Elementor Header & Footer Builder and why it’s so popular?
This plugin is popular because it lets you design custom headers and footers using Elementor’s drag-and-drop interface, even with themes that don’t support full customization. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for users who want complete control over their site layout without coding. It works with almost any theme and gives your site a polished, professional look.
Elementor Header & Footer Builder Free vs Pro GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | Free Version | Pro GPL Version |
|---|---|---|
| Header & Footer Design with Elementor | Yes | Yes |
| Display Rules (Pages, Posts, etc.) | Limited | Advanced targeting |
| Sticky Header | Basic | Enhanced options |
| Multiple Header/Footer Templates | No | Yes |
| Theme Compatibility | Good | Excellent + more control |
| Updates | From WordPress repo | Manual (via GPL source) |
| Support | Community only | No official support |
| Cost | Free | Low-cost via GPL sites |
| License Type | Freemium | 100% GPL |
Can you get Elementor Header & Footer Builder Pro for free?
You can’t get the Pro version for free from the official site, but since it’s under the GPL license, you can legally download it from trusted GPL sources like GPLDL. You’ll get all the premium features, but without auto-updates or official support. It’s a smart way to access powerful design tools if you’re comfortable managing updates manually.
Best free or budget–friendly alternatives to Elementor Header & Footer Builder Pro
If you’re looking for alternatives, here are some solid free or low-cost options:
- Elementor Pro GPL – Includes header & footer builder plus many extras.
- Element Pack Lite – Offers basic header/footer widgets for free.
- WP Header Builder – A lightweight plugin made just for custom headers.
- Blocksy Theme + Companion – Free theme with built-in header/footer builder.
- Astra Theme + Astra Hooks – Lets you customize headers/footers even in the free version.
These tools offer similar features with either free access or affordable GPL alternatives.
What is Elementor Header & Footer Builder Pro General Public License?
The General Public License (GPL) allows anyone to freely use, share, and modify the Elementor Header & Footer Builder Pro plugin. This means platforms like GPLDL can legally distribute the plugin at a low cost or for free. While the plugin features stay the same, GPL versions don’t include official support or auto-updates. You get full freedom to use the tool—without the price tag.
Elementor Header & Footer Builder Pro GPL vs Pro: What’s the difference?
Both versions offer the same features and performance — the only real difference is in access and updates:
- Pro (official): Comes with automatic updates, developer support, and license activation.
- Pro GPL (from sites like GPLDL): Same functionality, but no support or auto-updates. You’ll need to update manually.
If you’re tech-savvy and don’t need support, the GPL version is a cost-effective and fully legal choice.
Elementor Header & Footer Builder Pro version history and timeline
- 2018 – Plugin launched by Brainstorm Force, focused on basic header/footer customization for Astra theme.
- 2019 – Expanded compatibility with other themes and added display rules.
- 2020 – Introduced sticky headers and improved mobile responsiveness.
- 2021 – Added support for dynamic content and conditional logic.
- 2022 – Performance upgrades and smoother integration with Elementor updates.
- 2023–2024 – Continued updates to UI, speed, and compatibility with popular WordPress themes.
The plugin remains a top choice for users who want full control over their site’s header and footer design using Elementor.