In this first video of the Elementor to Bricks Series, I’ll walk you through the key differences between the Elementor and Bricks builders. By the end of the video, you’ll have a solid understanding of how the two builders compare and how Bricks approaches building websites differently.
Timestamps:
- 0:00 Introduction
- 0:43 Bricks Is a Theme, Not a Plugin
- 1:37 WordPress Settings: Elementor vs Bricks
- 6:49 Comparing the Elementor & Bricks Builders
Getting Started With Bricks Builder After Using Elementor
Switching from Elementor to Bricks Builder can feel unfamiliar at first. Even though both tools are WordPress builders designed to create custom websites, the way they handle themes, settings, layouts, and the editing experience is very different.
If you have spent years building websites with Elementor, you are likely used to a specific workflow. You know where templates are located, how widgets work, and where to find important settings. Bricks uses a different approach, so the goal of this guide is to help Elementor users understand where things are located and how the Bricks workflow compares.
Bricks Is a WordPress Theme, Not a Plugin
One of the biggest differences between Elementor and Bricks is how they are installed and structured.
Elementor works as a plugin. Typically, you install Elementor, add Elementor Pro for additional features, and often use the Hello Elementor theme as the foundation for your website.
Bricks works differently. Instead of being a plugin, Bricks is a complete WordPress theme.
After purchasing Bricks, you install it directly from:
WordPress Dashboard → Appearance → Themes
That means you do not need multiple builder-related plugins running together.
This approach has several advantages:
- Fewer things to update
- Less chance of plugin conflicts
- A lighter website setup
- Better integration between the builder and theme
You can run an entire Bricks website using the Bricks theme without needing additional builder plugins.
WordPress Dashboard Organization: Elementor vs Bricks
The WordPress dashboard experience is another area where Elementor and Bricks feel different.
Elementor has recently moved many settings into a more nested menu structure. Features like templates, settings, tools, submissions, and other options are grouped into different areas.
While this works, it can sometimes require more navigation to find commonly used features.
Bricks takes a simpler approach. Most important settings are available directly under the Bricks menu.
You can quickly access:
- Templates
- Settings
- Elements
- Custom fonts
- Form submissions
- Other website controls
The simpler organization makes it easier to find what you need without digging through multiple levels of menus.
Bricks Builder Settings and Customization Options
When comparing the builder settings between Elementor and Bricks, one of the biggest differences is the amount of control Bricks provides.
Elementor has many settings designed to support older websites and different configurations. This makes sense because Elementor has been around for years and needs to maintain compatibility with existing websites.
Bricks starts with a more streamlined system.
You do not have to enable different experimental features or switch between multiple layout systems. Many features are available immediately.
Inside the Bricks builder settings, you can control options such as:
- Builder appearance
- Toolbar settings
- Responsive controls
- Element behavior
- Dynamic data settings
- Query loop options
- Performance options
Bricks also gives you more control over how certain features behave inside the builder.
For example, one useful option is the ability to automatically expand the active element and scroll the structure panel into view when selecting elements on the page.
This makes navigating complex pages much easier.
Performance Differences Between Elementor and Bricks
Performance is one area where many users notice a difference between Elementor and Bricks.
Elementor has improved its performance features over time, but because it supports a large ecosystem of websites and older systems, it carries more complexity.
Bricks is built as a theme, which allows it to control more of the website structure from the beginning.
Some Bricks performance options include:
- Managing how CSS is loaded
- Controlling asset loading
- Disabling unnecessary WordPress features
- Reducing extra scripts
- Optimizing generated output
Bricks also includes options that are commonly found in performance-focused plugins.
For example, you can control features like WordPress emoji loading and other unnecessary resources directly from the builder settings.
Because Bricks outputs styles differently, many users find it easier to maintain a lightweight setup without relying as heavily on additional optimization tools.
Comparing the Elementor and Bricks Builders
At first glance, Elementor and Bricks look very similar.
Both builders include:
- A left-side panel for elements
- A main editing canvas
- A structure or navigator panel
- Controls at the top of the builder
However, the workflow is different.
Elementor uses widgets as the main building blocks. Bricks uses elements.
The terminology can take some time to adjust, especially if you have used Elementor for years. Older Elementor users may still call everything widgets, but newer versions refer to these as elements.
Managing Styles and Theme Settings in Bricks
One major difference between Elementor and Bricks is how global styles are handled.
In Elementor, global settings generally apply across the entire website.
Bricks uses a more flexible theme style system.
With Bricks, you can assign theme styles conditionally.
For example, you could create:
- One style system for your main website
- A different style system for a membership area
- Custom styles for specific pages
- Unique styles for archives or special templates
This gives you more control over large websites where different areas may need different designs.
Page Settings in Bricks
In Elementor, page-specific options are managed through page settings.
Bricks handles this through the Manage section.
Inside Bricks page settings, you can control:
- Header and footer visibility
- Lazy loading options
- Page layout settings
- Background colors
- Lightbox options
- Scroll snapping
- One-page navigation
- Custom code
The ability to add custom code directly at the page level is especially useful for advanced users.
You can add:
- Header scripts
- Body scripts
- Footer scripts
- Breakpoint-specific code
This gives developers more flexibility without needing to add custom HTML elements just to insert JavaScript.
Responsive Controls and Breakpoints
Responsive design is another area where Bricks provides more flexibility.
Elementor has a set number of responsive breakpoints that you can customize, but you are limited in how many you can create.
Bricks allows you to create additional breakpoints as needed.
This can be useful when building websites that need precise control across different screen sizes.
Bricks also encourages users to enter exact values instead of relying heavily on sliders.
For example, instead of dragging a slider for a width or font size, you may enter the exact pixel or percentage value.
This approach feels more like working directly with CSS.
Templates, Wireframes, and Layout Tools in Bricks
Bricks includes several tools that help speed up website creation.
The template system allows you to insert saved layouts into pages.
You can also use built-in wireframes to quickly add common page structures.
These prebuilt layouts can save time when creating:
- Landing pages
- Sections
- Headers
- Footers
- Content layouts
Bricks also allows you to switch between pages directly inside the builder, which means you do not always have to return to the WordPress dashboard.
Working With Elements in Bricks
Adding elements in Bricks works similarly to Elementor, but there are some workflow differences.
Elementor is known for its smooth drag-and-drop experience.
Dragging widgets onto the page is one of Elementor’s strengths.
Bricks can handle drag-and-drop editing, but it does not always feel as smooth. Some users may find that elements do not always snap exactly where expected.
However, Bricks makes up for this with other workflow improvements.
For example, you can quickly add multiple elements from the structure panel without repeatedly reopening menus.
Small improvements like this can speed up the design process when building complex pages.
Using the Bricks Command Palette
One useful Bricks feature is the command palette.
Instead of manually searching through elements, you can quickly search and insert items.
For example, you can add:
- Headings
- Buttons
- Images
- Icons
- Text links
This can make building pages faster, especially when you already know what elements you need.
Reloading the Canvas and Editing Workflow
When working with custom CSS or JavaScript, the Bricks reload canvas feature can be very helpful.
Instead of refreshing the entire browser, you can reload the builder canvas directly.
This is useful when testing:
- Custom CSS changes
- Animations
- JavaScript interactions
- Advanced layouts
The builder also includes quick access to:
- Undo and redo controls
- Structure panel visibility
- Preview mode
- Responsive controls
- WordPress editor access
Moving From Elementor to Bricks: What to Expect
Switching from Elementor to Bricks requires adjusting your workflow, but the transition becomes easier once you understand where everything is located.
The biggest changes are:
- Bricks is a theme instead of a plugin
- Elements replace widgets
- Layouts use sections, containers, blocks, and divs
- More settings are available directly in the builder
- Responsive controls are more flexible
- Custom code management is more advanced
Every website builder has strengths and weaknesses. Elementor provides an easy learning curve and excellent drag-and-drop editing, while Bricks focuses more on flexibility, performance, and developer-friendly controls.
For users building professional websites, Bricks offers a powerful workflow once you become familiar with its approach.
Starting Your Bricks Builder Journey
Learning a new builder always takes time. Even experienced Elementor users need to adjust to new menus, terminology, and design methods.
The best way to learn Bricks is to start with the basics:
- Understand the layout system
- Learn sections and containers
- Build simple templates
- Practice responsive controls
- Explore global styles
Once those fundamentals are comfortable, the more advanced features like dynamic data, custom code, and advanced layouts become much easier to understand.
Bricks may feel different at first, but the structure behind it gives you a high level of control over WordPress website development.
