Live Builder Analysis
This document provides an in-depth analysis of the Avada Live Builder functionality as used on the Dixie Chemical websites.
Overview of Avada Live Builder
Section titled “Overview of Avada Live Builder”The Avada Live Builder is a front-end visual editor that allows users to edit website content directly on the page, seeing changes in real-time. It’s a key component of the Avada theme used by both Dixie Chemical websites.
Key Advantages for Business Users
Section titled “Key Advantages for Business Users”- Visual Editing: What you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) interface
- No Coding Required: Edit content without HTML or CSS knowledge
- Real-time Preview: See changes as they’re made
- Inline Text Editing: Edit text directly on the page
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily add and arrange elements
How Dixie Chemical Websites Use Avada
Section titled “How Dixie Chemical Websites Use Avada”Both dixiechemical.com and americancarbonyl.com use the Avada theme with custom-built pages rather than pre-made templates. This means:
- Each page has been individually designed using the Live Builder
- Pages maintain consistent branding but have custom layouts
- The sites use WordPress “Pages” functionality rather than “Posts”
- Global elements (header, footer) are managed separately from page content
Core Functionality Analysis
Section titled “Core Functionality Analysis”Content Editing Capabilities
Section titled “Content Editing Capabilities”| Feature | Functionality | Beginner Friendliness |
|---|---|---|
| Text Editing | Direct inline editing with formatting toolbar | High - Very intuitive |
| Image Management | Replace, resize, and style images | Medium - Some settings are advanced |
| Layout Adjustments | Change column widths, spacing, margins | Low - Not recommended for beginners |
| Element Addition | Add new content elements to pages | Medium - Simple for basic elements |
Technical Considerations
Section titled “Technical Considerations”- Browser Compatibility: Works best in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari
- Performance: Can be resource-intensive on complex pages
- Responsive Editing: Includes mobile preview mode
- Autosave: Periodically saves work to prevent data loss
Most Commonly Used Features
Section titled “Most Commonly Used Features”- Inline Text Editing: Used for updating copy and headings
- Image Replacement: Frequently needed for updating visual content
- Save/Publish Controls: Essential for workflow management
- Navigator Panel: Helpful for selecting the right elements
- Preview Mode: Important for checking changes before publishing
Features to Avoid for Beginners
Section titled “Features to Avoid for Beginners”- Global Options: Can affect the entire site
- Container Structure Changes: Can break layouts
- Custom CSS: Requires coding knowledge
- Form Editing: Complex and risk of breaking functionality
- Theme Settings: Should be managed by administrators
Common Challenges and Solutions
Section titled “Common Challenges and Solutions”Challenge: Element Selection Difficulty
Section titled “Challenge: Element Selection Difficulty”Solution: Use the Navigator panel to see the hierarchical structure of the page and select specific elements.
Challenge: Formatting Inconsistencies
Section titled “Challenge: Formatting Inconsistencies”Solution: Use element settings for global changes to an element, and inline editing only for specific text portions.
Challenge: Accidental Layout Changes
Section titled “Challenge: Accidental Layout Changes”Solution: Be careful when selecting elements, and use the “Discard Changes” option if major mistakes are made.
Challenge: Slow Performance
Section titled “Challenge: Slow Performance”Solution: Close other browser tabs, ensure good internet connection, and be patient with complex pages.
Integration with Other Website Components
Section titled “Integration with Other Website Components”Contact Form 7
Section titled “Contact Form 7”Forms are embedded on pages using shortcodes or Avada elements. Beginners should not modify these elements directly.
Media Library
Section titled “Media Library”All images are stored in the WordPress Media Library and accessed through the Live Builder interface when adding or replacing images.
Global Elements
Section titled “Global Elements”Headers, footers, and other global elements are managed separately from page content and should not be edited by beginners.
Recommended Workflow for Beginners
Section titled “Recommended Workflow for Beginners”- Log in to WordPress admin
- Navigate to the Pages section
- Find and open the page in Live Builder
- Make content changes (text and images only)
- Preview changes on different device sizes
- Save as draft or publish when satisfied
- Exit Live Builder properly using the Exit button
For more detailed information about the Live Builder interface components, see the Live Builder Interface Guide.