Envato Elements Plugin Discontinued

Envato Elements Plugin Discontinued (2025) | Why It Closed & Best Alternatives

Introduction

The Envato Elements Plugin Discontinued announcement in 2025 came as a shock to the WordPress community. For years, this plugin was a simple, all-in-one solution for importing Elementor template kits, stock photos, and design assets directly into WordPress websites.

Its sudden closure raised big questions:

  • Why did Envato close the plugin so abruptly?

  • Can developers still use template kits?

  • What alternatives are available today?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything—from Envato’s reasoning, to why so many developers depended on template kits, and finally, the 7 best alternatives to the Envato Elements plugin.

Why Was the Envato Elements Plugin Discontinued?

Envato has been restructuring its business model for years, and the plugin shutdown is part of that shift. Here’s why it happened:

  • Shutterstock acquisition (2024): Envato was acquired by Shutterstock, a company focused on stock media, not code or WordPress plugins. As a result, Shutterstock began phasing out tools that didn’t align with its core business.

  • Focus on subscriptions: Instead of free plugins, Envato is pushing users toward paid subscriptions on Envato Elements .

  • Decline in community platforms: Envato shut down its forums, Envato Studio, and even its Twenty20 stock photo site. The Elements plugin was just the next casualty.

  • Experiment with AI: Envato has been testing AI tools, hoping they will drive future growth.

Ultimately, Envato chose to cut costs and focus on products with higher returns, leaving developers without their favorite plugin.

Envato has officially closed their forums.

Why Developers Depend on Template Kits

Many WordPress professionals rely on template kits, not just as a convenience but as an essential workflow tool.

  • Faster builds: Entire websites can be set up in hours.

  • Beginner-friendly: Non-coders and small agencies rely heavily on kits.

  • Consistent design: Professional layouts ensure brand consistency.

  • Lower costs: Kits save money compared to hiring a full design team.

  • Happy clients: Quicker turnarounds mean higher satisfaction.

This explains why the Envato Elements Plugin Discontinued notice felt like such a blow—developers had built entire businesses on it.

Can You Still Use Envato Template Kits After Shutdown?

Yes, Envato template kits are still usable even without the plugin.

Here’s how:

  1. Previously imported kits remain available → You’ll find them in Templates → Saved Templates inside Elementor.

  2. Manual import → You can still download template kits from Envato Elements and import them through Elementor’s template import tool.

  3. Template Kit Import plugin → A free plugin on WordPress.org lets you upload .zip template kit files.

  4. Export and reuse → Developers can export their favorite kits and reuse them on client projects.

The plugin may be gone, but the template kits you’ve already paid for or downloaded are still usable.

ElementorKit – The Free Replacement

If you loved the convenience of Envato’s plugin, the community has created a free replacement: ElementorKit.

Features

  • Import premium Elementor template kits directly

  • Access royalty-free stock photos

  • Upload template kits manually

  • Works with Elementor & Elementor Pro

Download ElementorKit:

This tool is the closest drop-in replacement for the Envato Elements plugin and is free under the GPL license.

7 Best Alternatives to Envato Elements Plugin

Beyond ElementorKit, there are plenty of great template kit solutions:

  1. Astra Starter Templates – Huge free and premium library of Elementor & Gutenberg templates.

  2. Kadence Starter Templates – Lightweight, fast, and SEO-friendly designs.

  3. Templately – Cloud-based storage for templates + team collaboration.

  4. Crocoblock (JetThemeCore) – Advanced design system with pro-level flexibility.

  5. Elementor’s Native Template Library – Built-in and always available.

  6. Blocksy Starter Templates – Beautiful kits for Blocksy theme users.

  7. TemplateMonster Kits – Large marketplace offering premium templates.

Each has its own strengths, so developers should test which works best for their workflow.

Lessons for WordPress Developers

The Envato Elements Plugin Discontinued story teaches a valuable lesson: never depend 100% on one platform.

  • Diversify your tools: Don’t rely on a single company.

  • Build your own kits: Reuse your best work across projects.

  • Own your clients: Avoid letting marketplaces control your customer relationships.

  • Adapt quickly: Platforms change—your workflow should too.

This isn’t just a disruption—it’s an opportunity for developers to grow more independent.

Conclusion

The Envato Elements Plugin Discontinued announcement may feel frustrating, but it’s not the end of template kits.

  • You can still use Envato kits manually.

  • ElementorKit provides a free replacement.

  • Alternatives like Astra, Kadence, and Crocoblock ensure plenty of options.

For developers, this is the perfect moment to expand beyond Envato, explore new tools, and take more control of your workflow.

FAQ

Q1: Can I still use Envato template kits after the plugin shutdown?
Yes, you can manually import kits or use the Template Kit Import plugin.

Q2: What is the best alternative to the Envato Elements plugin?
ElementorKit is the closest replacement, but Astra Starter Templates and Kadence are also excellent.

Q3: Why did Envato discontinue the plugin?
Envato is focusing on subscriptions, AI tools, and aligning with Shutterstock’s priorities.

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