When building a WordPress website, a page builder can make designing your pages fast, intuitive, and code-free. Page builders allow you to create complex layouts, add dynamic content, and customize the look of your site without touching a line of code.
The Total theme is fully compatible with both top popular page building plugins: WPBakery and Elementor. While WPBakery is the primary builder integrated with the theme, Elementor is also supported for those who prefer it. This guide will help you choose the right builder for your needs.
Page builders are only necessary for designing advanced pages and dynamic templates. For standard blog posts or custom post type posts, it’s recommended to use Gutenberg or the Classic Editor. Regardless of the theme you are using.
Never install both WPBakery and Elementor (or any two page builder plugins) on the same site, as this can lead to conflicts, bloated code, and performance issues.
Theme Compatibility
- WPBakery: Fully optimized for our theme. All patterns, shortcodes, and theme elements are designed to work seamlessly. The theme also includes unique optimizations such as: Slim Mode, Optimized Javascript, disabled Promotions & Announcements, CSS stretched rows, etc.
- Elementor: Compatible with the theme. Most features work out of the box, though some theme-specific elements may not be available and not all demos are currently available in Elementor.
- Gutenberg: Compatible with the Total theme. Recommended for most posts or simple pages where a full page builder like WPBakery or Elementor is not required.
WPBakery vs Elementor – Feature Comparison
Both WPBakery and Elementor are powerful page builders that let you design custom layouts without coding. The table below highlights their main differences to help you choose the builder that best fits your workflow.
Note: The following comparison between WPBakery and Elementor applies specifically to using the Total theme. Feature availability and integration may vary with other themes.
| Feature | WPBakery | Elementor |
|---|---|---|
| Builder Base | Uses shortcodes which are a core WordPress function. | Uses custom widgets exclusive to the Elementor builder. |
| Editor | ✅ Front & Backend | ➖ Frontend only |
| Demos | ✅ All theme demos available | ➖ Not all theme demos available yet – they are added upon request |
| Templates / Patterns | ✅ Many patterns included with theme | 💰 Large library available in the Pro version |
| Theme Builder | ✅ Included with the theme | ✅ Included with the theme or via the Pro version |
| Layout | 🟡 Uses traditional rows and columns – easy to understand but not as flexible | 🟢 Uses modern CSS grids and flex containers – may be harder for beginners but is extremely flexible |
| Multilingual | ✅ Compatible with WPML and Polylang | ✅ Compatible with WPML and Polylang |
| Upsells & Promos | 🟡 Very few and all are disabled by the theme ✅ | 🔴 Many, but most disabled by the theme ✅ or when using the Pro version 💰 |
| Add-ons & Extensions | ✅ Large variety available | ✅ Even larger variety available |
| Updates | ✅ Manual update with the theme or automatic with a custom license | ✅ Automatic via WordPress.org with the free version or via Elementor with the Pro version |
| Responsive / Mobile | 🟡 Responsive, but with limited options for customizing across devices | ✅ ⚙️ Fully responsive with complete control for desktop, tablet, and mobile views |
| Editor Performance | ⚖️ Fast backend editor – the frontend editor can be a bit slower | ⚡Fast, changes are shown almost instantly |
| Storage Method | 🟢 Stores all content directly in the WordPress content editor as shortcodes using native WP post revisions | 🟡 Stores content in post meta and generates additional cached data and revisions, which can increase database size and server load on large sites |
| Live Performance | ⚡Very fast – few script dependencies + extra theme optimizations included | 🏋️ Slightly heavier – more script dependencies + larger DOM size |
| Learning Curve | 🙂 Beginner-friendly | 😐 Moderate |
| Pricing / Free Version | 💰 Paid only – 🆓 Bundled license included with Total. | 🆓 Free + 💰 Pro version |
WPBakery Pros & Cons
WPBakery is fully integrated with the Total theme, making it a solid choice for users who want seamless access to all templates, patterns and theme-specific elements.
WPBakery Pros:
- Fully integrated with all theme features
- Backend and frontend editor
- Intuitive layouts using classic bootstrap style rows & columns
- Fewer settings make it easier to use for simple sites
- Library of prebuilt patterns and demos available
- Very slim and fast HTML output with few script dependencies
- Easier to create custom elements
WPBakery Cons:
- Paid license (though bundled with the Total theme)
- Best paired with a WPBakery optimized theme like Total
- Slightly slower frontend editor
- Classic row and column style layout isn’t as flexible as modern grids and flex containers – Total includes a flex and grid container element but it is limited in it’s use
- Less control over the responsive design – you will want to use responsive units for paddings and margins as these can’t be adjusted at different breakpoints or use the theme’s Spacing element for full control
- Limited control over the space between columns
- Includes some “useless” features that should be disabled on all sites such as their SEO module (Total will disable these upon initial installation)
Elementor Pros & Cons
Elementor offers a flexible frontend editing experience and extensive customization options, especially with the Pro version.
Elementor Pros:
- Fully integrated with all theme features
- Works well with any theme, especially when using the Pro version
- Fast frontend editing
- Uses modern grid and flex containers for truly customizable layouts
- You can adjust settings at different breakpoints for greater responsive control
- Allows for absolute positioning and fixed positioning of elements
- Complete control over responsive layouts Large library of widgets and templates with the Pro version
Elementor Cons:
- Frontend builder only
- Slightly steeper learning curve for beginners
- Larger HTML output on the live site
- More script dependencies required
- Not all theme demos are available yet for Elementor (added by customer demand)
- An ungodly amount of upsells in the Free version (most disabled by Total)
- Most of the really cool features (like motion effects) are only available in the Pro version
Conclusion: Which builder should I use?
If you can invest in Elementor Pro, it provides superior flexibility and control. Otherwise, the bundled WPBakery plugin with the Total theme is my recommendation. For small and simple websites, Total + Elementor (free) is also a great combination.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, as Total works well with both builders!
If you’re new to either or both builders, a good approach is to create a staging site and test the builder before committing. The time spent testing will be well worth it in the long run, as it helps you understand the workflow, features, and which builder best fits your needs.