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Bricks Builder vs. EtchWP: Which WordPress Builder is Right for Your Workflow?
Choosing the right WordPress builder is a critical decision that can define the success and efficiency of your projects. In the ever-evolving landscape of web development, two powerful contenders have emerged: Bricks Builder and EtchWP. But which one is the perfect fit for your unique needs?
This comprehensive guide breaks down the key features, target audiences, and workflows of both builders, so you can make an informed decision for your next project.
Unpacking the Community and Leadership
The health and support of a builder’s community are often as important as its features.
- Bricks Builder: A prominent figure in the WordPress space, Bricks boasts a large and highly active community. Led by the innovative Thomas, the community is known for being incredibly helpful, providing a wealth of shared knowledge and solutions. This open environment fosters rapid growth and peer-to-peer support.
- EtchWP: Created by the renowned Kevin Gary, EtchWP offers a more curated, private community. Users praise its respectful atmosphere and the high-quality, exclusive tutorials available. This focused environment is designed for serious professionals, fostering deep discussions and valuable insights without the noise often found in larger, public forums.
Target Audience: Developer vs. Hybrid Approach
The core philosophy behind each builder determines who it is best suited for.
- Bricks Builder: This builder strikes a balance, serving a hybrid audience of both developers and beginners. While it offers a visual, click-based interface that is accessible to new users, it also provides the clean code output and advanced features that developers demand, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of projects.
- EtchWP: In stark contrast, EtchWP is exclusively for web developers and professionals. Its design philosophy is built around a code-centric approach, making it an ideal choice for those who want to write code directly and have full control over their site’s structure and styling.
The Workflow: Visual Clicks vs. Direct Code
The day-to-day experience of building with Bricks and EtchWP is fundamentally different.
- Bricks Builder: Bricks offers a classic, click-based workflow with a drag-and-drop interface. It’s an intuitive visual builder that allows you to see changes in real-time. This makes it an excellent option for building quickly and efficiently, especially for those who prefer a less code-heavy process.
- EtchWP: EtchWP revolutionizes the workflow by allowing you to write custom CSS, HTML, and JavaScript directly inside the builder interface. This unique feature eliminates the need for constant context switching between the builder and a code editor. It not only accelerates development but also encourages good coding practices, empowering users to build scalable and maintainable websites with clean, semantic code.
The Game-Changing Differentiator: Gutenberg Blocks
One of the most significant differences between these two builders lies in their approach to content liberation.
- EtchWP’s Auto Block Authoring: The most powerful feature of EtchWP is its ability to instantly convert your pages into native Gutenberg blocks. This means you can design a custom layout, and your client can then edit the content directly within the familiar, native WordPress editor. This feature solves a major pain point for many agencies and freelancers, preventing “content lock-in” and making client handoff a seamless experience.
- Bricks Builder: While Bricks allows for flexible and dynamic site creation, it does not offer the same native Gutenberg block conversion. The content remains tied to the Bricks builder, which can be a limiting factor for some clients who want to use the core WordPress editor for content management.
Which Builder is Right for You?
The choice between Bricks Builder and EtchWP ultimately depends on your goals and expertise.
- Choose Bricks Builder if:
- You are a professional who values a hybrid visual and developer-friendly workflow.
- You need a robust builder with a large, supportive community and a proven track record.
- You’re looking for an all-in-one tool with extensive features and integrations.
- Choose EtchWP if:
- You are a web developer or a professional agency that prioritizes a code-centric workflow.
- You want to build scalable, future-proof websites where your content is not locked into a proprietary builder.
- You are excited by the prospect of a tool that empowers you to write better code and simplifies client handoffs through native Gutenberg blocks.
Both builders are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with WordPress. Your decision will hinge on whether you prefer the powerful, flexible hybrid approach of Bricks Builder or the forward-thinking, code-first philosophy of EtchWP.
Ready to elevate your WordPress workflow? Explore Bricks Builder and EtchWP to see which one aligns with your vision for the future of web development.
Pricing
| Feature | Bricks Builder 🧱 | EtchWP ✒️ |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Plans | Annual or Lifetime payment (lifetime license) | Lifetimes and Anual licenses (2025) |
| Lifetime Price | $599 for unlimited websites | The initial lifetime offer was sold at different prices: $499 for 15 sites, $799 for 50 sites, and $1299 for 250 sites. |
| Annual Price | $79 for 1 website, $199 for unlimited websites | 99 for 1 website, 199 for 25 websites, 299 for 75 websites |
| Main Focus | Visual theme and page builder with high performance | Visual builder that integrates canvas and show the code of HTML, CSS and JS, and convert to Gutenberg block editor, with a focus on “data liberation.” |
| Product Status | Mature, a well-established product | A product in the development phase (public beta or similar) |
| Target Audience | Advanced developers and designers. Also, Basics users can use elements basics. | Thinked to Developers or people who want be a better developer on WordPress. Professionals looking for a more core-WordPress approach, valuing content “portability.” |