How to Create Header and Footer Without Elementor Pro (Complete Guide)
Many WordPress users think Elementor Pro is mandatory to create custom headers and footers. In reality, you can design and manage headers and footers without Elementor Pro using free plugins, theme options, and WordPress features an approach often recommended by a professional website support company. This guide explains all practical methods step by step, suitable for beginners.
Why You May Not Want Elementor Pro
Common reasons:
- Avoid yearly cost
- Simple website needs
- Use free tools only
- Better performance
- No dependency on one plugin
Create Header and Footer Using Free Elementor Plugin + Theme Builder Plugin (Best Option)
This is the most popular and beginner-friendly method.
Recommended Plugin
- Elementor Header & Footer Builder (Free)
Step-by-Step:
- Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New
- Install Elementor Header & Footer Builder
- Activate the plugin
- Go to Appearance → Header Footer Builder
- Click Add New
- Choose template type:
- Header
- Footer
- Set display rules (Entire Website)
- Click Edit with Elementor
- Design header or footer using free Elementor widgets
- Save & Publish
Works with free Elementor
Create Header and Footer Using Theme Options (No Plugin)
Many modern themes allow header and footer customization.
Popular Themes Supporting This:
- Astra
- GeneratePress
- OceanWP
- Kadence
Steps:
- Go to Appearance → Customize
- Open Header Builder / Footer Builder
- Drag and arrange elements (logo, menu, button)
- Save changes
Use WordPress Full Site Editing (FSE) – Block Themes
Best for new WordPress websites.
Requirements:
- Block-based theme (Twenty Twenty-Four, Twenty Twenty-Three)
Steps:
- Go to Appearance → Editor
- Click Header or Footer
- Edit using blocks
- Save changes
Create Header and Footer Using Page Builders (Free Versions)
WPBakery / Divi Builder
- Use built-in header/footer options (theme dependent)
- Visual editing
Create Header and Footer Using Customizer Widgets
For simple websites.
Steps:
- Go to Appearance → Widgets
- Add widgets to Header or Footer area
- Add logo, text, menu, buttons
- Save
Common Header Elements You Can Add (Free)
- Logo
- Navigation menu
- Call-to-action button
- Social icons
- Search bar
Common Footer Elements You Can Add (Free)
- Copyright text
- Footer menu
- Contact details
- Social media icons
- Privacy policy links
Final Thoughts
You do not need Elementor Pro to create professional headers and footers in WordPress. Free plugins, modern themes, and WordPress core features are more than enough for effective website design on most websites.
Also, learn how to add schema in WordPress to improve your website SEO.