Side by side
Layers vs LiveCanvas
Both stand on wordpress page builders. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hostedWeb
Choose Layers if you want a free, GPL-licensed WordPress theme with widget-based page building and responsive controls. Look at StoreKit if you need its additional WooCommerce widgets and shop-page controls; it is a separate paid extension.
Visit Layers Paid Self-hostedWeb
LiveCanvas combines visual editing with direct HTML control, WordPress compatibility, and WooCommerce templates. Its export limitations, paid plans, and reliance on WordPress make those factors important before choosing it.
Visit LiveCanvasThe facts
| Layers | LiveCanvas | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Web | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | StoreKit: $29, paid once | Pro: $79 a year |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | layerswp.com | livecanvas.com |
| On wordpress page builders | #27 of 32 | #31 of 32 |
Layers: what it does well
- Free WordPress theme download.
- Build pages from draggable widgets.
- Includes responsive controls and dynamic content.
- WooCommerce-ready, with extra shop controls in StoreKit.
- GPL 2.0 license permits installation on unlimited websites.
What to know first
- Cannot be installed on WordPress.com.
- Compatibility with third-party plugins, child themes, and extensions is not guaranteed.
- Technical support is directed through the forums.
LiveCanvas: what it does well
- Plain HTML page storage
- Bootstrap 5-compliant output
- WooCommerce template support
- Selective editor activation
- 120 HTML templates
What to know first
- No free plan or trial
- Simple exports may omit advanced features
- Lifetime plan billed as listed
- Support plans include Discord-only support
Alternatives to Layers Alternatives to LiveCanvas The whole list