If you’re designing a WordPress website using Elementor, you might encounter two common terms: Template Kit and Theme. While both help shape the appearance and functionality of your site, they serve different purposes and are used in distinct ways. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between Elementor Template Kits and Themes:
1. What is an Elementor Template Kit?
An Elementor Template Kit is a collection of pre-designed templates and assets created specifically for Elementor. It allows you to build or enhance a website without needing a theme-specific design.
Key Features of Template Kits:
- Includes Specific Templates: Header, footer, home pages, about pages, contact forms, etc.
- Global Styles: Includes global fonts, colors, and design settings.
- Customization-Friendly: Designed to be fully customizable using Elementor’s drag-and-drop editor.
- No Coding Needed: You can build and modify layouts visually without touching any code.
- Requires Elementor: Works within the Elementor ecosystem.
Ideal Use Cases for Template Kits:
- Quickly creating a website design without starting from scratch.
- Applying a consistent design style across multiple pages.
- Perfect for businesses, freelancers, and agencies using Elementor to design client websites.
2. What is a Theme?
A WordPress Theme is the foundation of your website’s design and structure. It controls the site’s overall layout, styles, and sometimes functionality, even before Elementor is applied.
Key Features of Themes:
- Website Framework: Includes default layouts for headers, footers, sidebars, and archives.
- PHP & CSS Control: Themes come with files that define the website’s structure and design using code.
- Customizable via WordPress Customizer: Many themes have built-in customization options.
- Elementor Compatibility: Some themes (e.g., Hello Theme, Astra, GeneratePress) are optimized to work with Elementor.
- Themes Can Stand Alone: Unlike template kits, themes work independently of page builders like Elementor.
Ideal Use Cases for Themes:
- Establishing the basic framework of a WordPress site.
- Adding functionality beyond design, such as WooCommerce-specific features for an online store.
- Users who don’t want to rely solely on Elementor for structure and customization.
3. Key Differences Between Template Kits and Themes
Aspect | Template Kit | Theme |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Adds design elements and layouts for Elementor. | Provides the overall framework and structure. |
Dependencies | Requires Elementor (and sometimes Elementor Pro). | Works independently of Elementor. |
Customizability | Fully customizable within Elementor. | Limited customization unless paired with a page builder. |
Ease of Use | Designed for quick implementation and editing. | Requires more setup and configuration. |
Global Styles | Includes fonts, colors, and design consistency. | Varies depending on the theme. |
Functionality | Focuses on design; relies on plugins for advanced functionality. | Can include additional built-in features like WooCommerce support. |
Best For | Elementor users creating visually appealing sites. | Establishing the foundation of a WordPress site. |
4. How Template Kits and Themes Work Together
- You always need a theme when using WordPress. A template kit works on top of a theme to provide customized design layouts.
- Example Setup:
- Use a lightweight, Elementor-optimized theme like Hello Theme or Astra.
- Import a Template Kit to design your site pages, header, footer, and more using Elementor.
5. Which Should You Choose?
- Use a Template Kit if:
- You want pre-designed layouts tailored for Elementor.
- You’re looking to quickly build a professional-looking site without coding.
- You prioritize visual design over backend functionality.
- Use a Theme if:
- You need a foundational framework for your website.
- You require specific functionality (e.g., WooCommerce, blog layouts).
- You don’t plan to rely entirely on Elementor for customization.
Conclusion
Elementor Template Kits and Themes serve complementary roles. Themes provide the backbone of your WordPress site, while Template Kits enable you to enhance your site’s visual appeal and layout. For the best results, pair a lightweight, Elementor-compatible theme with a carefully selected Template Kit to streamline your web design process.