If your Elementor editor is slow, you’re not alone. Many users experience lagging and freezing when working on their pages. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of this issue and provide actionable steps to speed up Elementor, ensuring a smoother editing experience.
1. Check Your Server Resources
Elementor requires adequate server resources to run efficiently. Here’s what you need:
- PHP Version: Ensure your hosting supports PHP 7.4 or higher.
- Memory Limit: Allocate at least 256MB of memory for WordPress.
- CPU & RAM: Shared hosting with limited resources may cause slowdowns.
Solution:
- Upgrade to a higher hosting plan or switch to an Elementor-optimized host like SiteGround or Cloudways.
- Contact your hosting provider to check your server’s resource allocation.
2. Optimize Your Elementor Settings
Incorrect or heavy settings can slow down the Elementor editor.
Recommended Changes:
- Go to Elementor > Settings > Advanced and enable Switch Editor Loader Method.
- Set the CSS Print Method to Internal Embedding for faster loading.
3. Deactivate Unnecessary Plugins
Too many active plugins can hog server resources and conflict with Elementor.
Steps to Deactivate Plugins Safely:
- Disable all plugins except Elementor and Elementor Pro.
- Check if the editor speed improves.
- Reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
Pro Tip: Use lightweight alternatives for heavy plugins. For instance, replace bloated caching plugins with WP Fastest Cache.
4. Optimize Your Media Files
Large image and video files can slow down both the editor and your website.
Best Practices for Media Optimization:
- Compress images using tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel.
- Use lazy loading for images and videos to reduce resource usage.
- Convert images to modern formats like WebP for faster loading.
5. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Browser cache can interfere with the Elementor editor, causing it to load slowly.
How to Clear Cache:
- In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select Cached Images and Files and click Clear Data.
6. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
A CDN helps distribute your website’s content globally, reducing server load and speeding up Elementor.
Top CDN Services:
- Cloudflare (Free and Paid Plans)
- BunnyCDN (Affordable and Fast)
How to Set Up a CDN:
- Sign up for a CDN service and configure it through your hosting or a plugin like WP Rocket.
7. Update Elementor and WordPress
Outdated plugins, themes, or WordPress versions can cause compatibility issues, leading to slower performance.
Steps to Update Safely:
- Back up your website using a tool like UpdraftPlus.
- Update Elementor, Elementor Pro, WordPress core, and active plugins.
- Refresh the editor to see if the speed improves.
8. Increase PHP Memory Limit
A low PHP memory limit is a common cause of slow Elementor performance.
How to Increase PHP Memory Limit:
- Access your wp-config.php file via FTP or your hosting panel.
- Add the following code:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
- Save the file and reload your website.
9. Optimize Your Database
A cluttered database can slow down Elementor and your overall site.
Database Optimization Tools:
- Use plugins like WP-Optimize or Advanced Database Cleaner to remove unnecessary data.
Steps to Optimize:
- Clear post revisions, trashed posts, and expired transients.
- Schedule regular database optimizations to keep your site running smoothly.
10. Test with a Default Theme
Some themes may not be fully compatible with Elementor, causing lagging issues.
How to Test:
- Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Three.
- Check if the editor speed improves.
If the problem is resolved, consider using a lightweight Elementor-friendly theme like Astra or Hello Elementor.
If Elementor’s widget panel keeps loading, then click here to learn how to fix it.
Conclusion
A slow Elementor editor can disrupt your workflow, but with these solutions, you can optimize your setup and enjoy a smoother editing experience. From upgrading server resources to optimizing media files and clearing caches, each step is designed to tackle specific issues effectively.
Have you tried these tips? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know what worked for you.