Looking for a powerful way to build WordPress websites with a drag-and-drop interface? Bricks Builder for WordPress might be the solution. This article explains what Bricks Builder is, how it enhances your website design process, and its unique features compared to other WordPress page builders.
Key Takeaways
- Bricks Builder is a fast, intuitive WordPress site builder with live front-end editing and dynamic data integration. It is great for both beginners and advanced users.
- Key features include a drag-and-drop editor, pre-made templates, and advanced customisation options, such as support for custom queries and Advanced Custom Fields (ACF).
- While it offers fast performance and a cost-effective one-time payment model, Bricks Builder’s library of pre-built templates is currently limited.
1. What is Bricks Builder?
Bricks Builder is a visual site builder designed to make the process of creating custom, responsive websites a breeze. Unlike traditional WordPress editors that can be clunky, Bricks Builder integrates seamlessly with WordPress, enhancing the overall user experience.
One of its standout features is live front-end editing, allowing users to see their changes in real-time, thus eliminating the guesswork often involved in web design.
Bricks Builder comes equipped with pre-designed templates and a vast array of design elements. This makes it easier to craft professional-looking websites without touching a single line of code.
Are you intrigued to know more? The following sections highlight the key features of Bricks Builder.
Key Features of Bricks Builder
Bricks Builder boasts a comprehensive toolkit that includes everything you need to build a stunning website. From pre-designed templates to advanced customisation options, this page builder is designed for beginners and advanced users. The drag-and-drop interface simplifies creating custom, responsive websites within the WordPress environment.
Speed is another area where Bricks Builder shines. Built using Vue.JS technology, the builder’s interface is not only modern but also incredibly fast, loading in just 1-2 seconds. This speed extends to the websites created with Bricks, thanks to its use of Flexbox and Containers for page layouts, which reduce HTML code and result in faster page loading times.
The distinguishing factor of Bricks Builder is its support for dynamic data integration. This feature allows users to build data-driven websites by incorporating elements like:
- post titles
- featured images
- custom query loops
- global CSS classes
The query loop builder offers a seamless way to manage your content dynamically across templates. Additionally, the builder supports Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), providing unparalleled flexibility and control over your site’s design and functionality.
Read: Essential Settings After Installing WordPress
Experience the Future of Web Design with Bricks Builder
Whether you’re looking to create a stunning new site or revamp an existing one, our expert team is here to help.
2. Comparing Bricks Builder with Other WordPress Page Builders
Bricks Builder has gained significant attention in the WordPress community for its unique features and robust performance. However, it’s essential to compare it with other popular page builders to fully understand its strengths and weaknesses. This comparison will focus on Elementor, SeedProd, Divi, and Beaver Builder, alongside Bricks Builder.
| Feature | Bricks Builder | Elementor | SeeProd | Divi | Beaver Builder |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality. | User-friendly with an extensive library of widgets. | Easy to use with a focus on simplicity. | Beginner-friendly with a comprehensive visual editor. | Simple interface, but less intuitive than others. |
| Performance | Fast and lightweight, optimised for speed. | Can be resource-heavy, affecting site speed. | Optimised for speed and performance. | Moderately fast, but can slow down with heavy content. | Generally fast, but depends on site complexity. |
| Customisation Options | Extensive design options and custom CSS control. | High level of customisation with many third-party addons. | Strong customisation with focus on landing pages. | Highly customisable with a large number of settings. | Good customisation, but fewer options than others. |
| Pricing | Affordable starts at $79/year with a lifetime license option of $599. | Free version available; Pro starts at $59/year. | Free version available; Pro starts at $39.50/year. | Requires an annual fee of $89 or a lifetime fee of $249. | Annual pricing starts at $99. |
| Integration | Seamless integration with various plugins and themes. | Excellent integration with numerous plugins and themes. | Integrates well with popular email marketing tools. | Wide range of integrations with popular plugins. | Good integration capabilities, but fewer options. |
| Template Library | Growing library of pre-built templates and blocks. | Extensive template library with regular updates. | Focused on landing pages with a solid template library. | Large library of templates and layout packs. | Decent library, but smaller than competitors. |
| Responsive Design | Advanced responsive design controls. | Excellent responsive editing features. | Responsive design features are strong, especially for landing pages. | Good responsive design options, but less granular control. | Basic responsive controls, not as detailed. |
| Support and Community | Active community and reliable customer support. | Large user base with extensive support options. | Active support and community, with a focus on marketers. | Strong community and excellent support resources. | Smaller community but responsive support. |
3. How to Install Bricks Builder Plugin?
Installing Bricks Builder is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Here are the steps:
- Download the latest version of Bricks from your account.
- Navigate to Appearance ⟶ Themes in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on the Add New button and then the Upload Theme button.
- Select the bricks.zip WordPress theme from your computer and click Install Now.
- If the upload fails, ensure your max file upload size is set to at least 8 MB.
- Alternatively, you can unpack and upload the bricks folder via FTP into the /wp-content/themes directory.
Once installed, activate the theme from your WordPress dashboard. The final step is to activate your Bricks license. Here’s how:
- Go to Bricks ⟶ License or click the Activate License link in the dashboard.
- Copy your Bricks license key from your Bricks account.
- Paste the license key into the license field.
- Click Activate License.
Following these steps will prime your Bricks Builder plugin for use, enabling the immediate creation of stunning websites from Figma to WordPress.
4. Creating Professional WordPress Pages with Bricks Builder
Creating professional WordPress pages with Bricks Builder, a powerful WordPress page builder, is both easy and fun. To get started, follow these steps:
- Go to Pages ⟶ Add New or choose an existing page.
- Click on Edit with Bricks.
- Use the intuitive drag-and-drop editor to build custom layouts.
- Take advantage of the full-site editing capabilities to design headers, footers, and custom post types for a comprehensive website creation experience.
Bricks Builder also offers advanced features like shape dividers and built-in animations to make your content more engaging. Additionally, its advanced lazy loading for images and galleries ensures your website loads quickly, providing a smooth user experience.
Utilising Pre-Made Templates
Bricks Builder comes loaded with a variety of pre-made templates that expedite the website creation process. These templates range from single sections to full-page content like headers, footers, and blog post layouts. With just a few clicks, you can build various types of WordPress websites, from personal blogs to small business websites to eCommerce sites.
One of the standout features is the ability to use remote templates created and used on other sites, enhancing design flexibility. These templates are also responsive, ensuring they look great on any device. By using these pre-made templates, you can significantly accelerate your website creation process, focusing more on customisation and content.
Learn: How to Start a WordPress Website in the UK
Building Custom Modules
If you have specific design and functionality requirements, Bricks Builder allows you to create your own custom modules. These modules can be tailored to extend the functionality of your website, making it a powerful tool for web designers who want to go beyond the standard templates.
Whether you need custom forms, interactive elements, or unique content displays, Bricks Builder’s flexibility ensures you can bring your vision to life.
Know more: Top WordPress Web Development Trends in the UK
5. Advanced Design Options and CSS Grid Layouts in Bricks Builder
Bricks Builder offers advanced design options that set it apart from other page builders. One of the most powerful features is its Elements Conditions, also known as conditional logic, which allows you to:
- Set conditions for when to display or hide design elements
- Show a welcome message to logged-in users while prompting non-logged-in users to register or log in
- Create simple or complex sets of conditions using ‘and’ or ‘or’ clauses
This feature gives you more control over the design and functionality of your WordPress site, making it an even more powerful WordPress website.
Furthermore, Bricks Builder supports custom CSS classes, pseudo-classes, and pseudo-elements directly within the builder. This means you can apply custom CSS to any element, page, or even globally, offering unlimited styling possibilities beyond the builder settings.
The builder’s support for fluid and responsive layouts using CSS Flexbox and CSS grid layouts ensures your designs adapt beautifully to different screen sizes. These advanced design options let you unlock your creativity without limits.
Further reading: Top Website Development Service Providers in London
6. Community Support and Resources
Engaging with the Bricks Builder community can significantly enhance your experience. The community includes a vibrant forum and an active Facebook group where users can share tips, ask questions, and get support from other builders. This collective knowledge base is invaluable for troubleshooting and discovering new ways to use the builder.
Moreover, Bricks Builder offers the following features and benefits:
- A public idea board where users can submit feature requests and vote on them, ensuring that the development team is attuned to the needs of its users.
- A public roadmap, updated in real-time, that provides transparency into the ongoing and upcoming features, giving you a clear picture of the builder’s future.
- Robust community support and resources, ensuring that you are always accompanied on your website creation journey.
Read: Essential Website Development Guide for Small Businesses in the UK
7. Pros and Cons of Using Bricks Builder
Every tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and Bricks Builder is no exception. Here are some of its advantages and disadvantages detailed in a table format.
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
| Pricing Model | The one-time payment pricing model starts at $79 for a single-site license and $199 for an unlimited-site license. | The initial cost may seem higher compared to monthly subscription models. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | A cost-effective choice compared to subscription-based models, leading to long-term savings. | No free version is available, which might deter some users. |
| Performance | Fast performance due to optimised, lightweight coding. | Performance might vary depending on the hosting environment. |
| Design Options | It offers advanced design options, allowing for extensive customisation and creativity. | It can be overwhelming for beginners due to the plethora of options. |
| Template Library | A growing library of pre-built templates and blocks provides a good starting point for designs. | Limited number of pre-built design templates are currently available. |
| User Interface | Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it user-friendly. | The interface may require a learning curve for those new to page builders. |
| Responsive Design | Advanced responsive design controls, ensuring websites look good on all devices. | Detailed responsive controls can be complex to master. |
| Integration Capabilities | Seamless integration with various plugins and themes, enhancing flexibility. | Some niche integrations may not be available yet. |
| Customer Support | Active community and reliable customer support, ensuring help is available when needed. | Smaller community compared to more established page builders, which may limit peer support. |
Summary
Bricks Builder is emerging as a top contender in the WordPress page builder market. It is known for its fast performance, advanced design options, and cost-effective one-time payment pricing model.
Starting at $79 for a single site license, it offers comprehensive features, including an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and responsive design controls. While its library of pre-built templates is still growing, Bricks Builder provides seamless integration with various plugins and themes. Despite a slight learning curve for beginners, its benefits make it a strong choice for creating visually stunning, high-performance WordPress websites.
FAQs About Bricks Builder
How do I install Bricks Builder?
To install Bricks Builder, download the latest version from your account, upload it to WordPress via Appearance ⟶ Themes, and activate it. Then, enter your license key to complete the installation.
Can I use Bricks Builder with other WordPress themes?
Yes, Bricks Builder integrates seamlessly with WordPress, so you can use it with various themes.
What makes Bricks Builder faster than other page builders?
Bricks Builder is faster than other page builders because it uses Vue.JS technology and Flexbox/Container layouts, which lead to faster loading times and a modern interface.
Are there any limitations to using Bricks Builder?
Yes, Bricks Builder has limitations. These include the current number of pre-built templates and potential occasional bugs due to rapid development. It’s important to be aware of these factors when using the tool.
Can I get support if I run into issues with Bricks Builder?
Absolutely, Bricks Builder has a vibrant community with forums and a Facebook group for support and sharing experiences. Join in and get the help you need! You can also hire a professional to maintain and support your Bricks builder-based WordPress website.
