1. Install and Activate Elementor and Elementor Pro
To create custom headers and footers, you need Elementor Pro, the premium version of Elementor, which includes the Theme Builder feature. If you haven’t already:
- Install Elementor: Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard, search for “Elementor,” and install and activate it.
- Install Elementor Pro: Purchase and download Elementor Pro from the Elementor website. Upload the plugin to your WordPress site via Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin, then install and activate it.
2. Access the Theme Builder
Once Elementor Pro is activated, you can access the Theme Builder:
- Go to Templates > Theme Builder in your WordPress dashboard.
- In the Theme Builder, you’ll see options for Header, Footer, Single Post, and Archive. Click on the “Add New” button and select “Header” to start creating a custom header.
3. Create a Custom Header
- Choose a Template or Start from Scratch: Elementor offers pre-designed templates for headers. You can choose one that fits your site’s design, or you can start from scratch by selecting the blank template.
- Design the Header: Use Elementor’s drag-and-drop interface to add elements to your header. Common elements include logos, navigation menus, search bars, and social media icons. Customize each element using Elementor’s styling options to match your brand’s aesthetic.
- Add a Logo: Drag the Image widget to the header section, upload your logo, and adjust its size and alignment.
- Add a Navigation Menu: Drag the Nav Menu widget to your header, then select the menu you want to display. Customize its layout, typography, and colors.
- Add Additional Elements: Include other elements like search bars, social icons, and buttons to enhance your header’s functionality and look.
4. Set Display Conditions for the Header
After designing your header, you need to set display conditions to determine where it appears on your site:
- Click on the “Publish” button.
- In the “Display Conditions” window, choose where you want the header to be displayed. You can set it to appear on the entire site, specific pages, posts, categories, or other criteria.
5. Create a Custom Footer
Creating a custom footer follows a similar process:
- In the Theme Builder, click on “Add New” and select “Footer.”
- Design the Footer: Use Elementor’s widgets to add elements such as text, navigation menus, social media icons, and subscription forms to your footer. Customize these elements to match your site’s design.
- Add Contact Information: Drag a Text Editor widget to include contact details like your address, phone number, and email.
- Add Social Media Links: Use the Social Icons widget to link to your social media profiles.
- Include Additional Navigation: Add a Nav Menu widget to provide links to important pages like your privacy policy, terms of service, and sitemap.
6. Set Display Conditions for the Footer
- Click on the “Publish” button.
- Set the display conditions for your footer, similar to how you did for the header, to ensure it appears on the desired parts of your site.
Final Touches
- Preview Your Changes: Before finalizing, preview your site to ensure the header and footer look good across different pages and devices.
- Adjust and Optimize: Based on your preview, make any necessary adjustments to the design, layout, or display conditions to ensure everything functions and appears as intended.
Conclusion
Creating custom headers and footers in Elementor is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your website’s design and user experience. By following these steps, you can ensure that your site’s first and last impressions are professional and cohesive, aligning with your brand’s identity. With Elementor’s powerful and intuitive tools, the possibilities for customization are virtually limitless, allowing you to craft a unique and engaging website.