Step 1: Install and Activate Necessary Plugins
Install Elementor Page Builder
To begin, log in to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Plugins > Add New. In the search bar, type “Elementor Website Builder.” Locate the plugin by Elementor. Click the “Install Now” button. Once installed, click “Activate.” You will see a new “Elementor” menu item in your WordPress dashboard sidebar.
Install WooCommerce Plugin
Similarly, from your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New. In the search bar, type “WooCommerce.” Find the plugin by Automattic. Click “Install Now” and then “Activate.” Upon activation, WooCommerce will prompt you to run a setup wizard, which we will cover in the next step.
Step 2: Configure Basic WooCommerce Settings
Run the WooCommerce Setup Wizard
After activating WooCommerce, you’ll be redirected to the “Welcome to WooCommerce” setup wizard. This wizard guides you through essential store configurations. Provide your store’s address, industry, and product types. You can skip the theme selection as we’ll be using Elementor for design. Complete the wizard steps, including shipping and tax options (you can set these more precisely later).
Add Your First Product
From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Products > Add New. Enter a product name (e.g., “Sample T-Shirt”). Add a detailed description in the main content editor. Scroll down to the “Product data” section. Select “Simple product” from the dropdown. Enter a “Regular price” (e.g., 25.00). Add a “Product short description.” Set a “Product image” from the right sidebar by clicking “Set product image” and uploading an image. Assign it to a “Product category” if you have one, or create a new one. Finally, click “Publish.”
Step 3: Design Your WooCommerce Pages with Elementor
Customize Your Shop Page with Elementor
Elementor Pro is typically required for full WooCommerce page customization. Assuming you have Elementor Pro, go to Elementor > My Templates > Theme Builder. Click on “Shop Page” (or “Archive”) and then “Add New.” Select “Shop” as the template type and give it a name like “Custom Shop Page.” Click “Create Template.” You’ll be taken to the Elementor editor. Drag and drop WooCommerce widgets like “Products,” “Product Categories,” and “Product Archive Title” onto your canvas. Style them using Elementor’s extensive options. Set the display conditions to “All Product Archives” before publishing.
Design Individual Product Pages
In the Elementor Theme Builder (Elementor > My Templates > Theme Builder), click on “Single Product” and then “Add New.” Select “Single Product” as the template type and name it “Custom Single Product.” Click “Create Template.” In the Elementor editor, use the “Product Title,” “Product Images,” “Product Price,” “Add To Cart,” “Product Description,” and “Product Related” widgets to build your layout. Style each element to match your brand. Set the display conditions to “All Products” before publishing.
Step 4: Enhance Your Store with Elementor WooCommerce Widgets
Utilize Product Grid and Carousel Widgets
Elementor Pro offers powerful widgets to display your products dynamically. On any page you’re editing with Elementor (e.g., your homepage), search for the “Products” widget. Drag it onto your canvas. In the widget settings, you can choose to display specific categories, recent products, featured products, or products by ID. Adjust the number of columns, rows, and pagination. For a carousel, use the “Product Carousel” widget, which allows you to showcase products in a sliding format, ideal for promoting new arrivals or bestsellers.
Add Cart and Checkout Elements
Elementor Pro provides dedicated widgets for the cart and checkout pages. While Elementor can customize the design of these pages, the core functionality is handled by WooCommerce. For the cart page, open it with Elementor and drag the “WooCommerce Cart” widget onto the page. For the checkout page, use the “WooCommerce Checkout” widget. You can then style the appearance of the forms, buttons, and sections to align with your site’s design, ensuring a consistent user experience throughout the purchasing journey.
FAQ: Can I use Elementor free with WooCommerce?
While you can use Elementor free to design regular pages on your WooCommerce store (like the homepage or about us page), you generally need Elementor Pro to customize the core WooCommerce pages such as the Shop page, individual Product pages, Cart, and Checkout pages. Elementor Pro provides the specific WooCommerce widgets and Theme Builder functionality required for deep integration.
FAQ: Do I need any other plugins for Elementor and WooCommerce to work together?
No, Elementor (Free or Pro) and WooCommerce are the primary plugins required for this integration. Elementor Pro specifically includes the necessary WooCommerce builder features and widgets. You might consider additional plugins for specific functionalities like payment gateways, shipping methods, or advanced product filters, but they are not mandatory for the basic setup and design.
FAQ: How do I make my Elementor-designed product pages display for all products?
After designing your single product template in Elementor Theme Builder, you need to set its “Display Conditions.” When you click “Publish” (or “Update”), a pop-up will appear. Click “Add Condition” and select “Include > All Products.” This ensures that every product on your store will use the custom layout you designed.
FAQ: My WooCommerce pages look broken after installing Elementor. What should I do?
This can sometimes happen if your theme or another plugin is conflicting, or if you haven’t properly set up your Elementor Theme Builder templates. First, check if your Elementor Theme Builder templates for Shop and Single Product pages are active and have the correct display conditions. If issues persist, try deactivating other plugins one by one to identify conflicts. Clearing your website and browser cache can also resolve display issues.
