Basic Elementor Interface Overview

Welcome to IACPATTERNS! Elementor is a powerful, user-friendly page builder for WordPress that allows you to create stunning websites with a simple drag-and-drop interface. In this post, I’ll provide a detailed overview of the basic Elementor interface to help you get started with customizing your website.

Accessing Elementor

1. Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard
   • Navigate to yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
   • Log in with your WordPress admin credentials.
2. Open a Page or Create a New Page
   • Go to ‘Pages’ -> ‘All Pages’ and select an existing page to edit.
   • Or go to ‘Pages’ -> ‘Add New’ to create a new page.
   • Click ‘Edit with Elementor’ to open the Elementor interface.

Elementor Interface Layout

The Elementor interface is divided into three main sections: the Panel, the Canvas, and the Toolbar.

1. The Panel (Sidebar)

The Panel is located on the left side of the screen and contains all the tools and settings you need to design your page.

• Widgets: This section provides a list of all available widgets you can use to build your page, such as text, images, buttons, and more.
• Global: Here you can set global settings for colors, fonts, and other design elements that will be applied across your entire site.
• Navigator: This tool helps you navigate through the structure of your page, making it easier to select and manage different elements.
• History: Allows you to undo and redo actions, and view the history of changes made to the page.
• Settings: Access page settings like layout, background, and other advanced options.

2. The Canvas (Main Editing Area)

The Canvas is the main editing area where you design your page.

• Add New Section: Click the ‘+’ icon to add a new section to your page.
• Add Template: Click the folder icon to browse and insert pre-designed templates.
• Drag and Drop Widgets: Drag widgets from the Panel and drop them into the Canvas to add them to your page.

3. The Toolbar (Bottom Bar)

The Toolbar is located at the bottom of the screen and provides additional tools and options.

• Responsive Mode: Allows you to preview and customize your page for different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
• History: Access the history of changes and revert to previous versions.
• Navigator: Open the Navigator tool to see a tree view of all elements on the page.
• Save Options: Save, publish, or update your page. You can also access draft, preview, and revision options.
• Exit to Dashboard: Return to the WordPress dashboard.

Adding and Customizing Elements

1. Adding a Section

• Click the ‘+’ icon in the Canvas to add a new section.
• Choose a section structure (number of columns) that fits your design needs.

2. Adding Widgets

• Drag a widget from the Panel and drop it into a section or column on the Canvas.
• Customize the widget by clicking on it to open its settings in the Panel.

3. Customizing Sections and Columns

• Click on a section or column to open its settings in the Panel.
• Adjust the layout, style, and advanced settings to achieve your desired look.
• You can add background colors, images, and borders, and adjust the padding and margins.

4. Using the Navigator

• Open the Navigator from the Toolbar or right-click on any element and select ‘Navigator’.
• Use the Navigator to easily select, move, and manage elements on your page.

Responsive Design

1. Responsive Mode

• Click the responsive mode icon in the Toolbar to switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
• Customize your design for each device to ensure a seamless user experience.

2. Responsive Settings

• Many widgets and sections have responsive settings that allow you to hide or show elements on specific devices.
• Adjust padding, margins, and font sizes independently for each device.

Global Settings

1. Site Settings

• Access global settings by clicking the ‘Hamburger’ menu (three lines) in the top-left corner of the Panel.
• Configure global colors, fonts, and other design elements that will be applied throughout your site.

2. Theme Builder

• Use the Theme Builder to create and customize your site’s header, footer, and other theme parts.
• Access it through the ‘Hamburger’ menu in the Panel.

Saving and Publishing

1. Save Your Work

• Click ‘Save Draft’ to save your changes without publishing.
• Click ‘Preview’ to see how your page looks on the live site.

2. Publish Your Page

• Once you’re satisfied with your design, click ‘Publish’ to make your page live.
• You can also set visibility options and schedule the publication for a later date.

Elementor provides a powerful and intuitive interface for designing your WordPress website. By understanding the basics of the Panel, Canvas, and Toolbar, you can start creating beautiful, responsive pages with ease. Experiment with different widgets, sections, and settings to make your website truly unique. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team here.

Happy designing!