How to Convert WPBakery (FKA Visual Composer) to Elementor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you still building your website with WPBakery, the page builder once known as Visual Composer? You might be feeling that its backend interface is clunky and your website isn’t as fast or flexible as it should be. You’ve seen what’s possible with Elementor’s modern, intuitive experience, and you’re asking the right question: is it time to make the switch?

Why Migrate from WPBakery (Visual Composer) to Elementor?

Making the switch from WPBakery to Elementor is a strategic upgrade for your website. It’s about embracing a more modern, efficient, and powerful way of building and managing your content.

WPBakery vs. Elementor: A Quick Comparison

Key Benefits: Speed, User Interface, and Features

Improved User Experience:

• Live editing: See changes instantly as you make them
• Intuitive interface: Drag-and-drop simplicity that anyone can learn
• Mobile-first design: Built-in responsive controls for all devices
• Global widgets: Create reusable elements across your site
• Better typography controls: Advanced text styling options

Performance Advantages:

• Cleaner code output: Less bloated HTML and CSS
• Better loading times: Optimised asset loading and caching
• Improved SEO potential: Faster sites rank better in search results
• Modern web standards: Supports latest CSS and JavaScript features

Advanced Features:

• Theme Builder: Create custom headers, footers, and templates
• Popup Builder: Design engaging popups and overlays
• Dynamic content: Connect to custom fields and databases
• WooCommerce integration: Better ecommerce page building
• Form builder: Advanced contact and lead generation forms

Before You Start: The Essential Pre-Migration Checklist

Proper preparation prevents problems and ensures your migration doesn’t break your existing website or hurt your business operations.

1. Full Website Backup (Files and Database)

Never attempt migration without comprehensive backups. WPBakery conversion can be complex, and you need the ability to restore if something goes wrong.

Essential backup components:

• Complete file backup: All WordPress files, themes, plugins, media uploads
• Full database export: MySQL/MariaDB backup with all tables
• Configuration files: .htaccess, wp-config.php, custom settings
• Email accounts: If hosting email, backup mail data
• SSL certificates: Document current security setup

Backup verification steps:

• Test restore process on a different server
• Verify backup file integrity and completeness
• Store backups in multiple locations (local and cloud)
• Document backup date and WordPress version
• Keep backups for at least 30 days post-migration

2. Create a Staging Environment (Crucial Step)

Never perform migrations on live websites. Staging environments allow thorough testing without affecting your active business site.

Staging setup options:

• Hosting provider staging: Many Web hosting provider offer one-click staging
• Web panel provider staging: Panel like RunCloud, Gridpane, xCloud offer one-click staging
• Staging plugins: WP Staging, Duplicator Pro for manual setup
• Subdomain staging: Create staging.yourdomain.com
• Local development: XAMPP, Local by Flywheel for offline work

Staging environment requirements:

• Exact replica of production site
• Matching server specifications (PHP, MySQL versions)
• All plugins and themes identical to live site
• Realistic test data for accurate performance testing
• SSL certificate configured (even self-signed for testing)

3. Audit Your Current Content and Design

Understanding your existing WPBakery setup helps plan the conversion strategy and identify potential challenges.

Content audit checklist:

• Page inventory: List all WPBakery-built pages and posts
• Element usage: Document WPBakery elements and widgets used
• Custom styling: Note any custom CSS or JavaScript
• Template types: Header, footer, archive page layouts
• Third-party integrations: Forms, maps, galleries, sliders
• Dynamic content: Any custom fields or programmatic content

Design documentation:

• Screenshot complex layouts for reference
• Note brand colors, fonts, and styling patterns
• Document responsive behavior on mobile devices
• Record any animations or interactive elements
• Map user journey flows through key pages

4. Familiarise Yourself with the Elementor Interface

Before starting conversion, spend time learning Elementor’s interface and capabilities to work more efficiently.

Essential Elementor concepts:

• Sections and columns: Basic layout structure
• Widgets: Individual content elements
• Global colors and fonts: Site-wide design consistency
• Responsive editing: Mobile, tablet, desktop controls
• Template system: Reusable designs and layouts

Practice recommendations:

• Create test pages with common elements
• Experiment with responsive settings
• Try global widget functionality
• Explore template library options
• Practice with Theme Builder features

The Complete Guide to Convert Visual Composer to Elementor

Step 1: Install Elementor, Elementor Pro, and a Lightweight Theme (e.g., Hello Theme)

Start with a clean foundation for your Elementor-powered site.

Installation process:

1. Install Elementor Free: Download from WordPress repository
2. Upgrade to Elementor Pro: Purchase license and install Pro version
3. Choose appropriate theme: Hello Elementor, Blocksy, or GeneratePress
4. Configure theme settings: Minimal styling, let Elementor control design
5. Install required plugins: Any additional functionality needs

Theme selection considerations:

• Hello Elementor: Official Elementor theme, minimal and fast
• Blocksy: My all time favourite lightweight theme with excellent features and performance
• GeneratePress: Lightweight with excellent performance
• Kadence: Modern theme with built-in Elementor support

Initial Elementor configuration:

• Set up global colors matching your brand
• Configure typography settings
• Import any relevant templates from library
• Configure default widget settings
• Set up responsive breakpoints

Step 2: Rebuild Your Header & Footer with Elementor’s Theme Builder

Site-wide templates should be converted first to establish your design foundation.

Header recreation process:

• Analyse current header: Logo placement, navigation structure, contact info
• Create new header template: Use Theme Builder > Header
• Add essential elements: Site logo, navigation menu, search, contact buttons
• Configure responsive behavior: Mobile menu, collapsing elements
• Test functionality: Ensure all links and interactions work

Header element mapping:

• Logo: Site Logo widget with proper sizing
• Navigation: Nav Menu widget with dropdown styling
• Contact info: Text widgets or custom HTML
• Social media: Social Icons widget
• Search: Search Form widget if needed
• Language switchers: Custom widgets if multilingual

Footer reconstruction:

• Column layout: Use sections and columns to match original
• Widget areas: Contact info, links, social media, newsletter signup
• Copyright information: Text widgets with dynamic date
• Additional menus: Footer navigation with proper links
• Contact details: Address, phone, email with proper formatting

Step 3: Manually Recreate Your Core Pages in Elementor

Focus on your most important pages first, ensuring they maintain functionality and improve design.

Page conversion priority:

1. Homepage: Primary landing page and conversion tool
2. About page: Company information and trust-building
3. Services/Products: Core business offering pages
4. Contact page: Lead generation and communication hub
5. Landing pages: Campaign-specific conversion pages

Element conversion strategies:

• Text blocks: Use Text Editor widgets with improved typography
• Image galleries: Gallery widgets with lightbox functionality
• Contact forms: Form widgets or Contact Form 7 integration
• Buttons: Button widgets with hover effects and analytics
• Testimonials: Testimonial widgets with star ratings
• Team members: Image Box widgets with social links

Design improvement opportunities:

• Better spacing: Use consistent margins and padding
• Modern typography: Improved font pairings and hierarchy
• Enhanced imagery: Better image optimisation and presentation
• Improved calls-to-action: More compelling button design and placement
• Mobile optimisation: Better responsive behavior than WPBakery

Step 4: Rebuild Blog Posts and Custom Post Type Templates

Create consistent templates for your content types using Elementor’s template system.

Blog template creation:

• Single post template: Header, content area, sidebar, author bio
• Archive template: Post grid, pagination, filtering options
• Category pages: Custom layouts for different content categories
• Search results: Optimised search results presentation

Custom post type considerations:

• Portfolio items: If showcasing work or projects
• Team members: Staff profiles with contact information
• Testimonials: Client feedback with photos and ratings
• Services: Detailed service descriptions with pricing
• Products: If running ecommerce functionality

Dynamic content integration:

• Custom fields: Connect ACF or Meta Box fields
• Featured images: Proper sizing and display
• Post meta: Date, author, categories, tags
• Related posts: Suggested content functionality
• Social sharing: Share buttons for increased engagement

Step 5: How to Handle and Clean Up WPBakery’s Leftover Shortcodes

WPBakery generates shortcodes that become uneditable after plugin removal, requiring careful cleanup.

Shortcode identification:

• Search and replace tools: Find all WPBakery shortcodes
• Database queries: Identify shortcode patterns
• Content audit: Review each page for shortcode usage
• Backup shortcode content: Save original shortcodes as reference

Cleanup strategies:

• Manual replacement: Replace shortcodes with Elementor widgets
• Bulk find and replace: Use Better Search Replace plugin
• Content preservation: Ensure no content is lost during cleanup
• Gradual removal: Test each page after shortcode removal

Common WPBakery shortcodes:

• vc_row and vc_column – Layout structures
• vc_column_text – Text content blocks
• vc_single_image – Image elements
• vc_btn – Button elements
• vc_gallery – Image galleries
• Custom theme shortcodes specific to your setup

Step 6: Deactivate and Safely Delete WPBakery Page Builder

Only remove WPBakery after confirming your new Elementor site works perfectly.

Safe removal process:

1. Complete final testing: Verify all pages work correctly
2. Performance testing: Confirm speed improvements
3. Functionality verification: Test all interactive elements
4. SEO check: Ensure no broken links or missing content
5. Backup creation: Fresh backup before removal
6. Plugin deactivation: Keep files initially for safety
7. Monitor for issues: Watch site for 24-48 hours
8. Complete removal: Delete plugin files and database entries

Related cleanup tasks:

• Remove WPBakery-specific themes or child themes
• Delete unused shortcode plugins
• Clean up custom CSS written for WPBakery
• Remove WPBakery add-on plugins
• Update any hardcoded references to WPBakery elements

Post-Migration: Final Checks and Optimisation

Testing for Responsiveness and Cross-Browser Compatibility

Thorough testing ensures your converted site works perfectly across all devices and browsers.

Mobile testing priorities:

• Touch interactions: Buttons, links, form fields work properly
• Loading performance: Fast loading on mobile connections
• Navigation functionality: Mobile menus and user flow
• Content readability: Font sizes, spacing, contrast
• Image optimisation: Proper sizing and fast loading

Browser compatibility testing:

• Chrome: Most popular browser in the world
• Safari: iPhone and Mac users
• Firefox: Secondary browser testing
• Edge: Microsoft browser compatibility

SEO Considerations: Checking URLs, Meta Data, and Sitemaps

Migration can affect SEO if not handled carefully, so thorough SEO auditing is essential.

SEO audit checklist:

• URL structure: Ensure no URLs changed during migration
• Meta titles and descriptions: Verify all pages maintain SEO data
• Header tags: Proper H1, H2, H3 hierarchy maintained
• Image alt text: All images have descriptive alt attributes
• Internal linking: All internal links work correctly
• Sitemap updates: Regenerate and submit updated sitemaps

Technical SEO verification:

• Page loading speed: Improved performance vs. WPBakery
• Core Web Vitals: Better scores in PageSpeed Insights
• Schema markup: Structured data intact after migration
• Canonical URLs: Proper canonical tag implementation
• Mobile-first indexing: Excellent mobile experience

Cleaning Your Database of Residual Files

Remove WPBakery remnants to optimise database performance and site security.

Database cleanup tasks:

• Remove WPBakery tables: Clean up custom database tables
• Delete post meta: WPBakery-specific custom fields
• Clean options table: Remove WPBakery configuration data
• Remove transients: Clear temporary WPBakery data
• Optimise database: General database optimisation

Recommended cleanup tools:

• Advanced Database Cleaner for thorough cleanup
• Media Cleaner for unused image removal
• Thumbnails reGenerate for removing unused thumbnails
• Manual SQL queries for specific cleanup tasks

Optimising for Speed with Elementor Settings

Configure Elementor for optimal performance to maximize the benefits of migration.

Elementor performance settings:

• Disable unused widgets: Reduce plugin overhead
• Enable Optimized DOM Output: Cleaner HTML structure
• CSS optimisation: Minimize and combine CSS files
• Font loading: Optimize Google Fonts loading
• Lazy loading: Enable for images and videos

Additional performance optimisations:

• Caching plugins: FlyingPress, LiteSpeed Cache, or similar
• Image optimisation: eWWW, ShortPixel for automated compression
• CDN implementation: CloudFlare or FlyingCDN for global delivery
• Database optimisation: Regular cleanup and optimisation
• Plugin audit: Remove unnecessary plugins

Automatic Conversion Tools: Do They Work?

Reviewing the ‘Convert WPBakery to Elementor’ Plugin

Several plugins claim to automate the conversion process, but results vary significantly.

Available conversion tools:

• WPBakery to Elementor converter plugins: Limited effectiveness
• Import/export tools: Basic content migration
• Custom migration services: Professional conversion services

Conversion tool limitations:

• Complex layouts: Often break during automated conversion
• Custom styling: CSS and design elements frequently lost
• Interactive elements: Forms, sliders may not convert properly
• Third-party widgets: Add-on functionality often incompatible
• Responsive settings: Mobile behavior rarely converts correctly

Pros and Cons of Automated vs. Manual Migration

Automated conversion pros:

• Faster initial conversion for simple layouts
• Bulk processing of multiple pages
• Preserves basic content structure
• Reduces manual work for standard elements

Automated conversion cons:

• Often produces broken or incomplete layouts
• Requires extensive manual cleanup afterward
• May introduce performance issues
• Limited support for custom elements
• Can create SEO problems if not handled properly

Manual migration pros:

• Complete control over design and functionality
• Opportunity to improve design during conversion
• Better performance optimisation
• Proper responsive behavior implementation
• Quality assurance throughout process

Manual migration cons:

• More time-intensive process
• Requires technical knowledge
• Higher upfront investment
• Potential for human error without proper testing

Recommendation:
For most businesses, manual migration provides better long-term results despite requiring more initial effort.

FAQ:

Embracing a Better Page Building Experience

Converting from WPBakery to Elementor represents more than a simple plugin change—it’s an upgrade to modern web design standards that can significantly improve your website’s performance, user experience, and your own content management efficiency.

The migration makes sense if:

• Your current site feels slow or outdated
• You want better mobile editing capabilities
• Your team struggles with WPBakery’s backend interface
• You’re planning a site redesign anyway
• You want access to modern design templates and widgets

Consider professional help if:

• Your site is complex with many custom elements
• You lack technical resources for safe migration
• Downtime could significantly impact your business
• You want to combine migration with design improvements
• You need the work completed quickly and professionally

For most website owners, the improved user experience, better performance, and modern design capabilities make Elementor migration a worthwhile investment in their digital presence.

Ready to modernise your website with a professional WPBakery to Elementor migration? Our team specializes in seamless migrations that improve performance while preserving your content and SEO rankings.