• Table of Contents

  • How to Convert from Container to Column WordPress
  • Understanding the Container and Column Layouts
  • Container Layout
  • Column Layout
  • Steps to Convert from Container to Column Layout
  • Step 1: Choose a Column Layout Plugin
  • Step 2: Install and Activate the Plugin
  • Step 3: Create a New Page or Edit an Existing Page
  • Step 4: Use the Plugin’s Interface to Create Columns
  • Step 5: Add Content to the Columns
  • Step 6: Customize the Design and Styling
  • Step 7: Preview and Publish the Page
  • Examples and Case Studies
  • Example 1: Portfolio Website
  • Example 2: E-commerce Website
  • Q&A
  • Q1: Can I convert only specific pages to a column layout?
  • Q2: Do I need coding knowledge to convert to a column layout?
  • Q3: Can I revert back to a container layout if I change my mind?

WordPress is a popular content management system that allows users to create and manage websites with ease. One of the key features of WordPress is its flexibility, which allows users to customize their websites according to their needs. One common customization is converting from a container layout to a column layout. In this article, we will explore the steps to convert from a container to a column layout in WordPress, along with some examples and case studies to illustrate the process.

Understanding the Container and Column Layouts

Before we dive into the conversion process, let’s first understand the difference between a container and a column layout in WordPress.

Container Layout

A container layout is a traditional layout where the content is placed within a fixed-width container. This layout is commonly used for blogs, news websites, and other content-heavy websites. The container provides a structured framework for the content, making it easier to read and navigate.

Column Layout

A column layout, on the other hand, allows the content to be displayed in multiple columns. This layout is often used for portfolio websites, e-commerce websites, and other visually-focused websites. The column layout provides a more dynamic and visually appealing design, allowing users to showcase their content in a unique way.

Steps to Convert from Container to Column Layout

Now that we have a clear understanding of the container and column layouts, let’s explore the steps to convert from a container to a column layout in WordPress.

Step 1: Choose a Column Layout Plugin

The first step is to choose a column layout plugin that suits your needs. There are several column layout plugins available in the WordPress plugin directory, such as Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Divi Builder. These plugins provide a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create and customize column layouts without any coding knowledge.

Step 2: Install and Activate the Plugin

Once you have chosen a column layout plugin, you need to install and activate it on your WordPress website. To do this, go to the WordPress dashboard, navigate to the “Plugins” section, click on “Add New,” and search for the plugin by name. Once you find the plugin, click on “Install Now” and then “Activate” to activate the plugin.

Step 3: Create a New Page or Edit an Existing Page

After activating the column layout plugin, you can create a new page or edit an existing page where you want to convert the layout. To create a new page, go to the WordPress dashboard, navigate to the “Pages” section, and click on “Add New.” To edit an existing page, go to the “Pages” section, find the page you want to edit, and click on “Edit.”

Step 4: Use the Plugin’s Interface to Create Columns

Once you are on the page editor, you will see the plugin’s interface for creating columns. The interface may vary depending on the plugin you have chosen, but most plugins provide a drag-and-drop interface where you can add and arrange columns. Simply drag the column element from the plugin’s interface and drop it onto the page editor. You can then adjust the width and height of the columns according to your preference.

Step 5: Add Content to the Columns

After creating the columns, you can start adding content to each column. This can include text, images, videos, and other media elements. Most column layout plugins provide a variety of content elements that you can add to the columns, such as headings, paragraphs, buttons, and more. Simply drag the content element from the plugin’s interface and drop it into the desired column.

Step 6: Customize the Design and Styling

Once you have added the content to the columns, you can customize the design and styling of the columns to match your website’s branding. Most column layout plugins provide options to change the background color, font style, spacing, and other design elements. You can also add custom CSS code if you have advanced design requirements.

Step 7: Preview and Publish the Page

After customizing the design and styling, it’s important to preview the page to ensure that the column layout looks as expected. Most column layout plugins provide a preview option that allows you to see how the page will appear to your website visitors. Once you are satisfied with the preview, you can publish the page and make it live on your website.

Examples and Case Studies

Now that we have covered the steps to convert from a container to a column layout in WordPress, let’s take a look at some examples and case studies to illustrate the process.

Example 1: Portfolio Website

John is a freelance photographer who wants to showcase his portfolio on his WordPress website. He decides to convert his container layout to a column layout to create a visually appealing portfolio page. John chooses the Elementor plugin and follows the steps mentioned earlier to create a three-column layout. He adds his best photographs to each column and customizes the design to match his branding. The result is a stunning portfolio page that impresses his potential clients.

Example 2: E-commerce Website

Sarah runs an online store selling handmade jewelry. She wants to create a product page that displays her products in a grid layout. Sarah chooses the Divi Builder plugin and converts her container layout to a four-column layout. She adds product images, descriptions, and pricing information to each column and customizes the design to match her brand. The result is a visually appealing product page that attracts more customers and increases sales.

Q&A

Q1: Can I convert only specific pages to a column layout?

A1: Yes, you can choose to convert only specific pages to a column layout. Most column layout plugins allow you to enable or disable the column layout on a per-page basis. This gives you the flexibility to have a mix of container and column layouts on your website.

Q2: Do I need coding knowledge to convert to a column layout?

A2: No, you do not need coding knowledge to convert to a column layout. Column layout plugins provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to create and customize column layouts using a drag-and-drop approach. However, if you have advanced design requirements, you may need to add custom CSS code.

Q3: Can I revert back to a container layout if I change my mind?

A3: Yes, you can revert back to a container layout if you change your mind. Most column layout plugins allow you to switch between container and column layouts with a few clicks. However, keep in mind that reverting back to a container layout may require some adjustments to the content and design