How to Import Elementor Templates on Elementor

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-24

Quick Answer

Import Elementor templates via WordPress dashboard (Templates > Add New > Import), Elementor editor (folder icon > My Templates > import), or WP-CLI for bulk. Supports .json singles or .zip multiples; verify file format and server limits first to avoid failures. Templates appear in My Templates for easy insertion.

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Prerequisites

WordPress with Elementor or Elementor Pro activated
Hello Elementor theme active
Admin user role
PHP 8.1+ with Zip extension and 256MB+ memory limit
Template as .json or .zip file

Step-by-Step Instructions

Log in to WordPress Admin

Access your WordPress admin dashboard with an administrator account to ensure upload permissions.

Navigate to Templates > Add New

In the left sidebar, go to Templates > Add New. This opens the template editor screen for importing via dashboard.

Close the initial template type selector modal by clicking the <strong>X</strong> in the top-right.

Click Import Templates Button

At the top of the page, click the Import Templates button to open the file uploader.

Select and Upload File

Click Choose File or Select File, then pick a single .json file or .zip archive with multiple JSONs. Unzip kits first if needed to access individual files.

Large ZIPs may take longer; ensure PHP upload limits exceed file size.

Confirm and Import

Click Open to load, then Import Now. Wait for completion; the page refreshes and templates appear under Templates > Saved Templates or My Templates tab.

Edit Page with Elementor

For editor import, open an existing page/post and click Edit with Elementor to enter the canvas.

Open Template Library

In the Elementor canvas, click the folder icon (add template) to open the Template Library, then switch to My Templates tab.

Import from Editor

Click the import icon (upload arrow in top-right), select your .json or .zip file, and confirm. The template loads into My Templates.

Hover the thumbnail and click <strong>Insert</strong> to add to canvas.

CLI Import (Advanced)

SSH to server, navigate to WordPress root, run:

wp elementor library import /path/to/template.json --returnType=info

Replace path with your file; use for bulk or automation.

Requires WP-CLI and Elementor; verify in dashboard after.

Verify and Use Template

Check Templates > Saved Templates. Insert via library in editor for use on pages.

Enable Flexbox Container in Elementor > Settings > Features for newer kits.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Invalid file format or 'Unauthorized user' error

Use only .json or .zip; ensure admin login, unzip kits first, and enable unfiltered uploads in Elementor settings.

Server timeout or empty template on large kits

Increase PHP memory to 256MB+, max upload size; split imports (design first, then content); deactivate caching plugins like Jetpack.

Import fails with PHP/server limits

Use PHP 8.1+ with Zip extension; contact host to raise limits; try CLI for bulk.

Templates not appearing or blank

Activate Hello Elementor theme; enable Flexbox Container for post-Oct 2023 kits; deactivate conflicting plugins.

Pro templates won't import on free Elementor

Install/activate Elementor Pro for premium templates like headers or popups.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Elementor website before purchasing.

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