How to Edit Header in Elementor Free (2 Working Methods)

One of the most common frustrations for Elementor users is discovering that the Theme Builder, the tool for designing headers and footers, is locked behind Elementor Pro. But do not upgrade just yet. You can learn how to edit header in Elementor free version using two working methods that cost nothing. In this guide, I will show you both, explain exactly what the free version can and cannot do, and help you decide whether Pro is ever worth it for you.

The Honest Truth: What Elementor Free Can and Cannot Do

Let us be clear upfront. Elementor Free lets you design page content with drag and drop, but it does not include the Theme Builder. That means there is no built-in “edit header” button in the free version. Your header is controlled by your WordPress theme, not by Elementor.

This is not the end of the story, though. You have two solid options: customize the header through your theme’s own settings, which most good themes provide, or install a free plugin that adds header-building power to Elementor Free. Both methods are covered below with full steps.

Method 1: Customize the Header With Your Theme (No Extra Plugin)

Before installing anything new, check what your theme already offers. Most modern themes, including Jannah, Astra, and GeneratePress, include header options in the WordPress Customizer: logo upload, header layout, colors, and menu placement. For many sites, this is all you need.

1. Go to Appearance and click Customize. If the dashboard is unfamiliar, start with this WordPress dashboard tour for beginners.
2. Look for a Header section in the left panel. The exact name varies by theme: it may be called Header, Header Settings, or Site Identity.
3. Upload your logo, choose the header layout, and adjust colors and spacing to match your brand.
4. If your site title or tagline needs updating first, follow our guide on changing the WordPress site title and tagline, since the header usually displays them.
5. Click Publish to save.

This method keeps your site fast because it adds zero extra plugins. The trade-off is flexibility: theme headers follow fixed layouts, so you cannot drag elements around the way Elementor Pro’s Theme Builder allows.

When Method 1 is enough: you want a clean logo plus menu header, your theme offers layout choices, and you care about site speed.

Method 2: Use a Free Header Builder Plugin

If your theme’s header options feel too limited, the free plugin Elementor – Header, Footer and Blocks by Brainstorm Force adds the missing piece. It lets you design a header with the Elementor Free editor and display it across your whole site, essentially giving you a free version of the Theme Builder’s header feature.

Step 1: Install the Plugin

1. Go to Plugins and click Add New.
2. Search for Elementor – Header, Footer and Blocks.
3. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Create Your Header

1. In the dashboard menu, go to Appearance and click Header Footer Builder.
2. Click Add New. Give it a name like “Main Header”.
3. For Type of Template, choose Header.
4. Click Edit with Elementor. Now design your header with full drag and drop: add your logo image, a menu widget, a search icon, or a call-to-action button.
5. Click Publish.

Step 3: Set the Display Rules

1. After publishing, a Display On panel appears. Set it to Entire Website so the header shows on every page.
2. If your theme already outputs its own header, enable the option to replace the theme header, or pick a theme layout with no header to avoid showing two headers at once.
3. Save and visit your site. Your custom Elementor-designed header should now appear everywhere.

When Method 2 is better: you want pixel-level control over the header design, your theme’s options are too basic, or you need different headers for different page types.

Free vs Pro: When Is Upgrading Worth It?

Here is an honest comparison so you can decide for yourself:

My advice: start free. The two methods above cover what most blogs and small business sites need. Consider Pro only when you find yourself fighting the workarounds more than building, for example when you need advanced popup builders, dynamic content, or WooCommerce-specific widgets.

Common Header Mistakes to Avoid

Before you finish, watch out for these mistakes that beginners make when customizing headers:

• Running two headers at once. This is the number one issue. If your theme outputs its own header and your plugin adds another, visitors see a doubled, broken layout. Always check for a “replace theme header” option or switch to a blank theme header layout.
• Uploading a giant logo file. A 2 MB PNG logo in the header slows down every page on your site. Resize it to the exact display dimensions and compress it before uploading.
• Forgetting the mobile view. A header that looks perfect on desktop can easily break on phones. Always preview your header at mobile width and make sure the hamburger menu works.
• Changing headers without a backup plan. Before replacing your theme header, note down your current settings or take a screenshot. If the new design does not work out, you can restore the old one in minutes instead of rebuilding from memory.

Tips for a Better Header

• Keep it simple. Logo on one side, menu on the other. Visitors should understand your navigation in two seconds.
• Use a lightweight logo. Compress your logo image before uploading. Headers load on every single page, so every kilobyte counts.
• Test on mobile. More than half your visitors are on phones. Check that your menu collapses neatly and nothing overlaps.
• Do not overload it. A header stuffed with widgets slows down your whole site. Menu, logo, and one call to action is plenty.
• Keep your branding consistent. Use the same fonts and colors in your header that you use across the site. A header that looks like it belongs to a different website confuses visitors and weakens trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the free header plugin slow down my site?

Barely. It only loads its code where the custom header is displayed, and it is built by a reputable team. The bigger performance factor is what you put in the header: keep images compressed and widgets minimal.

Can I edit the footer the same way?

Yes. The same plugin lets you create footer templates with Elementor Free. The steps are identical: choose Footer as the template type instead of Header and set it to display on the entire website.

Why is my new header not showing up?

The most common cause is a conflict with your theme’s own header, which results in two headers or none. Check the plugin’s display settings and enable the option to replace the theme header. Also clear any caching plugin and your browser cache, then check again in a fresh private window.

Last updated: October 2026.

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