In this guide I will explain how to install Divi theme and Divi builder, one of the most widely used WordPress themes/builders in the market.
Note: Divi is a premium product so you will need to purchase it first. It’s included in the yearly access plan, along with all the themes and plugins provided by Elegant Themes.
The yearly plan is $89 / year and allows you to use Divi on an unlimited number of websites.
What is the difference between Divi theme and Divi builder?
Divi theme is a WordPress theme while Divi builder is a standalone WordPress plugin.
Divi theme has the Divi builder integrated, so once you install the Divi theme there is no need to install the Divi builder plugin.
If you want to use the Divi builder plugin with another WordPress theme, you should install it separately.
How to install Divi theme
To install Divi theme on your website follow the steps listed below.
1. Download the theme
Login to your Elegant Themes account and click on Download the Divi theme button located under the Themes & Plugins section.
You will download the Divi.zip file on your computer. The file size is 15.5 MB.
2. Login to your WordPress admin
Login to your WordPress admin dashboard and go to Appearance – Themes.
3. Upload the theme
Click on Add New – Upload Theme, click on Choose File and select the Divi.zip file you downloaded earlier. Now click on Install Now and then Activate the theme.
That’s it, you have installed the Divi theme. You’ll see a dedicated section in the left-side menu with all Divi theme options. Remember, the Divi builder is already integrated into your theme.
How to install Divi builder plugin
To install Divi theme on your website follow the steps listed below.
1. Download the plugin
Login to your Elegant Themes account and click on Download the Divi plugin button located under the Themes & Plugins section.
You will download the divi-builder.zip file on your computer. The file size is 14.5 MB.
2. Login to your WordPress admin
Login to your WordPress admin dashboard and go to the Plugins section.
3. Upload the plugin
Click on Add New – Upload Plugin, click on Choose File and select the divi-builder.zip file you downloaded earlier. Now click on Install Now and then Activate the plugin.
Note: if you have the Divi theme installed, the plugin will be deactivated as it’s already included in your theme. You’ll get an automatic notification if that’s the case.
That’s it, you have installed the Divi plugin. You’ll see a dedicated section in the left-side menu with all Divi plugin options.
The alternative method (advanced)
If you have some more advanced technical skills and want to experiment, you can install the Divi theme or builder by uploading the files to your hosting (via FTP or using your hosting control panel).
Note: the unzipped folder of Divi theme or plugin has more than 50 MB, so I recommend uploading the zip file directly in your hosting account.
I’m using SiteGround hosting, so here are the instructions.
How to install Divi theme in SiteGround hosting
- Login to your SiteGround account
- Go to Websites – Site Tools – Site – File Manager
- Find the folder where your WordPress is installed. For example /public_html/
- Go to /wp-content/themes/ folder
- Upload the Divi.zip folder to /wp-content/themes/ folder
- Right-click on the Divi.zip file and choose Extract to unzip all the theme files
- Login to your WordPress admin and go to Appearance – Themes, locate the Divi theme and click on Activate
Here you go, the Divi theme has been installed.
How to install your Divi builder in SiteGround hosting
- Login to your SiteGround account
- Go to Websites – Site Tools – Site – File Manager
- Find the folder where your WordPress is installed. For example /public_html/
- Go to /wp-content/plugins/ folder
- Upload the divi-builder.zip folder to /wp-content/plugins/ folder
- Right-click on the divi-builder.zip file and choose Extract to unzip all the plugin files
- Login to your WordPress admin and go to Plugins, locate the Divi builder plugin and click on Activate
Here you go, the Divi builder plugin has been installed.
Frequently asked questions
Does Divi builder work with any WordPress theme?
Yes, it works with any WordPress theme. You can use the builder with a theme of your choice.
Why is my Divi builder not working?
The most common reasons are: PHP limits and version, cache, conflict with a plugin or theme, old version of the plugin.
Is it worth buying Divi?
Yes, if you like their designs, comprehensive list of tools and integrations and their support.
Does Divi builder slow down your website?
Generally, WordPress page builders aren’t focused on performance right out of the box. Divi builder has some speed enhancements, but you will have to make sure that you optimize your website for speed anyway.
Is Divi SEO friendly?
It was not built primarily for SEO purposes, but you can enhance it by using dedicated WordPress SEO plugins.
Why is Divi so popular?
It has been in the market for a long time, has a dedicated team and a passionate founder behind it, offers appealing designs and lots of advanced features.
