In our thorough examination of the Divi theme, we aim to assist you in determining whether this widely used theme is the optimal choice for your needs.
Divi stands out as a versatile multipurpose theme that seamlessly integrates traditional theme elements with the intuitive, drag-and-drop Divi Builder, available both as an integrated feature and a standalone plugin.
You have the option to employ the Divi theme conventionally, configuring header/footer/layouts via Divi’s Customizer options. Alternatively, with the introduction of Divi 4.0, you can harness the power of the Divi Theme Builder to craft your entire website using Divi’s intuitive visual interface.
Thanks to its adaptable nature, Divi accommodates various purposes ranging from blogs to eCommerce platforms, portfolios, corporate websites, and beyond.
If this appears complex at first glance, fear not! We’ll delve deeper into the intricacies of the Divi theme as we progress through our review. Continue reading to gain a comprehensive understanding.
Exploring Essential Components of the Divi Theme
In this initial segment, our aim is to delve into the various components of the Divi theme to provide a comprehensive understanding of its offerings. This exploration will pave the way for a deeper comprehension of the subsequent section, where we demonstrate how Divi can be leveraged to construct your website.
Divi Builder
Transformative Feature of the Divi Theme. At the heart of the Divi theme lies its distinctive feature – the Divi Builder. This tool sets Divi apart from other themes by integrating a visual, drag-and-drop page builder directly into your theme. Comparable to tools like Elementor Pro and Beaver Builder, the Divi Builder empowers users to craft fully customized designs without any coding knowledge. Notably, this functionality is seamlessly integrated into the theme itself, although it’s also available as a standalone plugin.
For those unacquainted with such tools, they provide a platform to design bespoke layouts entirely visually, akin to platforms like Squarespace or Wix, but tailored specifically for WordPress.
Operating within a user-friendly visual interface, users can preview their designs precisely as visitors would see them. The layout can be manipulated using rows and columns, with the addition of various content elements termed “modules.” These modules encompass a range of functionalities, including buttons, images, pricing tables, contact forms, and more, facilitating comprehensive customization options.
Each module, as well as rows and columns, is equipped with comprehensive settings allowing users to exert precise control over features, styling, spacing, and more. For instance, when editing a Contact Form module, users can fine-tune form fields, styles, notifications, and other parameters.
Through the intuitive drag-and-drop interface and meticulous adjustment of settings, users can craft bespoke designs without the need for any coding involvement. This capability stands as the defining feature that sets Divi apart from other themes.
Divi Theme Builder
Divi Theme Builder harnesses the familiar Divi Builder interface showcased earlier. However, its distinguishing feature lies in its ability to apply the Divi Builder to your theme’s templates. This functionality allows users to design various elements such as the theme’s header or the template for blog posts, ensuring cohesive and customizable design throughout the website.
This capability enables you to customize your entire site effortlessly through the intuitive Divi Builder visual interface, a feature of immense potency. For instance, you could design a single template for your blog posts, ensuring uniformity across all your blog entries without the need for manual recreation each time.
Moreover, the flexibility extends further, allowing the creation of distinct templates for blog posts within different categories, offering a plethora of customization possibilities.
Furthermore, this functionality is not limited to blog posts; it extends to other types of content as well. For instance, if you operate a WooCommerce store, you can utilize this feature to craft tailored templates for your single product pages and store layouts, enhancing the overall design coherence and user experience.
Divi Library Templates
In addition to providing the flexibility to construct entirely custom designs from scratch, Divi offers a vast library of pre-designed templates. These templates can be imported and then fully customized using the Divi Builder.
Currently, Divi boasts over 1,383 pre-made layouts, organized into 187 layout packs. Each “layout pack” comprises a themed collection of templates designed to cater to specific needs. For instance, there are packs tailored for creating restaurant websites or other specialized niches.
Furthermore, users have the option to save their own designs as templates for future use. Additionally, individual sections can be saved as “Global Modules,” enabling users to reuse a template in multiple locations and easily update all instances by editing the original template.
Divi Theme Customization Options
For tweaking the style and layout of your theme, Divi employs the native WordPress Customizer. This feature is advantageous as it allows you to preview any modifications you make in real-time, akin to the functionality offered by other WordPress themes. For instance, if you wish to personalize your header, you can access those settings within the Customizer and implement changes accordingly.
Alternatively, users have the option to bypass these settings altogether and utilize the Theme Builder, which will be discussed further later on.
Divi Theme Settings
Additionally, Divi features its own backend theme options area. This section enables users to manage functional, integration, and global settings efficiently. For instance, it facilitates the easy addition of code snippets to the theme, such as the Google Analytics tracking code.
Creating a Website With Divi: Two Approaches
As outlined in the introduction, there are two primary methods for crafting your website using the Divi theme:
- Utilize the Divi theme’s Customizer options to manage your header, footer, and template layouts, while employing the Divi Builder to oversee the actual page content.
- Employ the Divi Theme Builder to meticulously design 100% of your website utilizing the visual editor. This encompasses the customization of your header, footer, and other elements.
Option 1: Leveraging Theme Options Alongside Divi
The initial option represents the “classic” approach to website development with Divi. This method offers a swift initiation process while providing ample control over the design and functionality.
Configuring Divi Theme Options
To begin, access the Divi settings within the native WordPress Customizer to establish preferences for your header, footer, blog layout, and other essential components of your website.
Additionally, utilize the backend Divi settings area to manage further details and refine the overall setup of your website.
Utilizing the Divi Builder for Content Design
After establishing the foundational elements of your website, such as the header and footer, leverage the Divi Builder to craft the actual content. For instance, utilize it to create your homepage, an “about” page, a “contact” page, and more.
With this approach alone, you gain substantial control over building a customized website. However, for those seeking even greater autonomy, the second method provides an alternative avenue.
Option 2: Harnessing Divi’s Full Theme Builder
Alternatively, you can opt for the comprehensive approach by utilizing Divi’s Full Theme Builder for all aspects of your website. This method grants increased flexibility, as every element on your site can be controlled through the intuitive drag-and-drop interface. While this approach requires more effort due to the necessity of designing each element individually, it offers unparalleled customization possibilities.
Moreover, there’s room for customization based on your preferences. For instance, you have the freedom to mix-and-match elements. For instance, you could employ the Theme Builder to manage your header while retaining the theme’s default footer, as configured in the WordPress Customizer.
To initiate this setup, navigate to Divi → Theme Builder. Here, you’ll encounter a prompt to Add Global Header/Body/Footer. These serve as the default templates that Divi will utilize for the respective parts of your website.
Furthermore, in addition to the global templates, you have the capability to create additional templates tailored for specific types of content, offering an extensive array of possibilities.
For instance, you could implement one global template for standard blog posts, while simultaneously crafting a distinct template specifically designed for “Review” posts. This separate template would automatically supersede the global template for any content categorized as a “Review” post. Below, you’ll find a glimpse of the myriad options available for targeting your templates:
Undoubtedly, this method involves greater complexity and requires more time investment. However, it also affords unparalleled flexibility and customization potential. Ultimately, you must weigh whether this trade-off aligns with your preferences or if you prefer the simplicity of the first method (which is entirely valid).
Divi Theme Pricing Overview
The Divi theme is accessible through the Elegant Themes membership plan, granting users unlimited access to all products offered by Elegant Themes.
It’s essential to highlight that the membership includes both the Divi theme and plugin versions at the same price point. Additionally, subscribers gain access to other valuable tools such as Bloom for email opt-ins (review) and Monarch for social sharing.
To acquire the Elegant Themes membership, users can choose between two subscription options:
- One year of access and support – $89
- Lifetime access and support – $249
Divi Theme Review: Frequently Asked Questions
As we conclude, let’s address some common inquiries regarding Divi:
Divi’s suitability depends on individual preferences. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking extensive design and style control over their websites.
Absolutely! The Divi Builder is available as a standalone plugin, allowing users to utilize its visual drag-and-drop functionality with any WordPress theme.
While Divi may not be the fastest WordPress theme, adhering to performance best practices can ensure adequate loading speeds for Divi websites.
Divi is part of the Elegant Themes membership, priced at $89 for one year of access or $249 for lifetime access.
Yes, Divi incorporates essential SEO features required for optimal WordPress theme performance. However, content quality and backlinks remain paramount for SEO success.
No, Divi no longer restricts users, as the Divi Builder is available as a standalone plugin compatible with any WordPress theme. Transitioning away from the Divi theme is seamless with the Divi plugin, ensuring content continuity.