A few steps past the familiar drag-and-drop interface of your current Elementor project, the process of transferring a complete page design to a new WordPress installation can seem daunting. In different scenarios you might be by turns frustrated, determined, and hopeful, yet the procedure also reveals another aspect, not just of efficiency but of creative freedom for designers working across multiple sites. When you successfully copy an Elementor page from one site to another, you unlock a powerful workflow. "This method of design replication preserves the fundamental structure of your original layout," experienced developers confirm. Elementor, they note, "is built for portability." This capability is a core feature for any serious WordPress website builder looking to streamline their work.
How to Copy an Elementor Page to Another Site
Moving your Elementor page doesn't require advanced technical skills. By following a clear, step-by-step approach, you can duplicate your design perfectly on a new website. This process saves countless hours of manual rebuilding and ensures brand consistency across your projects. Let's look into the most reliable method.
- Step 1: Export from the Source Site Navigate to the page you want to copy in your WordPress dashboard. Click on the Elementor icon (the gray puzzle piece) in the top left corner to open the main menu. From this menu, select "Tools." Then, click on the "Import / Export" tab and finally choose "Export Template." This action will download a JSON file containing all your page's design data to your computer.
- Step 2: Prepare the Destination Site On your target WordPress website, ensure that Elementor and Elementor Pro (if you used Pro widgets) are installed and activated. The theme does not necessarily need to be identical, but using the same theme or a child theme helps prevent styling conflicts, especially with complex WordPress text color and font settings that might be theme-dependent.
- Step 3: Import the Template In the WordPress dashboard of the destination site, go to "Templates" under the Elementor section. Click the "Add New" button. On the next screen, you will see an "Import Template" button. Click it, then drag and drop your previously downloaded JSON file or select it from your computer's files. Once uploaded, click "Import Now."
- Step 4: Apply the Template to a New Page Now, create a new page or edit an existing one with Elementor. Inside the Elementor editor, click the "Add Template" button (the folder icon). Navigate to the "My Templates" tab, where you will see your newly imported template. Simply click on it and then press "Insert" to place the entire design onto your page. Review the page to ensure all elements, like images and text, have transferred correctly.
Will copying an Elementor page also copy the images?
No, copying an Elementor page via the template export/import method does not automatically transfer the image files themselves. The process only copies the page structure, widget settings, and the URLs pointing to where the images are hosted. This is a common point of confusion. If your images were hosted on the original site, they will still load on the new site as long as the original site remains live and accessible, essentially hotlinking them. For a permanent solution, you must manually re-upload the images to the new site's media library or use a migration plugin. This is a different process from managing other site features, such as learning how to disable comments in WordPress.
What is the difference between saving as a template and exporting a page?
Understanding the distinction between these two functions is key to efficient Elementor management. Saving a page as a template stores the design within your current site's Elementor template library. This is perfect for reusing sections, headers, or footers on multiple pages within the same website. It's a fantastic organizational tool for your ongoing site development. Exporting a page or template, on the other hand, creates a downloadable JSON file. This file is portable and can be imported into any other WordPress site that has Elementor installed. This is the method you use to move a design from a staging site to a live site or to share a layout with a client or another developer. For developers who work with various platforms, knowing these Elementor tricks is as essential as understanding Joomla extensions for other projects.
Can I copy an Elementor Pro page to a site with only the free version?
You can import the file, but the page will not display or function correctly. Elementor Pro widgets, such as forms, sliders, and theme builder parts, are proprietary code. When you import a template containing these Pro elements into a site with only the free version of Elementor, the Pro widgets will be missing. In the editor, you will see placeholders indicating that these widgets are unavailable. The page will be broken and lack the core functionality you designed. Therefore, to fully replicate a page built with Elementor Pro, the destination site must also have an active Elementor Pro license. This requirement ensures all dynamic features work as intended, making Pro a truly essential WordPress tool for advanced designs.
Comparison of Elementor Page Transfer Methods
Several methods exist for moving an Elementor design, each with its own pros and cons. The best choice depends on your specific needs, such as whether you're moving a single page or an entire site. The table below provides a clear comparison to help you decide.
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export/Import Template | Single pages or sections | Lightweight, fast, no plugin required | Does not transfer images or other site data |
| All-in-One Migration Plugin | Moving an entire website | Transfers everything: database, media, themes, and plugins | Can be slow for large sites; may have file size limits |
| Copy/Paste Raw Code | Simple sections or for developers | Ultimate control, no files to transfer | Prone to error, not recommended for complex pages |
Choosing the right method is as important as selecting the right tools for other creative tasks, similar to how a designer might evaluate graphic design software alternatives to GIMP. The template method is usually the most straightforward for single pages.
Why should I consider professional WordPress services from WPutopia?
While copying an Elementor page is manageable, maintaining a secure, fast, and updated WordPress site requires consistent effort. At WPutopia, we handle the technical details so you can focus on your content and business. Our comprehensive services include routine WordPress maintenance, timely theme and plugin upgrades, secure plugin installation, and performance optimization. We ensure your site remains stable and secure, protecting your investment. Let our expertise provide you with peace of mind and a professionally managed online presence. This level of professional care can also extend to enhancing your site's capabilities, such as exploring options to convert a WordPress site into a mobile app for a broader audience reach.
