, export, and import design layouts, use inline widgets, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what free and popular WordPress plugins offer, which allow you to create a page structure of any complexity without knowing the HTML code or having any front-end skills.
Elementor
The Elementor page builder was introduced very recently, back in 2016. Experts recommend this plugin to those for whom the visual editor’s loading speed is not so important and for those who need to create simple pages. Also, you can use CSS styles for blocks only in the paid version.
However, we cannot fail to mention the many advantages of the Elementor plugin, such as a large set of built-in widgets, color settings, fonts, and the ability to use the created layouts on other pages or sites. You can also add animation effects for blocks, create and edit the page structure in full screen, and get access to the history of changes. It is also possible to evaluate the appearance of the site on mobile devices.
Gutenberg
In 2018, WordPress included a new plugin named after Europe’s first typographer from Germany, Johannes Gutenberg. This page builder can be installed through the admin panel or as a regular plugin from the official WordPress.org directory. Users will be pleasantly surprised by the large editing window, responsive mobile interface, and ease of content creation and publishing.
This plugin has some usual features; for example, you can add new blocks and quickly navigate through them, immediately see the structure of the article, as well as more advanced ones, such as inserting images with text overlaid on top, setting the type of gradient for buttons, working in full-screen mode, and much more.
Beaver Builder
Beaver Builder is far from a new name on the market and one of the most popular WordPress website builders. This plugin allows you to get creative with CSS customization, interact with your website preview in a visual editor, and edit text right there. Beaver Builder also benefits from the fact that it contains pre-made markup for strings, offers support for WordPress widgets, the ability to add animation for elements, and custom CSS styles and scripts.
The free version of Beaver Builder does not include templates; you only get five widgets like text editor, photo, video, sidebar, and HTML element. The paid version of Beaver Builder lets you get 56 templates and use Beaver Builder for an unlimited number of websites, as well as choose from 24 additional widgets.
SiteOrigin
SiteOrigin is a simple but very popular plugin with 1M + active users. It also offers free and paid versions to use. By downloading the plugin for free, you can use 23 widgets and 25 templates. If you are not satisfied with such a small selection, you may appreciate the fact that SiteOrigin is compatible with most WordPress widgets.
You get 17 additional widgets, free updates, and support in the premium version of the plugin. In addition to improved free widgets, you get access to exclusive features such as parallax image slider, custom post type builder, and widget animations. Additionally, SiteOrigin has two editors – a live and backend WordPress editor. If you have previously worked with CSS, then whenever you edit a widget in SiteOrigin, you can add or change its CSS style.
As you can see, helpful WordPress page builders can help you create your website without hiring IT specialists. Drag and drop builder makes it easy to create and customize beautiful websites yourself. However, all plugins approach the task differently, and to choose the most suitable one for your needs, you need to pay attention to the specifics of your website and their convenience for you.