I love using WordPress and page builder plugins. I’ve seen the joy of creating beautiful websites and the stress of fixing problems. In this article, I’ll share tips to help you deal with common page builder issues.
There are over 50,000 WordPress plugins out there. Problems often come from outdated plugins, conflicting ones, or old WordPress versions. Theme conflicts are a big issue, affecting 1 in 5 users. Also, 3rd party plugins can cause problems.
Whether you use Elementor, Beaver Builder, Divi, or Visual Composer, I’m here to help. I’ll show you how to find and fix common problems. You’ll learn how to increase your PHP memory and input limits to keep your site running well.
Introduction to Page Builder Plugins
As a WordPress fan, I’m amazed by page builder plugins. They change how we make and customize websites. Now, we can make our sites look great without needing to code.
What are Page Builder Plugins?
Page builder plugins are tools for WordPress that let you design pages easily. You use a visual, drag-and-drop interface. This means you can arrange and style text, images, videos, and more without coding.
Benefits of Using Page Builders
- Increased design flexibility: Page builders let you try out many layouts and styles. This way, you can make a website that’s truly yours.
- Faster content creation: The drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to put together and change page parts. This speeds up making content.
- No coding required: You don’t need to know how to code to make a professional-looking site. Page builders make it simple.
- Compatibility with WordPress: Most popular WordPress page builders work well with WordPress. This makes it easy to create and manage your site.
Page builder plugins are great for both experienced web designers and beginners. They make it easy to create stunning, customized websites. With these tools, you can easily make your WordPress page builder ideas come to life.
Common Issues with Page Builder Plugins
Page builder plugins are great but can have problems. Users often face issues like plugin conflicts, visual glitches, and publishing problems. These can be caused by plugin incompatibilities or bugs in the page builder.
Beaver Builder users might see an error message saying there’s a plugin conflict. This is often due to the CrazyEgg WordPress plugin. It conflicts with Beaver Builder from version 2.2 onwards.
Adjusting PHP settings is another common problem. For example, max_input_vars needs to be increased. This is especially true for tools like Divi, which needs up to 512MB of memory.
Checking server logs for errors can help find the problem. Tools like the browser’s web inspector can also help find JavaScript errors. Reporting these to developers is key to solving issues.
Page builders like Divi, Beaver Builder, and Elementor are used on about 6.5 million websites. They are popular, but users should remember that developers focus on long-term solutions. Users often overlook the importance of performance for quick fixes.
Identifying the Culprit Plugin or Theme
When you’re having trouble with page builder plugins, finding the main problem is key. Often, it’s a plugin or theme that’s not getting along. To find out, try turning off all your plugins and using a default WordPress theme. If things get better, you’ve found your problem.
The Bold Page Builder plugin has mixed reviews. Some users say it doesn’t work well with other things. The Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin can help here. It lets you test your site safely, without changing the real thing. This way, you can find out what’s causing trouble.
Deactivating All Plugins
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Go to the “Plugins” section and click “Deactivate” on all your installed plugins.
- Switch to a default WordPress theme, like Twenty Twenty-One or Twenty Twenty-Two.
- Check if the page builder issue has been resolved. If so, you know the problem is being caused by a plugin or theme conflict.
Using the Health Check & Troubleshooting Plugin
- Install and activate the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin.
- Navigate to the “Health Check” tab in your WordPress admin panel.
- Click the “Create a backup” button to generate a safe environment for testing.
- Use the “Troubleshooting” mode to deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme.
- Test your page builder functionality in this safe environment to identify the culprit plugin or theme.
By following these steps, you can find out which plugin is causing trouble. This way, you can fix the problem and make your page builder work right again.
Resolving Plugin Conflicts
Many WordPress users face plugin conflicts. When plugins clash, it can cause problems like visual bugs or a white screen of death. But, there are ways to fix these issues.
Checking for Updates
The first step is to check for updates to your page builder plugin and related ones. Outdated plugins can cause problems. So, it’s important to keep your plugins current.
Always use plugins updated in the last six months. This helps avoid bugs.
Disabling Screen Tracking Tools
Disabling screen tracking tools like CrazyEgg or WP Google Analytics can also help. These tools sometimes cause issues with page builders. Try turning them off to see if it fixes the problem.
Troubleshooting plugin conflicts takes time and effort. But, with the right steps, you can solve these problems. Follow these tips to keep your WordPress site running smoothly.
Increasing PHP Memory and Input Limits
Working with page builder plugins, like Divi, needs a well-set WordPress site. You might need to up the PHP memory and input variable limits. This is because these plugins use a lot of resources.
The default WordPress memory limit is 32MB. This might not be enough for page builders. It’s best to set it to at least 256MB or 512MB. To do this, edit the wp-config.php file and add:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
Also, you should adjust the PHP input variable limit. Page builders need more than the default 1,000 input variables. Raise it to 5,000 or 10,000 to avoid form submission problems. You can change the max_input_vars setting in php.ini or add this to wp-config.php:
@ini_set('max_input_vars', 10000);
By increasing the PHP memory limit and input variables limit, your WordPress site will work better. It will handle page builder plugins well and give your visitors a better experience.
troubleshoot WordPress page builders
Having trouble with your WordPress page builder can be really frustrating. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ll show you how to fix page builder problems and get your site working again.
One thing to try is to turn off all your plugins and see if the problem goes away. This can help find out which plugin or theme is causing the trouble. Also, using the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin can give you important clues about any issues.
Another thing to do is check if your page builder plugin needs an update. Old versions can sometimes cause problems. It’s also important to make sure your PHP memory and input limits are high enough for your page builder to work well.
- Deactivate all plugins to identify conflicts
- Use the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin for insights
- Check for updates to your page builder plugin
- Increase PHP memory and input limits
If the problem still exists, it’s time to look closer. Check your server logs and make sure everything is set up right. You can also use browser tools to find any JavaScript errors that might be the problem.
Remember, fixing WordPress page builder issues can be tough. But with the right steps and a bit of effort, you can solve most problems and make your site work smoothly again.
Checking Server Logs and Permissions
When you’re having trouble with page builder plugins, don’t just look at plugin and theme issues. Server settings and permission problems can also cause problems. Check your web server logs for 403 errors, which often mean a permission issue.
If you’re with Websavers, they can help. They can turn off the mod_security firewall or skip certain rules. This can fix permission problems fast and get your site working again.
Also, troubleshoot permission issues that might be blocking your page builder plugin. Make sure your WordPress files and folders have the right permissions. Wrong permissions can cause many problems, including fixing 403 errors.
By checking server logs and fixing permission problems, you can solve common issues. This way, your page builder plugin will work better. You’ll keep your website running smoothly and your visitors happy.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
Using Browser Inspector Tools
When simple fixes don’t work, it’s time for advanced troubleshooting. The browser’s web inspector is a powerful tool. It helps us find JavaScript errors or other problems with our page builder.
The browser inspector lets us see the page’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript live. This is great for finding JavaScript errors that cause page builder issues. Knowing the exact error helps us tell developers or find a fix.
To use the browser inspector, right-click on the problem area and choose “Inspect” or use a keyboard shortcut (F12 in most browsers). This opens the inspector panel. There, you can look at the code and find errors or conflicts.
- Open your web browser and go to the page with the advanced page builder troubleshooting issue.
- Right-click on the problem area and choose “Inspect” or use a keyboard shortcut to open the browser inspector tools.
- Look at the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code to find any browser inspector tools or diagnose JavaScript errors.
- Write down the specific errors or conflicts you find. This info is key to fixing the problem.
Browser inspector tools are powerful for finding page builder problems. They help you solve even tough issues. This advanced method can be a big help.
Preventing Future Issues
To avoid page builder problems, take steps ahead of time. Create a WordPress staging site for safe testing. This way, you can try out changes and plugins without harming your live site.
Creating a Staging Site
A WordPress staging site is like a copy of your live site. It’s for trying out updates and new plugins without risk. Testing on this site helps find and fix problems before they hit your live site.
Choosing Well-Developed Plugins
When picking plugins, go for well-supported and updated ones. Look for positive reviews from others. Good plugins are less likely to cause trouble, making your site run smoothly.
By setting up a staging site and picking the right plugins, you can avoid page builder issues. This saves you time, money, and stress. It keeps your live site running smoothly.
Contacting Plugin Developers
If you’ve tried everything and still have problems with your page builder plugin, it’s time to contact the developers. They can help solve your issue or find the root cause.
When you reach out, give them all the details you can. Share any error messages, screenshots, and what you’ve tried so far. The more info you provide, the better they can help you.
The plugin developers know their product inside out. They can offer solutions you might not have thought of. By working together, you can fix your page builder plugin issues effectively.
If you’re using a plugin like Beaver Builder, there might be a support channel or forum for you. These places are great for getting help from the plugin’s community and solving problems.
Don’t be shy to ask for help from the plugin developers. They are there to assist you. With their knowledge and your detailed report, you’ll get your plugin working right again.
Visual Glitches and Publishing Problems
Page builder plugins can sometimes cause visual glitches. This means elements might show up in the wrong places or not at all. Publishing problems, like pages not saving or publishing, are also common. These issues can be really frustrating.
To fix visual glitches, I start by clearing my browser and page builder cache. This often fixes small display problems. If it doesn’t work, I turn off other plugins that might be causing trouble. This helps me find and fix the problem.
For publishing issues, I check my WordPress and hosting settings. I make sure the PHP memory limit is high enough, usually 512MB. I also look at server logs for error messages that might help solve the problem.
If glitches or publishing issues still happen, I use more detailed troubleshooting. I use browser tools to find out what’s causing the problem. This way, I can fix even the toughest page builder issues.
| Troubleshooting Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Clear Cache | Clearing the cache in the browser and page builder plugin can often resolve minor visual glitches. |
| Deactivate Conflicting Plugins | Disabling plugins that may be interfering with the page builder’s functionality can help identify and resolve visual layout issues. |
| Increase PHP Memory Limit | Ensuring the PHP memory limit is set to at least 512MB can help address publishing problems related to the page builder’s resource requirements. |
| Inspect Server Logs | Reviewing the server logs for error messages can provide valuable insights into the root cause of publishing failures. |
| Use Browser Inspector Tools | Leveraging browser inspector tools can help identify specific elements or scripts causing visual glitches or publishing issues, enabling more advanced troubleshooting. |
By following these steps, I’ve fixed many page builder problems. This makes creating content smooth and reliable. The key is to be methodical and use all the tools at your disposal to solve issues.
Specific Page Builder Troubleshooting
As a WordPress user, you might face unique problems with page builder plugins like Beaver Builder. The steps in this article help with most page builders. But, it’s key to tackle Beaver Builder’s specific issues.
Beaver Builder often has problems after a WordPress update. Its shortcode generator can cause issues. Try deactivating Beaver Builder, updating WordPress, and then reactivating it. This might fix the problem.
Beaver Builder users might struggle with page layout or design. This could be due to theme or plugin conflicts. Try using the default WordPress theme or disable conflicting plugins to find the issue.
Visual glitches or publishing problems with Beaver Builder might need server checks. Look at your server’s PHP memory and input limits. Increasing these can solve resource issues.
Fixing Beaver Builder problems requires a step-by-step approach. Start with common causes and move to advanced steps. By following this guide, you’ll tackle Beaver Builder issues effectively.
Conclusion
In this guide, I’ve covered common problems with WordPress page builder plugins. I showed you how to fix these issues. By using the tips in this article, you can keep your website running smoothly.
This guide has talked about many topics. It covered the good and bad of page builders. It also showed how to solve problems like plugin conflicts and server issues.
Whether you face visual problems, publishing issues, or performance concerns, this guide has you covered. It will help you deal with page builder plugins. Your website will stay fast, easy to use, and ready for success.
Stay alert and keep your plugins and themes updated. Use the tools and techniques from this guide to solve problems. This way, your website will be great for your visitors. Remember, being proactive and flexible is key in WordPress development.
FAQ
What are the most common issues faced when using WordPress page builder plugins?
Common problems include plugin conflicts and visual glitches. You might also face publishing issues, slow performance, and unexpected behavior. These can stem from plugin or theme issues, server problems, or bugs in the page builder.
How do I identify the plugin or theme causing issues with my page builder?
First, try deactivating all plugins and using a default theme. If the problem goes away, it’s likely a plugin or theme issue. The Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin can help without affecting your site.
How can I resolve plugin conflicts with my page builder?
Start by updating the page builder and related plugins. Outdated plugins can cause problems. Also, disabling screen tracking tools like CrazyEgg might help.
Why do I need to increase the PHP memory and input variable limits for my page builder?
Complex page builders like Divi need more PHP memory and input variable limits. Increase max_input_vars to 5,000 and memory_limit to 256M or 512M for better performance.
What advanced troubleshooting techniques can I use to diagnose and resolve page builder issues?
Use your browser’s web inspector to find JavaScript errors. This can help you pinpoint the problem. Then, you can tell the plugin developers or find a fix.
How can I prevent future issues with my WordPress page builder plugin?
Create a staging site for testing new plugins. Choose well-supported, updated plugins with good reviews. This helps avoid future problems.
What should I do if I’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and am still experiencing issues with my page builder plugin?
If all else fails, contact the page builder plugin’s developers. Share detailed information, including error messages and steps you’ve taken. They might be able to solve the problem or work with you to find a fix.