Introduction to the Divi theme
The Divi theme is a popular tool among WordPress website builders who want flexibility in designing their sites. Developed by Elegant Themes, Divi offers a range of features that help web designers create and customise websites without needing to write code.
Divi uses a drag-and-drop system, allowing creators to build unique layouts by simply moving elements around on the page. This approach makes it accessible for those new to web design, while still offering advanced options for experienced developers.
WordPress Elegant Themes Divi
Installing and activating the Divi theme
To start using Divi, web designers need to download the theme from the Elegant Themes website. After purchasing, the theme files can be saved to a computer.
Once downloaded, the theme can be installed through the WordPress dashboard. By navigating to the “Appearance” section and selecting “Themes,” creators can upload the Divi theme file and activate it for their site.
WordPress Divi Theme
Understanding the Divi builder interface
The Divi Builder is at the heart of the Divi theme, serving as a powerful WordPress website builder. It offers both a visual editor and a backend editor, providing different ways for developers to work on their sites.
The visual editor allows designers to see changes in real-time as they edit, making the design process more intuitive. The backend editor provides a more structured view, which some may prefer for organising the layout of their pages.
Elegant Themes Divi
Exploring pre-made layouts
Divi includes a collection of pre-made layouts that can help designers get started quickly. These layouts cover various types of websites, from blogs to business sites, and can be customised to fit specific needs. For additional options, designers can explore free Divi layouts to expand their design possibilities.
To use a pre-made layout, creators can open the Divi Builder on a new page and choose the option to “Use Premade Layout.” From there, they can browse the available designs and apply one to their page.
Divi WordPress Theme
Customising layouts with sections, rows, and modules
Divi’s building blocks consist of sections, rows, and modules, which help structure the content on a page. Sections are the largest units and can contain multiple rows. Rows can be divided into columns, and modules are the individual content elements placed within these columns.
By adding and adjusting these elements, web developers can create complex and unique page layouts. For example, a section might contain a row with three columns, each holding a different module like text, an image, or a button. For inspiration on designing engaging layouts, designers might consider reading tips to ignite website design inspiration.
Divi Theme WordPress
Adjusting design settings
Designers can easily change the look of their website using Divi’s design settings. This includes adjusting colours, fonts, backgrounds, and other visual elements. These settings can be applied to individual modules or set globally to affect the entire site.
For instance, changing the font style in the global settings will update the typography across all pages. This helps maintain a consistent appearance throughout the website. To explore more about customising specific sections like about pages, Divi about page layouts can provide useful examples.
Using the theme customiser
The theme customiser in Divi allows creators to make changes that affect the whole site. Accessible through the WordPress dashboard under “Appearance > Customise,” it offers options to adjust the header, footer, menus, and more.
By using the theme customiser, web designers can set default styles and settings, ensuring a uniform look and feel across all pages. This tool simplifies the process of managing site-wide design elements.
Divi Themes
Incorporating custom CSS and code
For those comfortable with coding, Divi provides the option to add custom CSS and code. This can be done through the theme options or by using code modules within the Divi Builder.
Adding custom code allows developers to make advanced customisations that aren’t available through the standard settings. This can help achieve a more personalised design or add special functionality to the website.
Responsive design techniques
With many people browsing the internet on mobile devices, it’s important that websites look good on all screen sizes. Divi makes it easy to create responsive designs that adjust automatically for desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Designers can preview how their site will appear on different devices directly within the Divi Builder. They can also adjust settings for specific screen sizes, such as changing font sizes or hiding certain elements on smaller screens.
Divi Theme Templates
Using the Divi library
The Divi library is a feature that lets designers save sections, rows, or modules for use on other pages. This can save time when building a website with repeating elements.
To save an item to the library, designers can click the save icon when editing a module, row, or section. Later, they can add this saved item to another page by selecting it from the library. For additional modules and sections, Divi blog modules and sections can offer more options.
Creating global elements
Global elements are items that stay the same across the entire website. When a global element is updated in one place, the changes appear everywhere that element is used.
This is useful for things like headers, footers, or call-to-action sections that need to be consistent on every page. By using global elements, designers can ensure that any updates are applied site-wide without needing to edit each page individually.

Divi Theme Builder
Integrating plugins and extensions
While Divi offers many features, designers might still want to add extra functionality through plugins. Divi is compatible with many WordPress plugins, allowing for additional capabilities like contact forms, e-commerce, or SEO tools.
When adding plugins, it’s important to choose ones that work well with Divi to avoid any conflicts. Checking reviews and compatibility information can help in selecting the right plugins for the site. For small businesses, selecting the best website builder can make a significant difference in online presence.
Optimising for performance
A website that loads quickly provides a better experience for visitors. Divi includes options to help improve site performance, such as enabling caching and compressing files.
Managing images is also important for performance. Designers can optimise images by reducing their file size without losing quality. Divi provides tools and settings to assist with image optimisation.

Divi Theme
Troubleshooting common issues
Sometimes, web developers might encounter problems when using Divi, such as layout issues or plugin conflicts. A good first step is to check if any plugins are causing the problem by deactivating them one at a time.
Divi also has a support centre within the theme options, where designers can find documentation and contact support for help. Keeping Divi and all plugins up to date can prevent many issues from occurring.
Best practices for design consistency
Maintaining a consistent design across the website helps create a professional look. Using global settings and styles in Divi can assist with this.
Creating a style guide is another helpful step. By outlining the colours, fonts, and other design elements to be used, everyone working on the site can follow the same guidelines.

Divi Elegant Themes
Finalising and publishing the custom layout
Before making the website live, it’s important to review all pages to check for any errors or issues. This includes testing links, proofreading text, and ensuring that the layout looks correct on all devices.
Once everything has been reviewed and any necessary changes made, the site can be published. Designers should continue to monitor the site after launch to address any feedback or problems that arise.
Resources for further learning
For those looking to learn more about Divi and improve their skills, there are many resources available. The Ultimate Guide to Divi provides comprehensive information on using the theme effectively.
Online communities and forums are also valuable places to ask questions and share knowledge with other designers. Engaging with these communities can help creators stay up to date with best practices and new developments.
Glossary
- WordPress: An open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to create and manage websites. It is known for its flexibility, extensive plugin ecosystem, and user-friendly interface. More info: What is WordPress.
- WordPress themes: Pre-designed templates that define the visual appearance of a WordPress website. Themes control layout, design elements, and features, making it easier to change the look of a site without altering its content.
- WordPress plugins: Add-ons that extend the functionality of a WordPress website. Plugins can enhance security, improve SEO, add forms, and more, making WordPress highly customizable.
- WordPress website builder: Tools like MaxiBlocks or other drag-and-drop solutions that allow you to build and customize WordPress websites without needing to code. Learn more about builders here: WordPress website builders.
- MaxiBlocks: A WordPress website builder that provides pre-made design patterns and customizable blocks for creating professional-looking sites. It is designed to integrate with WordPress’s Gutenberg editor.
- Gutenberg editor: The block-based editor introduced in WordPress, allowing users to design pages and posts by adding blocks for different types of content, like text, images, and buttons.
- WordPress developer: A professional who specialises in creating and customising WordPress websites. Developers handle technical tasks like coding custom themes, building plugins, and ensuring site performance.
- Drag-and-drop builder: A tool that allows users to build websites by dragging elements (like text, images, and buttons) into place without coding. Builders like MaxiBlocks and Elementor fall into this category.
FAQs
1. What is a WordPress website?
A WordPress website is a site built using WordPress, a content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of the web. WordPress sites can range from blogs to e-commerce stores, portfolios, and corporate sites. More info: WordPress websites.
2. What are the different types of WordPress websites?
- Blog websites: Focused on content creation and sharing, ideal for personal blogs or professional news sites.
- E-commerce websites: WordPress can be paired with plugins like WooCommerce to create online stores.
- Portfolio websites: Showcases creative work like photography, design, and writing.
- Corporate websites: Designed for businesses to present services, contact information, and company information.
- Membership sites: Allows users to sign up, pay, and access exclusive content.
- Educational websites: Used for online learning, often integrating with plugins to manage courses and students.
- Non-profit websites: For organisations to promote causes, collect donations, and share updates.
3. What is a WordPress website builder?
A WordPress website builder is a tool that helps you design and develop WordPress websites without needing to code. These builders provide drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-made templates, and design blocks, allowing for fast and easy customization of websites.
4. What’s the difference between a WordPress designer and developer?
A WordPress designer focuses on the site’s look and feel—things like layouts, colours, and typography. A WordPress developer handles the more technical side, including custom coding, theme development, and performance optimisation. More details can be found here: WordPress website designer.
5. Why should I use a WordPress website builder like MaxiBlocks?
Using a website builder like MaxiBlocks simplifies the website design process, especially if you’re not familiar with coding. MaxiBlocks provides pre-made design blocks and templates that can be easily customised to fit your brand.
6. How do I choose the right WordPress theme for my website?
When choosing a WordPress theme, consider:
- The purpose of your website (e.g., blog, e-commerce).
- Design flexibility.
- Responsiveness (how it looks on mobile devices).
- Speed and performance.
- Compatibility with builders like MaxiBlocks.
7. Can I build an e-commerce website with WordPress?
Yes, WordPress can be used to build an e-commerce website, usually with the help of a plugin like WooCommerce. You can use a website builder like MaxiBlocks to customise the look of your online store.
8. What are some popular WordPress website builders?
- MaxiBlocks: Provides pre-designed blocks and templates for easy page-building in WordPress.
- Elementor: A drag-and-drop page builder with extensive design options.
- Divi: Another drag-and-drop builder with powerful customisation features.
- Beaver Builder: Offers flexible design tools and is beginner-friendly.
9. What is Gutenberg in WordPress?
Gutenberg is the block editor in WordPress that allows you to build pages using a block-based system. Each piece of content, like text, images, or buttons, is treated as a block that can be added, moved, and styled.
10. Do I need coding skills to build a WordPress website?
No, you don’t need coding skills to build a WordPress website, especially if you’re using a website builder like MaxiBlocks, Elementor, or Divi. These tools offer drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to create professional sites without writing code.