Divi 5 Guide: Compatibility and Upgrade Planning
A cautious upgrade checklist for existing WordPress sites.
What changes
Divi 5 is the newer Divi framework. The official help center says it is available to active Elegant Themes members without an additional Divi 5 charge.
Before you upgrade
Create a complete backup of files and database. Clone the site to a staging environment. Inventory custom code, child-theme changes, third-party modules and plugins.
Test the actual site
Check header, footer, forms, menus, mobile layouts, checkout, translations and analytics. Compare representative page speed before and after using the same conditions.
Legacy compatibility
Elegant Themes says legacy Divi 4 content and third-party modules can run in backwards compatibility mode. That mode loads the older framework, so do not assume the full performance benefits apply.
Release process
Upgrade staging first, record any issues, then schedule the production update when you can monitor it. Keep a documented rollback route.
A migration rehearsal
On a staging copy, run the vendor's compatibility scan and record the affected pages, posts, library items and templates. Check a legacy-module page separately from a page built entirely with supported modules. A page can look correct yet load the older framework, so visual inspection alone is insufficient.
Decide whether to postpone
If a mission-critical checkout, form or third-party module is not supported, keep the production site on its currently supported update path while you work with the extension author. Revisit the decision after a tested replacement or compatibility update; do not migrate simply to follow a release announcement.
Before you make a decision
- Read the section on what changes and note how it applies to your own website.
- Read the section on before you upgrade and note how it applies to your own website.
- Read the section on test the actual site and note how it applies to your own website.
- Verify current product features and terms with the relevant vendor before making a purchase or changing a live website.
- Test a representative page or workflow on staging and keep a recoverable backup when changes could affect an existing site.
Official documentation: Divi 5 FAQ ↗. Vendor documentation describes its own product; verify version-specific details before acting.