If you’ve ever installed Element Pack Pro, activated the license, opened Elementor… and then wondered why half the widgets are still missing, you’re not alone.
The confusion usually comes down to one thing: element pack lite vs pro is not as straightforward as people expect. Many assume that having a Pro license means everything should “just work,” but that’s not how this plugin is structured.
This post explains which plugin you actually need, how to download and install them correctly, and the most common setup mistakes that cause Element Pack widgets not to show — all while helping you avoid unnecessary plugin bloat.
What Element Pack Lite is
Element Pack Lite is the free base plugin and a required Elementor addon.
It:
- Works only when Elementor (free) is installed
- Adds a set of basic widgets and extensions
- Acts as the foundation that Element Pack Pro depends on
This is the first key point in the element pack lite vs pro discussion:
👉 Lite is not optional.
Without Element Pack Lite installed and active, Element Pack Pro cannot function — even with a valid license.
What Element Pack Pro is
Element Pack Pro is the paid add-on that unlocks advanced widgets and features.
What it does not do:
- It does not replace Element Pack Lite
- It does not include the base plugin
- It does not install anything by itself
The Pro plugin simply unlocks premium features inside Element Pack Lite once:
- The Lite plugin is active
- The Pro plugin is installed
- The license is validated
This is where many element pack lite vs pro issues come from — a license alone does not equal a working setup.
How to download Element Pack Lite and Pro
Downloading the plugins happens in two different places, which adds to the confusion.
How to download Element Pack Lite (free)
Element Pack Lite is available directly from WordPress.
You can download it by:
- Going to WordPress Admin → Plugins → Add New
- Searching for Element Pack
- Installing and activating Element Pack – Addon for Elementor
This plugin is free and does not require a login or license.
Affiliate disclosure:
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I genuinely use or believe are helpful.
How to download Element Pack Pro (paid)
Element Pack Pro is not available in the WordPress plugin directory.
To download it:
- Log in to your BDThemes account (where the plugin was purchased)
- Download the Element Pack Pro ZIP file
- Go to WordPress Admin → Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Upload the ZIP file and activate it
- Enter your license key and email under
Element Pack Pro → License
If someone gives you a license key but no login access, the plugin itself still needs to be downloaded separately.
What you actually need installed (correct setup)
For Element Pack Pro to work properly, all three plugins below must be installed and active:
- Elementor (free) – the core page builder
- Element Pack Lite – the required base plugin
- Element Pack Pro – the premium add-on with a valid license
This installation order matters and is the most common cause of element pack widgets not showing or searches like element pack pro not working.
In short:
Pro cannot run on its own.
Common setup mistakes (and why widgets don’t show)
Most problems are setup-related, not bugs.
Installing only Element Pack Pro
Element Pack Pro depends on Lite. Without the base plugin, nothing unlocks.
Assuming a license equals plugin access
A license only activates features — it does not install required plugins.
Mixing too many Elementor addons
Stacking multiple Elementor addon plugins often leads to:
- editor slowdowns
- layout conflicts
- inconsistent mobile behavior
Not enabling widgets in settings
Even after installation, widgets must be enabled under Element Pack → Core Widgets.
Element Pack Lite vs Pro (quick comparison)
| Feature | Element Pack Lite | Element Pack Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid (license required) |
| Base plugin required | Yes | Yes (Lite must be installed) |
| Works alone | No (needs Elementor) | No (needs Elementor + Lite) |
| Basic widgets | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced / dynamic widgets | No | Yes |
| WooCommerce widgets | No | Yes |
| Mega menu and advanced layouts | No | Yes |
| License required | No | Yes |
| Updates and support | Limited | Full (with active license) |
This table alone resolves most element pack lite vs pro confusion.
The plugin bloat problem (why this matters)
Element Pack is powerful, but it’s also a large plugin. When combined with:
- multiple Elementor addons
- animation-heavy extensions
- theme-based widget systems
…it’s easy to introduce overlapping functionality.
Plugin bloat leads to:
- slower performance
- harder debugging
- more fragile layouts
- higher maintenance over time
More plugins don’t automatically mean a better site.
When you don’t need Element Pack Pro
You may not need Element Pack Pro if:
- Elementor core or Elementor Pro already meets your needs
- you only use a few basic widgets
- performance and simplicity matter most
- the site is small or content-focused
This is an important part of the element pack lite vs pro decision that’s often overlooked.
FAQs
Do I still need Element Pack Lite if I have Pro?
Yes. Lite is required.
Is Element Pack Pro the same as Elementor Pro?
No. They are completely different products.
Why are my widgets locked even after activation?
Usually because:
- Element Pack Lite isn’t installed
- widgets aren’t enabled
- the license isn’t active
Final takeaway
Element Pack Pro is not a standalone plugin.
It only works when Elementor and Element Pack Lite are installed and active.
Understanding element pack lite vs pro before installing anything saves time, prevents frustration, and helps keep your site lean. A simpler setup is often the most stable one.
