15+ Elementor Pro features are now a reality for countless WordPress users, thanks to plugins like PRO Elements. But what exactly is it? PRO Elements is not a hacked, “nulled,” or stolen piece of software. It is a legitimate derivative work based on the original Elementor Pro plugin by Elementor Ltd.
Its existence is rooted in the principles of open-source software that power WordPress itself. The developers of PRO Elements have utilized the same freedoms that allow for WordPress themes and plugins to be created and distributed, but they’ve applied them directly to the Elementor Pro codebase.
This means that while it provides identical functionality, it operates without the need for a license key or a subscription to Elementor.com.
2. Is It Legal? The GPLv3 License Explained
The single most important question surrounding this plugin is its legality. The answer is: yes, it is legal. This is entirely due to the software license that Elementor Ltd. chose for its product: the GNU General Public License v3 (GPLv3).
As the Free Software Foundation explains, the GPL is a “copyleft” license. This means it grants users four fundamental freedoms:
The freedom to run the program for any purpose.
The freedom to study how the program works and change it.
The freedom to redistribute copies.
The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions.
PRO Elements is a practical application of these freedoms. A third party has taken the original code, removed the license validation check, and redistributed it. This action is protected under the terms of the GPLv3. Therefore, accessing these free Elementor Pro features through this method is a legal use of the software.
3. What Elementor Pro Features Are Included? (Full List)
The value proposition of PRO Elements is immense. It unlocks virtually every professional tool that has made Elementor Pro the industry standard. Here is a complete breakdown of the free Elementor Pro features you get.
3.1. Theme & WooCommerce Builder
Theme Builder: This is a game-changer. Design every part of your website’s theme without touching a line of code. Create custom headers, footers, single post templates, archive pages, and more. Set display conditions to show different templates on different parts of your site.
WooCommerce Builder: Completely customize your online store. Design product page layouts, shop archives, cart pages, and checkout flows with the visual drag-and-drop editor. This alone can save you hundreds of dollars in premium WooCommerce themes.
Full Site Editor (FSE) Integration: Work seamlessly with WordPress’s modern Full Site Editing capabilities.
3.2. Popups, Forms & Marketing Tools
Popup Builder: Create stunning popups, announcement bars, login modals, and marketing opt-ins without needing a separate popup plugin. Trigger them based on user actions like exit-intent or after scrolling.
Form Builder: Build advanced, multi-step forms with conditional logic. Connect them to popular email marketing services like Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign for lead generation.
Marketing Integrations: Native integrations with various marketing tools streamline your workflow.
3.3. Advanced Design & Motion Effects
All Pro Widgets: Gain access to the entire widget library, including Sliders, Galleries, Flip Boxes, Price Tables, and Navigation Menus.
Motion Effects & Scroll Animations: Add parallax scrolling, sticky elements, and smooth scrolling animations to create a dynamic, modern user experience.
Custom Fonts & Global Styles: Upload custom fonts and manage global colors and typography for a consistent brand identity across your entire site.
Global Widget: Save a widget and its settings, then reuse it anywhere on your site. Editing the master widget updates all instances instantly.
To make an informed decision, you must understand what you are sacrificing. The free Elementor Pro features come with three significant trade-offs.
No Premium Templates or Kits: You do not get access to Elementor’s cloud-based template library. This is a huge drawback for many users, as these pre-designed kits drastically speed up the website creation process. You get the tools, but not the pre-made blueprints.
No Official Support: There is no customer support team to email or call. If the plugin conflicts with your theme or another plugin, you are on your own. You must rely on community forums, your own expertise, or the knowledge base of the website where you downloaded it.
No Warranty or Guarantee: The plugin is distributed “as is” under the GPLv3 without any warranty. This means there is no guarantee of functionality, security, or compatibility with future WordPress updates. The risk is entirely on you, the user.
5. Step-by-Step: How to Install Safely
If you proceed, safety is paramount. Never download plugins from random forums or torrent sites. Follow these steps:
Backup Your Site: Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to create a full backup of your website. This allows you to restore it if anything goes wrong.
Source from a Reputable GPL Provider: Only download the plugin from well-known, established GPL WordPress sites. These sites have a reputation to maintain and typically vet their files for malware.
Scan the File: Before uploading, you can scan the ZIP file with your antivirus software.
Install & Test: Install the plugin on a staging site first, if possible. Test all critical functionality to ensure nothing is broken.
6. PRO Elements vs. Official Elementor Pro
The choice isn’t just about price; it’s about value.
Feature
PRO Elements
Official Elementor Pro
Cost
Free
Annual Subscription
Core Features
Yes
Yes
Automatic Updates
Yes (from distributor)
Yes (official)
Premium Templates
No
Yes
Official Support
No
Yes
Security & Warranty
No
Yes
Ethics
Uses rights under GPL
Supports original developers
Paying for Elementor Pro isn’t just buying features; it’s buying peace of mind, security, and support. It directly funds the development of the software you love. Using the free version is a calculated risk that prioritizes immediate cost savings.
7. Final Verdict: Who Is This Really For?
So, who should actually use this plugin to get free Elementor Pro features?
For: Experienced developers and WordPress professionals who understand the risks, don’t need templates, and are confident in their own troubleshooting abilities. It’s excellent for prototyping or for use on low-budget client projects where the cost of a Pro license is prohibitive.
Not For: Beginners, website owners who lack technical skills, or anyone running a mission-critical business website that cannot afford downtime. If you need hand-holding or pre-made designs, the official license is worth every penny.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will I get banned from Elementor for using this? A:Â No. Elementor cannot ban you for using software distributed under the GPL license. Your access to their template cloud and support is tied to a paid license, but your WordPress site itself is not penalized.
Q2: How reliable are the automatic updates? A: This depends entirely on the distributor you source the plugin from. Reputable GPL sites usually update their files within days of an official Elementor Pro release. However, it is not instantaneous or guaranteed.
Q3: Can I use this on a client’s site? A: Technically, yes. But ethically and professionally, you must inform your client that you are using an unsupported, third-party version of the software and that they will not have access to official support. It is often cleaner to bill the client for the cost of an official license.
Q4: What’s the best alternative to PRO Elements? A: The best free alternative is to use the fantastic, fully free widgets available in the core Elementor plugin combined with extensions from the WordPress repository. For a paid alternative that supports developers, consider Bricks Builder or Breakdance.
