Page Builders vs. Layout Builders: Which One Should You Choose?

Are you new to website building? You're not alone!

You might be considering how to build your website, what features you need, what design aesthetic aligns with your brand, which platform best suits your needs, and so on. You may also struggle with coding, design elements, and the overall layout of your site.

However, using two powerful tools for website design—page builders and layout builders—can make this process easier.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so let's understand the difference between them and which one to choose. In this blog, we will dive deep into what exactly page builders and layout builders are, their features, and pros and cons. Without further ado, let's get started!

What are Page Builders?

Page builders are an all-in-one solution that enables you to create entire web pages from the beginning, often using a drag-and-drop interface. They allow you to create and customize the design of individual pages on your WordPress website.

These tools streamline the entire web design process, enabling users to build everything on the front end visually in real-time.

Page builders provide more flexibility on individual pages and posts within your theme that you cannot customize from page to page within your WordPress theme settings.

The best part about using this plugin is that you do not need knowledge of HTML or CSS to create a website that looks like your design.

In short, a page builder is like a magical toolbox where you can pull out pre-designed elements and arrange them however you like.

How do they work?

Let us understand how it works in brief:

• Choose a template: Start with a pre-designed layout
• Drag and drop: Add elements like text, images, and buttons
• Customize: Tweak colors, fonts, and sizes to match your brand
• Preview and publish: See your changes in real-time and go live!

Page Builders Pros

Here are some of the advantages of using page builders-

1. No coding required

If you are a beginner, this advantage must be music to your ears. Its simple drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking website without any knowledge of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.

2. Speed and efficiency

It enables quick creation and editing of pages. What used to take days or weeks earlier can now be done in just a couple of hours. Thus, it enables you to launch your website faster and iterate quickly.

3. Responsive design

Most page builders automatically create mobile-friendly versions of the website, ensuring they look good on all devices. Using page builders, you can create responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes, helping you reach a broader audience.

4. Customization options

From color schemes to layouts, the possibilities are vast. It facilitates your expression of creativity without limitations. Plus, various page builders come with a suite of pre-built templates, enabling you to build from your website's backend easily.

5. Live Preview

The best thing about page builders is that you can make and see changes in real time. These real-time changes will help you determine whether the design suits your website and, if not, make the changes accordingly.

Page Builder Cons

Along with advantages come disadvantages as well. It's important to know about them so that you can make the right decision-

1. Performance issues

Numerous page builders can add extra code, potentially slowing down your website compared to clean custom code. It is a trade-off between ease of use and optimal performance.

2. Limited customization

Although page builders offer flexibility, they cannot match the infinite possibilities of custom coding. It is like selecting between a ready-made and tailored suit: Both can look great, but one offers more personalization.

3. Steep learning curve

Page builders are easier than coding, yet mastering them takes time. Every platform has its own features and workflow processes that you need to learn, which can be frustrating, especially for beginners.

4. Dependency on the platform

Once you create your website with a particular page builder, switching to a new one means you must rebuild your pages from scratch, as the content remains saved to the builder's format.

What are Layout Builders?

Layout builders allow you to add sections with a set of regions where the content should be placed. They are a multi-functional tool that enables content creators to make the content appear on their website as they want it.

These layout builders allow users to effortlessly arrange elements like text, images, buttons and complex features like forms or sliders.

These tools empower users to:

• Design custom layouts without coding knowledge
• Arrange elements visually on the page
• Customize the appearance of elements with intuitive controls
• Create responsive designs that look great on all devices

Layout Builders Pros

Let's dive into know about some of the significant advantages of using layout builders-

1. Forget limits

The best thing about layout builders is that they offer unparalleled design flexibility. You can easily create a unique layout for each page.

2. Structure your information

If you have encountered a website without any structure, you might know it is challenging to comprehend where it started and ended. This is where layout builders come into play. They help you build the right website structure to organize your content appropriately.

For example, if you want a Contact Us page, About Us information page, and Testimonials page, layout builders will provide you with a template that segregates the information so that it does not look messy and leaves the required blank space.

3. Create websites from scratch

As a beginner, you might want a platform that helps you build a website from scratch without coding knowledge. Layout builders provide the required tools and resources to create a website from the beginning.

You just need to create custom block types, arrange them according to your requirements, and fill the spaces with content. That's it—your website is ready.

4. Responsive Design

Many layout builders automatically create mobile-friendly layouts, ensuring your site looks great on all devices. This is an excellent feature, as in the last quarter of 2024, mobile devices (excluding tablets) generated 62.54% of global website traffic. It implies making your website mobile-friendly is essential to attracting more traffic and increasing sales.

5. Less custom code

You must not overlook this element when comparing page builders vs. layout builders. Many professionals prefer layout builders as they mandate less custom code. The module is relatively less time-consuming and easy to use once you are familiar with. Plus, it does not involve complex coding and high maintenance.

Layout Builders Cons

When comparing page builders vs. layout builders, you must not overlook the disadvantages of both platforms. So, here are some challenges you may face while using layout builders:

1. Issues with nodes

Every blog or page is stored as a node. Now, when web designers create new content, they might want to relate or refer to an old piece of content. With layout builder, you might experience this issue as the block content is not entirely connected to nodes.

2. Problem with combinations

The layout builders offer pre-made templates that can be used the way a designer wants, and can also make numerous combinations with them. However, getting a custom-made layout right when used with a pre-made template becomes quite challenging..

3. Steep learning curve

Despite their user-friendly nature, mastering a layout builder still requires time and practice. It's not rocket science, but it's not a walk in the park either.

4. Potential for cookie-cutter designs

With pre-made templates, there's a risk of websites looking too similar. Standing out might require extra creativity and customization.

Who should use which builder: Page builders vs Layout builders?

Choosing between page builders and layout builders isn't about picking a winner – it's about finding the right tool for your unique needs.

• Choose a page builder if: You need quick results, have limited technical skills, or are working on a small, unique project.
• Opt for a layout builder if: You're building a large-scale site, prioritize performance, or want deep customization and consistency.

Thus, you can choose any of the following based on your business's requirements.

Or, you can also opt for a proficient website development company- LN Web Works which can help you make the right decision.

This company's professional web developers can help create a website with a user-friendly design that can attract more customers, scale effortlessly as your business grows and improve visibility with SEO-friendly architecture.