Best Page Builders to bundle with WordPress themes: the benefits of combining WPBakery and Gutenberg
Building a great-looking, functional website in WordPress is easier than ever these days, thanks to some fantastic tools. If you’re wondering how to take your site to the next level, combining the right WordPress theme with powerful page builders is the way to go.
Let’s talk about two popular options: WPBakery and Gutenberg. Mixing these tools can really simplify your website-building process and open up tons of creative possibilities – even if you’re not a coding expert. WPBakery gives you drag-and-drop flexibility and lots of design options to create page layouts, while Gutenberg (the default WordPress editor) makes it easy to create and organize content blocks that you can include in pages.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of using both WPBakery and Gutenberg together. You’ll get practical tips and insights to help you build a site that looks great and works just the way you want. By the end, you’ll feel confident making choices that help your WordPress website stand out!
What Are Page Builders and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of building a WordPress site because you don’t know how to code, you’re definitely not alone. That’s where page builders come in – they’re real game-changers! With these handy plugins, you can just drag and drop elements to create the layout you want – no coding required.
Whether you want a simple blog or a complex business site, page builders make it easy for anyone to design professional-looking pages. It’s like having a set of building blocks: you can arrange things however you like and see the results in real time. So even if you’re not a tech expert, you can still create a website that looks and works exactly the way you want.
What Is a Page Builder?
A ‘page builder’ is a WordPress plugin that takes the stress out of designing your site’s layout. With a page builder, you get both front-end and back-end editing options, giving you the freedom to create custom pages and templates your way. Some page builders allow you to create a website from scratch, and other focus more on the content management side, working within a set theme.
Take WPBakery Page Builder, for example. It lets you design pages for your website with a super simple drag-and-drop interface – no coding skills needed. You can move things around, add new sections, and see your changes right away.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the two main editing options you get:
- Front-end – See your changes live as you make them!
- Back-end – Great for organizing more complex layouts behind the scenes.
So, whether you like instant previews or prefer working in a more structured environment, a page builder like WPBakery makes website creation a breeze – even if you’re not a tech expert.
Why Page Builders Matter for WordPress Themes
Page builders really open up a world of possibilities when it comes to WordPress themes. You’re no longer limited to whatever look your theme comes with – using a page builder, you can tweak and customize just about every part of your website. Whether you want to design a unique landing page, showcase a portfolio, or create a blog layout that’s all your own, page builders make it easy to bring your ideas to life.
This kind of flexibility is perfect if you want your site to be visually striking and truly one of a kind. With the right page builder plugin, you’re in the driver’s seat, fully in control of how your website looks and feels.
How Page Builders Influence Your Theme Choices
When choosing a WordPress theme, it’s essential to ensure it works seamlessly with your preferred page builder. Not every theme pairs well with every builder, and mismatches can lead to design glitches, broken layouts, or unnecessary frustration.
To save yourself the trouble, always double-check that your theme and page builder are compatible. It’ll make the whole process of building your site much smoother and way less stressful!
The Importance of Compatibility
Before you start building, confirm that your theme is fully compatible with your chosen page builder – whether it’s WPBakery or another option. Incompatible combinations can cause layout issues or limit functionality, forcing you to waste time troubleshooting instead of designing. By selecting a theme that clearly supports your page builder from the outset, you’ll save time, avoid headaches, and be free to focus on creating your site exactly as you envision it.
Comparing the Most Popular WordPress Page Builders
Picking the right WordPress page builder can really make your website project go a lot smoother. There are plenty of options out there, and each one has its own strengths. Taking some time to compare the most popular page builders will help you figure out which one fits your needs and experience level best. By looking at what each builder offers, you’ll feel more confident choosing the one that’s just right for you and your site.
WPBakery Page Builder – Easy and Flexible
WPBakery Page Builder is a favorite among WordPress users – over 5.8 million websites rely on it. One of the best things about WPBakery is how easy it is to use. You can simply drag and drop elements to build your pages, whether you prefer editing right on the page (front-end) or behind the scenes (back-end). No coding required!
And if you’re a more advanced user, there are low-code options for even more customization. WPBakery is designed to make website building simple and accessible for everyone, from total beginners to experienced pros.
Gutenberg – The Built-In Block Editor
Gutenberg is the block editor that comes built right into WordPress. Since it’s the default editor, it’s set to become the more popular way people create content with. The cool thing about Gutenberg is its block-based system – every piece of content, whether it’s a paragraph, image, or button, is its own “block.”
This makes it super easy to organize and rearrange your pages just the way you want. It’s especially handy for writing longer articles or blog posts, since you can focus on your content first and then structure it however you like.
In a way, both Gutenberg and other page builders work on the idea of using building blocks to help you bring your website to life.
Other Popular Choices (Elementor, Divi, Beaver Builder)
There are quite a few page builders out there besides WPBakery and Gutenberg, each bringing something special to the table.
- For example, Elementor is super popular thanks to its user-friendly design.
- Divi Builder is another favorite, especially if you’re using the Divi theme, since they work together very well.
- And then there’s Beaver Builder, which people love for its reliability.
With options like these, you’ve got plenty of ways to create a website that fits your style and needs – no coding required.
Key Differences Between WPBakery, Gutenberg, and Others
When it comes to WPBakery, Gutenberg, and other page builders, the big differences usually come down to how flexible they are, what their interfaces look like, and what features they offer.
WPBakery really stands out if you want lots of customization options and need something that works with a ton of different WordPress themes. Easy of use is it’s superpower.
Gutenberg, on the other hand, is baked right into WordPress, so it’s super convenient, but for content creation.
Other third-party builders often have their own unique features and ready-made templates, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs and the style you’re going for.
Why Use WPBakery and Gutenberg Together?
Using Gutenberg and WPBakery together can really take your WordPress website to the next level. By combining these two tools, you get the best of both worlds – Gutenberg’s modern block-based content editor and WPBakery’s flexible layout builder.
Basically, you use Gutenberg instead of the old Classic Editor for writing and organizing your content, while WPBakery helps you create the page structure and design. This combination gives you tons of creative freedom and makes building a unique, professional-looking site much easier.
More Design Options and Flexibility
When you use WPBakery and Gutenberg together, you open up a lot more possibilities for your website’s design and layout.
WPBakery is great for building detailed, custom page layouts, while Gutenberg makes it easy to add and manage different types of content blocks. So, you can use WPBakery to set up the overall structure of your pages, then fill them in with content using Gutenberg.
It’s a really nice balance – your site gets both the creative layouts you want and an easy way to organize your content. Plus, Gutenberg’s block system gives you a fresh, flexible way to create and edit your pages.
Smoother Editing Experience
When you use WPBakery and Gutenberg together, editing your website becomes a lot simpler – especially if you’re just starting out. WPBakery makes it easy to design your page layouts with its drag-and-drop interface, while Gutenberg helps you quickly add and organize your content.
Having these two tools working side by side means you can easily manage and update your site, with each one handling a different part of the process. Plus, this setup makes it easier to optimize your content for SEO, so your site can look great and get found online.
Unlocking Extra Features with Custom Blocks and Add-ons
When you use WPBakery and Gutenberg together, you get access to all sorts of extra features thanks to custom blocks and add-ons.
You can add special Gutenberg blocks to give your content more functionality, and there are lots of WPBakery add-ons that help you create even more unique layouts and elements.
This combination lets you design a website that really fits your needs and stands out from the crowd. Exploring these custom options is a great way to make your site more interesting and user-friendly.
How to Set Up WPBakery and Gutenberg on Your WordPress Website
Getting started with WPBakery Page Builder and Gutenberg on your WordPress site might sound a bit intimidating at first, but it’s actually pretty simple. With a step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to set up both tools without any stress.
Getting Your Theme Ready
Before you jump into installing anything, it’s a good idea to make sure your WordPress theme works well with both WPBakery and Gutenberg. Most themes that support page builders will mention this in their documentation, on the developer’s website or on forums, so take a moment to check for compatibility.
Making sure your theme and page builders are a good match will help you avoid any conflicts and make the whole website-building process much smoother. It’s always worth double-checking before you get started.
Installing and Configuring WPBakery and Gutenberg
Getting WPBakery Page Builder and Gutenberg up and running on your WordPress site is actually pretty easy. Gutenberg is already built into WordPress, so you don’t have to do anything extra there.
For WPBakery, just go to your WordPress plugins area, install it like any other plugin, and activate it. Once both are active, you can adjust WPBakery’s settings to fit your needs. Just double-check that Gutenberg and WPBakery are working smoothly together – this way, you’ll avoid any unexpected hiccups and can enjoy all the features both have to offer.
Using Both Tools together
To use both tools together, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Use WPBakery for layout; use Gutenberg for writing. Build your website’s structure – rows, columns, hero sections, and CTAs – with WPBakery. When you need a long-form content area, insert the Gutenberg Editor element and compose your article with core blocks or reputable third‑party blocks and patterns. Think of it as a canvas within a canvas: WPBakery handles the page layout; the Block Editor handles the content.
This way, you get the best of both worlds: WPBakery handles the layout, and Gutenberg lets you easily add and organize your content within those layouts.
It’s a super flexible approach that makes building and updating your pages a whole lot easier.
Best Practices for Beginners Using Page Builders
If you’re new to using page builder plugins, a few simple best practices can make your website-building journey so much easier.
Start by choosing a WordPress theme that works well with your page builder – this will help you avoid headaches down the road.
Don’t forget to keep your site running smoothly by optimizing for speed and keeping an eye out for any common issues that might pop up.
Following these steps will help you create a website that looks great and works well, without feeling overwhelmed. With the right approach, you’ll be able to make the most of everything WordPress has to offer.
Picking the Right Theme and Blocks
Picking the right WordPress theme and Gutenberg blocks can make a huge difference in how your website looks and works.
Most Classic Themes are compatible with WPBakery while Gutenberg will work with all of them.
It’s also helpful to choose a theme with lots of customization options and a good selection of pre-made templates, so you can easily get your site looking just the way you want.
And don’t forget about custom Gutenberg blocks – they can really expand what you’re able to do and give you even more creative choices when building your pages.
Keeping Your Website Fast and Smooth
Making sure your website loads quickly is really important – not just for keeping your visitors happy, but also for helping your site show up higher in search results.
You can do a few simple things to speed things up: resize and optimize your images so they aren’t too large, try not to overload your site with too many plugins, and pick a hosting provider that’s known for being reliable and fast.
Don’t forget to regularly update your themes and plugins to keep everything secure and working well together.
And if you want an extra boost, adding a caching plugin can make a big difference in how fast your pages load.
All these steps work together to keep your WordPress site running smoothly.
Fixing Common Problems
Even if you plan everything out, you might still run into a few hiccups when using page builder plugins.
Some of the most common problems are layouts not looking right, plugins clashing with each other, or your site loading more slowly than you’d like.
If you notice a layout issue, it’s a good idea to double-check that your theme and plugins are all compatible. Sometimes, disabling your plugins one at a time can help you figure out which one is causing trouble.
And don’t forget to clear your browser and website cache – this can often solve loading problems. If you discover a conflict you can’t fix, you might consider disabling Gutenberg as a last resort.
Troubleshooting can take a little patience, but with these steps, you’ll usually get your site back on track.
A tip: use AI to ask about compatibility issues, describing the problems you are experiencing and the plugins you are using.
Conclusion: Is Combining Builders Right for You?
Using WPBakery and Gutenberg together gives you a lot of flexibility when building your WordPress site.
By combining both tools, you get the best of both worlds – more design options, an easier editing experience, and a wider variety of features to play with.
Whether this setup is right for you really depends on what you need and how you like to work. If you’re curious, it’s definitely worth trying out Gutenberg with WPBakery to see how they work together on your site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions about WordPress, WPBakery Page Builder, or Gutenberg? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common things people ask about these tools, along with easy-to-understand answers to help you feel more confident as you build and manage your WordPress website.
What is the difference between Gutenberg and Page Builder?
Gutenberg is the block editor that comes built into WordPress (since version 5.0). It’s great for writing blog posts and creating standard pages, using a block system for different types of content.
WPBakery Page Builder, on the other hand, is a plugin that lets you create much more complex page layouts with a drag-and-drop interface and lots of design options – no coding needed.
Can I Use WPBakery and Gutenberg at the Same Time?
Yes, you can! Many people use both together. Typically, you’d use WPBakery to design the overall page layout, and then add and manage your content inside that layout with a special Gutenberg content element.
Will My Website Get Slower If I Use Both?
On performance, this setup shouldn’t slow a site down. Gutenberg is core and fast. WPBakery is fast. When a site feels heavy, the usual culprits are theme bloat, excessive scripts, un-optimized images, or too many plugins – not the WPBakery + Gutenberg combo. Keep the theme lightweight, audit plugins, and optimize media, and you’ll stay snappy.
What Are the Best Themes for WPBakery and Gutenberg?
Look for themes that specifically say they’re compatible with both WPBakery and Gutenberg. Many modern themes work well with other popular builders too.
What are the advantages of using Gutenberg with WPBakery?
When you use both, you get the flexibility of Gutenberg’s block-based editing for your content, plus all of WPBakery’s templates and design elements. This combo makes it easier to build a beautiful and user-friendly site, even if you don’t want to touch any code.
Is it possible to build custom Gutenberg blocks that function on a site where WPBakery is also installed?
Yes, developers can create custom Gutenberg blocks independently, and these can function alongside WPBakery on a site where both are installed.
How does using Gutenberg improve site performance?
Since Gutenberg is built right into WordPress, it’s lightweight and efficient, which helps improve your site’s loading times and SEO. Some themes add a bit of extra “bloat,” but Gutenberg keeps things streamlined.
Is it possible to disable Gutenberg and still use WPBakery?
You sure can. If you prefer the classic editor experience, you can turn off Gutenberg and just use WPBakery to build your pages and write content. Just keep in mind that you might miss out on some of the handy features Gutenberg offers. You can disable Gutenberg from the WPBakery settings.
Can I get white label version of WPBakery Page Builder?
If you’re an agency or developer, you can get a white-label version of WPBakery to rebrand the plugin and offer it as part of your service. It’s a great way to provide a custom experience for your clients. You will need a Theme Integration license for this.
Can I include WPBakery Page Builder in my theme?
Absolutely – as long as you have the right license. Bundling WPBakery with your theme can add a lot of value for your customers, but make sure you follow WPBakery’s licensing rules.
Can I update WPBakery Page Builder if I have purchased it in a theme?
If your theme includes WPBakery, updates usually come from the theme developer when they release theme updates. If you want faster or direct plugin updates, it’s a good idea to get your own license for WPBakery.
Will Gutenberg break my WordPress site?
Gutenberg is designed to work smoothly with WordPress, but sometimes there can be compatibility hiccups. To be safe, always keep your themes and plugins up to date, and make a backup before making any big changes. That way, if something goes wrong, you can restore your site easily.
Will my existing content work with Gutenberg?
Yes, after upgrading to WordPress 5.0 or newer, your existing content will show up in a “Classic Block,” so it’ll look just like before. You can choose to convert posts or pages into blocks whenever you’re ready, making the transition as smooth as possible.