Layers

Layers is a WordPress theme for site owners who want to build custom layouts with widgets inside WordPress’s own Customizer. Its free, multi-site GPL license makes it an inexpensive starting point, but its legacy compatibility boundary and separately priced extensions narrow its appeal.

Overview

Instead of adding a separate editing environment, Layers uses WordPress’s native interface and Customizer. Pages are built by arranging draggable widgets, while a Design Bar provides styling controls for widget elements. That suits WordPress users who want more control over page structure without adopting a separate builder workflow.

Released under GPL 2.0, Layers can be installed on as many websites as desired. Elementor acquired Layers WP in January 2019 and made the theme free. The broad installation allowance is useful for developers and owners of multiple sites, though it does not guarantee that third-party additions will work.

Key features

Layouts and responsive controls

Layers includes theme-building tools, responsive controls, and support for dynamic content. Its maker describes a mobile-friendly framework with responsive layouts, giving site owners controls to shape pages for different screen sizes. Dynamic content can help layouts incorporate changing site content, although the published feature set does not explain particular content sources or workflows.

Commerce and integrations

The theme is WooCommerce-ready, and the separate StoreKit extension adds WooCommerce widgets and controls for shop and product pages. That division keeps the core theme free, but a shop owner who needs those additional controls must budget for an extension. The feature page also names Google Fonts, Typekit, and Google Analytics integrations.

Compatibility and support

Layers was developed for WordPress 4.3 or higher, and compatibility with third-party plugins, child themes, and extensions is not guaranteed. The theme cannot be installed on WordPress.com, which restricts themes and plugins outside its marketplace; it is for self-hosted WordPress sites instead. Technical support is directed through the support forums, not the contact form, so users should expect to seek help there.

Pricing

The Layers theme costs nothing as a free download. Its GPL 2.0 license and permission to install it on any number of websites make the core a strong fit for users who can work within its compatibility limits.

StoreKit costs $29, paid once, with license options listed as Extended, Multi Domain, and Single and a stated billing range of $29.00 – $99.00. It is the relevant paid add-on for WooCommerce shops needing its extra widgets and shop- and product-page controls. Showcase costs $39, paid once, with Single, Multi Domain, and Extended license options and a stated range of $39.00 – $159.00; it is a separate portfolio extension. The listed amounts are ranges rather than one price for every license option.

For purchases from its website, a refund may be requested within 14 days if the product is defective and support has been sought. That condition is narrower than a general change-of-mind refund.

Platforms

Layers is for self-hosted WordPress and is also categorized for the web. It cannot be installed on WordPress.com, so users on that hosted platform should choose a theme available through its marketplace instead.

Who it's for

Layers is a sensible choice for WordPress site owners who want widget-based page building, responsive layout controls, and a free license usable across multiple sites. It is less suitable for people who need guaranteed compatibility with third-party extensions, want to build on WordPress.com, or require StoreKit’s shop controls without paying for a separate extension.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free GPL 2.0 theme can be installed on as many websites as desired, which is useful for multi-site owners and developers.
• Pro: Draggable widgets, a styling bar, and responsive controls give WordPress users layout flexibility within the native Customizer.
• Con: Compatibility with third-party plugins, child themes, and extensions is not guaranteed, making it a riskier choice for sites dependent on a particular add-on stack.
• Con: WordPress.com does not support installing Layers, and the additional WooCommerce and portfolio extensions are paid separately.

Alternatives

Blocksy is another freemium theme for self-hosted WordPress, with a free plan and a paid Personal plan. ColorMag offers a free version with essential features and a paid Pro single-theme plan. Genesis Framework has a free download for WordPress.org self-hosted sites and a paid Genesis Pro plan; StudioPress labels the framework open source.

Neve is another freemium self-hosted WordPress theme. OceanWP offers a free WordPress theme, while Qi Theme has a free version with 100 website demos and a paid single-website option. Sydney is also a freemium theme for self-hosted WordPress. Twenty Twenty-Five is a free theme for WordPress 6.7 and PHP 7.2.

For broader browsing, see WordPress Themes or WordPress page builders.

Verdict

Choose Layers if you want a free, GPL-licensed WordPress theme with widget-based page building and responsive controls. Its strongest advantage is a flexible core that can be reused across sites at no theme cost. Look elsewhere if WordPress.com support or dependable compatibility with third-party additions is essential; shop owners needing extra WooCommerce controls should account for StoreKit as a separate paid extension.