Elementor is one of the most powerful WordPress page builders, providing an intuitive WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor for creating stunning websites. While many users are familiar with its basic drag-and-drop functionality, there are several hidden features within Elementor’s WYSIWYG editor that can significantly enhance your workflow. Here’s a look at some lesser-known but powerful tools that can make your Elementor experience even more efficient.
1. Advanced WYSIWYG text editing options
Inline text editing shortcuts
Most users know that they can edit text directly in Elementor’s text editor widget, but few realize that several keyboard shortcuts can speed up formatting:
Ctrl + B (Cmd + B on Mac) – Bold
Ctrl + I (Cmd + I on Mac) – Italic
Ctrl + U (Cmd + U on Mac) – Underline
Shift + Enter – Line break without creating a new paragraph
Hidden HTML and shortcode support
Elementor’s text editor allows for direct input of HTML and shortcodes, making it easier to embed custom elements, such as:
<p style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">This is custom HTML text.</p>
Or insert a shortcode directly:
[custom_shortcode]
This feature is particularly useful when integrating Elementor with other WordPress plugins.
2. Customizing editor panel for better efficiency
Collapsible & Resizable sidebar
Did you know you can resize the Elementor panel? Simply drag the edge of the sidebar to adjust its width, allowing for a larger workspace. Additionally, clicking on the panel’s title bar will minimize it, giving you a full-screen editing mode.
Dark mode for reduced eye strain
Elementor offers a dark mode that isn’t enabled by default. You can activate it by going to Elementor > Settings > User Preferences and switching to dark mode for a more comfortable editing experience during long work sessions.
3. Dynamic content & Custom CSS
Using Dynamic tags for smart content
Dynamic tags allow you to pull in real-time data, such as:
Current user information
Post titles, dates, or author names
To use dynamic content, click on the Dynamic Tags icon inside any widget’s settings panel.
Hidden Custom CSS editor
While Elementor Pro provides a dedicated Custom CSS panel, users of the free version can still inject custom styles by using the HTML widget and enclosing styles within <style> tags. Example:
<style>
.custom-class {
background-color: #f5f5f5;
padding: 20px;
}
</style>
4. Elementor navigator – The secret Time-Saver
Quick navigation through layers
The Navigator panel (accessed via right-click or the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + I / Cmd + I) allows for easy navigation through complex layouts. You can:
Rename sections for better organization
Drag and drop elements between sections
Collapse elements to reduce clutter
5. Hidden responsive controls
Custom breakpoints for unique designs
Elementor Pro allows for additional breakpoints beyond just desktop, tablet, and mobile. You can add custom breakpoints via Elementor > Settings > Features and enable responsive mode for finer control over layouts.
Reverse column order for Mobile Optimization
Many users struggle with column layouts shifting incorrectly on mobile. Elementor provides a Reverse Column option under the Advanced > Responsive tab to fix this instantly.
Conclusion
Elementor’s WYSIWYG editor is packed with powerful, hidden features that can elevate your web design workflow. From advanced text editing shortcuts to hidden dynamic content tools, mastering these lesser-known functionalities will help you build better websites, faster. Try out these hidden gems and take full advantage of Elementor’s potential!