Understanding how to use Divi, a prominent plugin and WordPress theme, can transform the way you approach website creation. Divi provides tools that simplify the design process, eliminating the need for coding skills.
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to use Divi on WordPress and how to make the most of its features. Let’s get started!
What is Divi and Why is it Important?
Divi is a product of Elegant Themes, one of the leading WordPress theme and plugin developers.
Divi isn’t just a WordPress theme, it’s a complete design framework that lets you design and customize every part of your website from the ground up.
It goes beyond the standard WordPress editor, providing a wide range of design elements and creative features:
- Visual editing: With Divi, you get to build your website visually. You can customize, create, and see changes in real time, making the process more intuitive and engaging.
- Modules galore: Divi offers 40+ website elements like call-to-actions, sliders, forms, and more. It’s like having a library of design elements at your fingertips.
- Layout library: Divi provides hundreds of pre-made designs and layout packs. These can serve as the starting point for your unique design.
- Responsive editing: Divi ensures that your website looks great on all device sizes. You can fine-tune your designs to suit desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
Is Divi a Theme or a Plugin?
Divi works as both a theme and a plugin in WordPress. You can use it as a standalone theme that has its own page builder. You can also use it as a plugin that improves any other WordPress theme.
Divi as a Theme
When you use the Divi theme, you can use all of its features. This includes the theme options panel, customizer settings, and the header and footer builder. Plus, you can use the Divi Builder on any page or post on your site.
Divi as a Plugin
If you use Divi as a plugin, you can use the Divi Builder on any page or post. But, you can’t use the other features of the theme. The look and function of your site depend on your active theme.
Which is Better?
Whether you use Divi as a theme or a plugin depends on what you need. If you want full control of your site, you might want to use Divi as a theme. But, if you have a theme that you like and want to make it better with the Divi Builder, you might want to use Divi as a plugin.
How to Use Divi on WordPress
To start using Divi on WordPress, you must follow these essential steps:
1. Secure Web Hosting
You need to have a reliable web hosting service that supports WordPress. Web hosting is essentially a service that stores and presents your website files to your visitors. We recommend choosing a service that offers WordPress compatibility, good uptime, and strong customer support.
2. Install WordPress
After securing your web hosting, the next step is installing WordPress. This is typically a straightforward process and can often be done directly from your web hosting control panel.
3. Install Divi
With WordPress installed, the next step is to install Divi. Divi can be installed just like any other WordPress theme or plugin. You’ll need to upload the Divi theme file, which can be downloaded from the Elegant Themes website, then activate it in your WordPress dashboard.
4. Authenticate Your Elegant Themes Subscription:
To keep Divi updated and access support from Elegant Themes, you’ll need to authenticate your Elegant Themes subscription. This usually involves entering your Elegant Themes username and API Key in the updates section of the Divi Theme Options in your WordPress dashboard.
Remember, the specifics of these steps can vary based on your hosting provider and the exact setup of your website. It’s always a good idea to refer to the support documentation provided by your web host, WordPress, and Elegant Themes for the most accurate and detailed instructions.
Understanding Divi Theme Builder
The Divi theme builder is a tool within Divi themes that lets you design your whole website or just certain pages exactly how you want. It’s not like the usual WordPress themes, it gives you even more control over how your website looks.
The theme builder works with three main parts:
- Global header: This is usually the top part of your website. It’s where your logo, menu, and other stuff go that you want to show on every page.
- Global body: This is where most of your site’s content goes.
- Global footer: This is at the bottom of your website. It usually has your copyright, social media icons, and other things that you want to show on all your pages.
With the Divi Builder, you can use these parts and over 200 different modules and elements to make your site look just the way you want. Plus, you can use dynamic content to show different info based on what’s on each page or post.
Divi Theme Builder and Templates
Use Divi Builder to open up a world of possibilities, especially when it comes to crafting your own website templates. Here are a few examples of how you can leverage the power of templates:
1. Creating Blog Templates
Crafting blog templates with the Divi Builder can drastically simplify the process of creating and formatting new posts. A pre-designed blog template:
- Streamlines your workflow: Instead of setting up every post from scratch, you can have a ready-made structure to fill in.
- Maintains consistency: Ensure that every post on your blog maintains a uniform look and feel.
- Boosts productivity: Spend less time worrying about formatting and more time creating content.
2. Producing Product Templates
With Divi Theme Builder, you can create product templates that highlight your items in an eye-catching and intuitive manner. Product templates offer:
- Seamless branding: Tailor each product page to reflect your brand’s aesthetics.
- Effortless customization: Modify the layout, colors, typography, and more, to fit each product’s personality.
- Improved navigation: Design an intuitive interface that guides visitors towards making a purchase.
3. Generating Category Page Templates
Divi’s ability to craft category page templates allows you to group related content together in a visually appealing way. These templates provide:
- Enhanced navigation: Make it easier for visitors to find related content.
- Flexibility: Use different templates for different categories to reflect their unique themes.
- Improved UX: Create a user-friendly layout that enhances your website’s overall experience.
4. Designing 404 Error Page Templates
Nobody likes to encounter a 404 error. However, a well-crafted 404 error page template can help mitigate frustration and guide visitors back to your site’s content. Effective 404 pages:
- Guide users: Provide links to popular or recent content, search bars, or a site map.
- Retain visitors: A friendly, humorous, or on-brand message can change a moment of frustration into an opportunity for engagement.
- Reflect your brand: A customized 404 page helps maintain your brand identity, even in error situations.
With the Divi Theme Builder, you can streamline your workflow and maintain a consistent brand image across your site. The key is to take advantage of templates. They’re not just a time-saving tool, but a gateway to a more engaging, user-friendly website.
How to Use the Divi Plugin
The Divi Plugin, a product of Elegant Themes, extends the functionality of the Divi Builder to any WordPress theme. With the Divi Plugin, you won’t be restricted to the standard page builder of your chosen WordPress theme. You can leverage the flexibility and power of the Divi Builder on any theme.
Whether you’re building a new site from scratch or enhancing an existing one, the Divi Plugin is an excellent tool to have in your WordPress toolkit.
Getting Started with the Divi Plugin
If you’re new to the Divi Plugin, these easy-to-follow steps will get you started:
- Download and install: First, get the Divi Plugin from the Elegant Themes official website. Then, install and activate it on your WordPress dashboard just like any other plugin.
- Select your theme: Once you’ve activated the Divi Plugin, choose the theme you’d like to enhance with the Divi Builder’s capabilities.
- Open The Divi Builder: Now, you can start editing posts or pages with the Divi Builder. Just open a post or page, click on the “Use The Divi Builder” button and you’re ready to go.
Using the Divi Plugin: Creating and Editing Content
One of the significant advantages of the Divi Plugin is how it simplifies content creation:
- Select a layout: Divi offers a variety of premade layouts. Choose one that fits your content needs and start creating.
- Add content modules: Divi comes with a plethora of modules, such as text, images, videos, and more. Just click on the “+” button, select a module, and add your content.
- Customize your content: With the Divi Builder, customization is a breeze. Adjust colors, fonts, spacing, and more to align with your brand aesthetic.
- Save and exit: Once you’re satisfied with your edits, click the “Save” button, and then “Exit The Divi Builder”. Your changes will immediately be live on your site.
Final Thoughts
This guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of how to use Divi on WordPress, detailing its application as both a theme and a plugin.
Whether you decide to use Divi as a theme or a plugin, there’s no doubt it’s a handy tool in designing your website.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, your choice should align with your specific needs. Keep experimenting with Divi’s features until you’ve got your website looking just the way you want.