Elementor Pro GitHub: How to Contribute to the Project – Complete Guide for 2025

Contributing to open-source projects like Elementor Pro can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get to enhance your coding skills, but you also become part of a vibrant community dedicated to improving a tool used by millions of WordPress users worldwide. However, the process can seem intimidating if you’re new to GitHub or open-source contribution in general.

I remember the first time I considered contributing to a major open-source project—my hands were literally shaking as I hovered over the “Create Pull Request” button. What if I made a mistake? What if the maintainers thought my code was terrible? Looking back now, those fears were completely unfounded, and that first contribution opened doors I never imagined.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of contributing to Elementor Pro on GitHub, from setting up your development environment to submitting your first pull request and engaging with the community. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting your coding journey, you’ll find actionable steps to make meaningful contributions to this popular WordPress page builder.

Introduction to Elementor Pro and GitHub

Elementor Pro is a premium extension of the popular Elementor page builder for WordPress. It adds advanced widgets, theme building capabilities, and powerful features that help users create stunning websites without writing code. With millions of active installations worldwide, Elementor has become one of the most popular WordPress plugins, transforming how designers and developers approach website creation.

GitHub, on the other hand, is a platform that hosts code repositories and facilitates collaboration among developers. It uses Git, a version control system, to track changes to code over time. According to GitHub’s official documentation, the platform has become the go-to for open-source projects, making it easier for developers around the world to contribute to projects they care about.

Contributing to open-source projects like Elementor Pro offers numerous benefits:

• You gain practical experience working on a real-world project used by millions
• You learn best practices from experienced developers through code reviews
• Your contributions help improve a tool that powers countless websites globally
• You build a portfolio that showcases your skills to potential employers
• You become part of a supportive community of like-minded developers
• You develop collaboration skills that are essential in modern software development

While the thought of contributing to such a large project might seem daunting, remember that every expert contributor started as a beginner. The Elementor team, like many open-source communities, welcomes contributions from developers of all skill levels. Even small documentation improvements or bug reports are valuable contributions that help the project grow.

Forking and Cloning the Repository

The first step in contributing to Elementor Pro is to create your own copy of the repository through a process called “forking.” This allows you to freely experiment with changes without affecting the original project—think of it as creating your own sandbox where you can build and test without worrying about breaking anything.

How to Fork the Elementor Pro Repository

1. Navigate to the Elementor Pro repository on GitHub
2. In the top-right corner of the page, click the “Fork” button
3. GitHub will create a copy of the repository under your account (this takes just a few seconds)
4. Once complete, you’ll be redirected to your forked version

Once the forking process is complete, you’ll have your own version of the Elementor Pro repository that you can modify as needed. This forked repository is completely independent—you can experiment freely without any risk to the original project.

Understanding the Difference Between Fork and Clone

Many newcomers to Git and GitHub confuse forking and cloning. Here’s the key difference:

So the typical workflow is: first fork the repository on GitHub, then clone your fork to your local machine.

Cloning Your Forked Repository

To clone your forked repository to your local machine, follow these steps:

1. On your forked repository page, click the “Code” button (it’s a green button near the top)
2. Copy the URL that appears (it should include your username)
3. Open a terminal or command prompt on your computer
4. Navigate to the directory where you want to store the project
5. Run the following command, replacing <URL> with the URL you copied:

git clone <URL>

This command will download the repository to your local machine, creating a directory with the same name as the repository.

Next, you’ll need to set up a reference to the original Elementor Pro repository (known as the “upstream” repository) so you can keep your fork in sync with the latest changes:

cd elementor-pro
git remote add upstream https://github.com/elementor/elementor-pro.git

Now you have a local copy of your forked repository and a connection to both your fork (origin) and the original repository (upstream). This setup allows you to pull the latest changes from the main project while working on your own contributions.

Setting Up the Development Environment

Before you can start contributing to Elementor Pro, you need to set up a development environment that allows you to run and test the code. Since Elementor Pro is a WordPress plugin built with JavaScript, you’ll need several tools installed. Don’t worry—this process is straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step.

Installing Node.js and npm

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that allows you to run JavaScript code outside a web browser. npm (Node Package Manager) is a tool that comes with Node.js and helps you install and manage JavaScript packages.

To install Node.js and npm:

1. Visit the Node.js official website
2. Download the LTS (Long-Term Support) version for stability
3. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
4. The installer will automatically include npm

After installation, verify that Node.js and npm are installed correctly by running these commands in your terminal:

node -v
npm -v

These commands should display the versions of Node.js and npm installed on your system. If you see version numbers, you’re good to go!

Setting Up a Local WordPress Environment

Since Elementor Pro is a WordPress plugin, you’ll need a local WordPress installation to test your changes. There are several ways to set up a local WordPress environment:

For beginners, I recommend using LocalWP (formerly Local by Flywheel) as it’s user-friendly and specifically designed for WordPress development:

1. Download and install LocalWP from the official website
2. Create a new WordPress site through the simple wizard interface
3. Install the free Elementor plugin from the WordPress repository
4. Link your cloned Elementor Pro repository to the plugins directory of your WordPress installation

For those looking to key steps run successful directory website business, understanding local development environments is crucial for testing and customization.

Installing Project Dependencies

Once you have your local WordPress environment set up, you need to install the project dependencies. Navigate to your cloned Elementor Pro directory in the terminal and run:

npm install

This command will install all the JavaScript dependencies defined in the project’s package.json file. Depending on your internet connection and computer speed, this process might take a few minutes—it’s normal to see a lot of text scrolling by as npm downloads and installs packages.

Depending on the project’s setup, you might also need to run additional commands to build the assets. Check the repository’s README or CONTRIBUTING.md file for specific instructions. These files are your best friends when setting up any open-source project.

Finding and Selecting Issues to Contribute

Now that your development environment is set up, it’s time to find an issue to work on. The Elementor Pro GitHub repository has an “Issues” tab where bugs, feature requests, and enhancements are tracked. This is where the real adventure begins!

Navigating the Issues Tab

When you visit the Issues tab, you’ll see a list of open issues. GitHub provides several filters to help you find issues that match your interests and skill level:

• Use the search bar to find issues related to specific topics or features
• Filter issues by labels (like “bug,” “enhancement,” “documentation”)
• Sort issues by newest, oldest, most commented, or recently updated
• Look at assignees to see which issues are already being worked on
• Check milestones to understand project priorities and release schedules

Identifying Good First Issues

As a new contributor, look for issues labeled as “good first issue” or “beginner-friendly.” These issues are specifically chosen by maintainers as suitable entry points for new contributors. They typically:

• Require minimal knowledge of the codebase
• Have clear requirements and acceptance criteria
• Can be completed with a reasonable amount of effort (usually a few hours)
• Don’t involve complex architectural decisions
• Have maintainers willing to provide guidance

If you don’t find any issues with these labels, you can also look for:

• Documentation improvements (typos, clarity, missing examples)
• Small bug fixes with clear reproduction steps
• UI/UX enhancements that don’t require major refactoring
• Accessibility improvements (screen reader support, keyboard navigation)
• Translation updates or internationalization improvements

Expressing Interest and Getting Assigned

When you find an issue you’d like to work on, it’s good practice to comment on the issue expressing your interest. This lets the maintainers know that someone is planning to work on it and prevents duplicate efforts.

Your comment doesn’t need to be elaborate. Something simple like this works well:

“I’d like to work on this issue. This would be my first contribution to Elementor Pro. Could you provide any guidance on the preferred approach?”

The maintainers might respond with additional guidance or assign the issue to you officially. Even if they don’t assign it to you immediately, you can still start working on it. Just be prepared that if someone else submits a solution first, yours might not be accepted (though it’s still great learning experience).

Creating a New Branch for Contributions

Before making any changes to the code, you should create a new branch in your local repository. This keeps your changes organized and separate from the main codebase until they’re ready to be merged. Think of branches as parallel universes where you can experiment without affecting the main timeline.

Best Practices for Naming Branches

Follow these conventions for naming your branches:

• Use a prefix that describes the type of change you’re making:
  • feature/ for new features or enhancements
  • fix/ for bug fixes
  • docs/ for documentation changes
  • refactor/ for code refactoring without functional changes
  • test/ for adding or updating tests
• Include the issue number if applicable (makes tracking easier)
• Use hyphens to separate words (not underscores or camelCase)
• Keep it concise but descriptive
• Use lowercase for consistency

For example, if you’re fixing issue #123 related to a button alignment problem, a good branch name might be fix/123-button-alignment. If you’re adding a new feature for issue #456 about widget settings, you might use feature/456-widget-settings-panel.

Creating and Switching to a New Branch

To create a new branch and switch to it, use the following command:

git checkout -b branch-name

For example:

git checkout -b fix/123-button-alignment

This command creates a new branch named fix/123-button-alignment and switches to it. All the changes you make will now be on this branch, leaving the main branch untouched. You can verify which branch you’re on by running git branch—the current branch will have an asterisk next to it.

Committing and Pushing Changes

After making your changes to the code, you need to commit them to your local repository and then push them to your fork on GitHub. This is where your work becomes official and ready for review.

Writing Clear Commit Messages

Good commit messages are crucial for maintaining a clean and understandable project history. I can’t stress this enough—I’ve seen pull requests rejected solely because of poor commit messages. Follow these guidelines:

1. Use the imperative mood (“Add feature” not “Added feature” or “Adding feature”)
2. Keep the first line short (50 characters or less is ideal)
3. Provide more detailed explanation in subsequent lines if necessary
4. Reference related issues using the issue number (e.g., “Fixes #123” or “Relates to #456”)
5. Explain the “why” not just the “what”—why was this change necessary?

A well-formatted commit message looks like this:

Fix button alignment in the editor

- Adjusted the CSS for the button widget to ensure proper alignment
- Ensured compatibility with both desktop and mobile views
- Added flexbox properties to maintain consistency across browsers

Fixes #123

Committing Changes to Your Local Repository

To commit your changes:

1. Stage the files you’ve modified:

   git add path/to/modified/files

   Or to stage all modified files:

   git add .

2. Commit the staged changes:

   git commit -m "Your commit message"

3. For more complex commits where you want to write a multi-line message, simply use:

   git commit

   This will open your default text editor where you can write a more detailed commit message.

Pushing Your Branch to GitHub

Once you’ve committed your changes locally, you need to push them to your fork on GitHub:

git push origin branch-name

For example:

git push origin fix/123-button-alignment

If this is the first time you’re pushing this branch, Git will set up tracking between your local branch and the remote branch on your fork. You might see a message suggesting you use --set-upstream, but the command above handles that automatically.

Submitting a Pull Request

After pushing your changes to your fork, you’re ready to submit a pull request (PR) to the original Elementor Pro repository. A pull request is a proposal to merge your changes into the main project. This is the moment where your contribution officially enters the review process!

Creating a Pull Request on GitHub

To create a pull request:

1. Navigate to your fork on GitHub
2. GitHub will usually show a “Compare & pull request” button for recently pushed branches (in a yellow banner at the top)
3. Click this button to create a new pull request
4. If you don’t see this button, you can manually create a pull request by clicking the “Pull requests” tab and then the “New pull request” button
5. Make sure the base repository is set to the original Elementor Pro repository and the base branch is correct (usually “main” or “develop”)
6. Ensure your fork and branch are selected in the “compare” dropdown

Writing a Detailed Pull Request Description

Your pull request description should clearly communicate what changes you’ve made and why. Include:

1. A clear title that summarizes the changes (similar to your commit message)
2. A detailed description of what the changes do and how they solve the problem
3. References to any related issues (e.g., “Fixes #123” or “Closes #456”)
4. Screenshots or GIFs if you made visual changes (use a tool like Loom or CloudApp)
5. Testing steps—how did you verify your changes work?
6. Any potential side effects or areas that need special attention
7. Browser/device compatibility notes if relevant

Many repositories have PR templates that guide you on what information to include. If Elementor Pro has one, it will automatically appear in the PR description field. Don’t skip sections—they’re there for a reason!

Understanding the Code Review Process

After submitting your PR, the project maintainers will review your code. This review process ensures that contributions meet the project’s quality standards and integrate well with the existing codebase.

During the review:

• Maintainers might ask questions about your implementation choices
• They might suggest improvements or alternative approaches
• They might request changes before merging your PR
• Automated tests might run to ensure your changes don’t break existing functionality
• Other community members might also provide feedback

This process isn’t about criticizing your work but about ensuring the best possible outcome for the project. Be open to feedback and willing to make revisions if needed. Sometimes a PR goes through several rounds of review—that’s completely normal and shows the maintainers care about code quality.

Understanding Project Guidelines and Community Norms

Every open-source project has its own guidelines and norms. Understanding and following these is crucial for successful contributions. Think of it like visiting someone’s home—you follow their house rules to be a respectful guest.

Finding and Reading the CONTRIBUTING.md File

Most repositories have a CONTRIBUTING.md file that outlines the contribution process and expectations. This file typically covers:

• The development workflow and branching strategy
• Coding standards and style guides (indentation, naming conventions, etc.)
• Testing requirements (unit tests, integration tests)
• Pull request process and review expectations
• Communication channels (Slack, Discord, forums)
• How to report bugs effectively
• Security vulnerability reporting procedures

Take the time to read this document thoroughly before making contributions. If you can’t find it in the repository root, check the repository’s README.md or wiki for contribution guidelines. Some projects also link to their contribution guide from the issues or pull request templates.

Adhering to the Code of Conduct

Open-source projects often have a Code of Conduct that defines expected behavior for community members. This document helps create a respectful and inclusive environment for all contributors, regardless of their background, experience level, or identity.

The Code of Conduct typically covers:

• Expected behaviors (being respectful, constructive, and collaborative)
• Prohibited behaviors (harassment, discrimination, trolling)
• Reporting procedures for violations
• Consequences for unacceptable behavior
• Scope of application (applies to all project spaces)

Always adhere to the Code of Conduct in all your interactions with the community, whether in issue comments, pull requests, Slack messages, or other communication channels. Remember that behind every GitHub username is a real person who deserves respect.

Understanding the Contributor License Agreement (CLA)

Some projects, especially larger ones, require contributors to sign a Contributor License Agreement (CLA) before their contributions can be accepted. A CLA is a legal agreement that defines the terms under which your contributions are made.

If Elementor Pro requires a CLA, you’ll typically be prompted to sign it when you submit your first pull request. The process is usually straightforward and can be completed online in just a few minutes—often just checking a box or clicking a link.

For those who are curious about what a CLA entails: it typically confirms that you have the right to contribute the code you’re submitting and that you’re granting the project certain rights to use your contribution. This protects both the project and its users from potential legal issues. It’s standard practice for many professional open-source projects.

Engaging with Feedback and the Community

Contributing to open-source is not just about writing code—it’s also about engaging with the community and learning from feedback. This is where the real growth happens, both in your technical skills and your professional relationships.

Responding to Feedback on Your Pull Request

When you receive feedback on your pull request:

1. Respond promptly and courteously (within 24-48 hours if possible)
2. Address all the points raised by reviewers, even if it’s just to acknowledge you’re working on it
3. Make the requested changes and push them to your branch (they’ll automatically update the PR)
4. If you disagree with certain feedback, explain your reasoning respectfully with technical justification
5. Mark conversations as resolved once you’ve addressed the feedback
6. Don’t take criticism personally—focus on the technical aspects

Remember that code reviews are about the code, not about you personally. The goal is to improve the quality of the contribution, and sometimes that means making changes to your initial approach. I’ve had PRs where I completely rewrote my solution based on feedback—and the final result was always better for it.

Learning from Rejection and Revising Your Work

Sometimes, your pull request might be rejected or require significant revisions. This is a normal part of the open-source contribution process and not a reflection of your abilities as a developer.

If your PR isn’t accepted:

1. Ask for clarification on why it was rejected—maintainers are usually happy to explain
2. Learn from the feedback provided—this is valuable free mentorship
3. Consider how you can address the concerns in a future contribution
4. Don’t get discouraged—even experienced developers have PRs rejected
5. Sometimes timing matters—the project’s priorities might have shifted
6. Keep the relationship positive—you might contribute again in the future

Joining Community Channels

To get more involved with the Elementor Pro community:

1. Join the project’s Slack channel or Discord server if available
2. Subscribe to the project’s mailing list or newsletter for important updates
3. Follow the project on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn)
4. Attend virtual or in-person meetups or conferences related to WordPress or Elementor
5. Participate in online discussions and help other contributors
6. Watch repository releases to stay updated on new features

These channels provide opportunities to:

• Get help with your contributions before submitting
• Learn from experienced contributors and maintainers
• Stay updated on project news, roadmap, and priorities
• Build relationships with other community members
• Find mentorship opportunities
• Discover other ways to contribute beyond code

Community engagement can significantly enhance your open-source experience and help you become a more effective contributor over time. Some of my best professional relationships started through open-source contributions!

One of the best ways to learn how to organize active directory for business environment is by engaging with communities that specialize in these areas, as they often share valuable insights that aren’t found in documentation.

Advanced Contribution Strategies

Once you’ve made your first few contributions, you might want to take your involvement to the next level. Here are some strategies for becoming a more impactful contributor:

Reviewing Other Contributors’ Pull Requests

Even as a relatively new contributor, you can provide value by reviewing others’ pull requests. This helps you:

• Learn different approaches to solving problems
• Understand the codebase more deeply
• Develop code review skills that are valuable in any development role
• Build relationships with other contributors
• Help maintainers by reducing their review workload

When reviewing, focus on constructive feedback. Point out what works well along with what could be improved. Even simple things like testing the PR and confirming it works are helpful contributions.

Taking on More Complex Issues

As you become more familiar with the codebase:

• Tackle issues that require deeper understanding of architecture
• Work on features that span multiple parts of the codebase
• Help with refactoring efforts to improve code quality
• Contribute to performance optimization initiatives
• Assist with security improvements

Don’t rush this progression—take time to build solid foundations first. There’s no shame in sticking with smaller contributions if that’s what works for your schedule and skill level.

Becoming a Project Champion

Some contributors eventually become maintainers or core contributors. This path typically involves:

• Consistent, high-quality contributions over time
• Helping other contributors and users
• Participating in project governance discussions
• Taking ownership of specific features or areas
• Building trust with existing maintainers

If you’re interested in this path, express your interest to the project maintainers. They can guide you on what skills or contributions would be most valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fork a repository on GitHub?

Navigate to the repository’s page on GitHub and click the “Fork” button in the top-right corner. This creates a copy of the repository under your GitHub account. You can then clone this forked repository to your local machine to start making changes. The forking process is instantaneous and creates an independent copy you can modify freely.

What is the difference between fork and clone in GitHub?

Forking creates a copy of a repository on your GitHub account (server-side), while cloning downloads a repository from GitHub to your local machine (client-side). The typical workflow is to first fork a repository on GitHub, then clone your fork to your local machine to work on it. Forking maintains the connection to the original repository.

What tools do I need to set up a development environment for Elementor Pro?

You’ll need Node.js and npm for managing JavaScript dependencies, a local WordPress installation for testing the plugin, and Git for version control. For WordPress setup, beginners should use LocalWP, while advanced users might prefer Docker or manual LAMP/LEMP stack installations. Additional tools like code editors (VS Code) and browser developer tools are also recommended.

How do I find good first issues on GitHub?

Look for issues labeled as “good first issue,” “beginner-friendly,” or “easy” in the repository’s Issues tab. These are specifically tagged by maintainers as suitable for new contributors. You can filter issues by these labels using GitHub’s search and filter features. If none exist, consider documentation improvements, simple bug fixes, or UI enhancements.

What is a Contributor License Agreement (CLA)?

A Contributor License Agreement (CLA) is a legal document that defines the terms under which your contributions are made to a project. It typically confirms that you have the right to contribute your code and grants the project certain rights to use your contribution. Many larger open-source projects require contributors to sign a CLA before their contributions can be accepted.

How do I create a pull request on GitHub?

After pushing your changes to your forked repository, navigate to your fork on GitHub and click the “Compare & pull request” button that appears. Fill in the pull request template with a clear title and description of your changes, reference any related issues, and submit. Ensure you’re targeting the correct base branch in the original repository.

What should I do if my pull request is rejected?

Don’t take it personally—ask for clarification on why it was rejected and learn from the feedback. Consider how you can address the concerns in future contributions. Rejection is a normal part of open-source development and often relates to timing, project priorities, or technical approach rather than your skills. Use it as a learning opportunity.

How can I engage with the Elementor Pro community?

Join the project’s communication channels such as Slack, Discord, or mailing lists. Participate in discussions on issues and pull requests, attend WordPress or Elementor-related meetups and conferences, and follow the project on social media. Engaging with the community helps you learn from experienced contributors and build valuable professional relationships.

What is the importance of following project guidelines?

Project guidelines ensure consistency across the codebase and streamline the contribution process. Following them shows respect for the project’s established practices and makes it easier for maintainers to review and accept your contributions. Guidelines typically cover coding standards, commit message formats, testing requirements, and other important aspects that maintain code quality and project sustainability.

How can I learn from feedback on my contributions?

View feedback as an opportunity to grow as a developer. Carefully consider all comments and suggestions from reviewers, ask questions if something isn’t clear, and apply what you learn to future contributions. Keep track of common feedback points to avoid repeating the same issues. Remember that even experienced developers continue learning from code reviews throughout their careers.

Ready to Make Your Mark on Elementor Pro?

Contributing to Elementor Pro on GitHub is a rewarding journey that allows you to enhance your skills while making a meaningful impact on a tool used by millions of WordPress users. By following the steps outlined in this guide—from forking the repository and setting up your development environment to submitting pull requests and engaging with the community—you’ll be well on your way to becoming an effective contributor.

Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Don’t be discouraged if your first contributions require revisions or if the process seems challenging at first. With persistence, openness to feedback, and a willingness to learn, you’ll gradually become more comfortable with the contribution workflow and more familiar with the codebase.

So go ahead—fork that repository, find an issue that interests you, and start coding! Your contribution, no matter how small, helps make Elementor Pro better for everyone. And who knows? Your name might soon appear in the project’s list of contributors, marking the beginning of your open-source journey that could lead to unexpected opportunities, friendships, and career growth.

The most important step is the first one. Don’t wait until you feel “ready enough”—you’ll learn more by doing than by preparing. The community is supportive, the maintainers are helpful, and your unique perspective is valuable. Now that you have the knowledge, it’s time to put it into action. Happy coding!