Divi 5 migration is straightforward when you prep well. You’ll use the Divi 5 Migrator to scan your site, convert supported content, and keep anything unsupported running in backward-compatibility mode. Always back up and test on staging first.
Before you migrate
Step 1. Back up your site and create a staging copy.
While we strive to ensure a smooth migration from Divi 4 to Divi 5, migration bugs can exist on complex or customized sites. To prevent those as much as possible, we encourage you first to back up your entire Divi 4 website and create a staging website where the migration can be done without affecting the live website.
Step 2. Update WordPress and third-party plugins
In your WordPress Dashboard, go to Dashboard → Updates and update WordPress, Divi, and all plugins before you migrate. This reduces the chance of conflicts.
Step 3. Audit third-party Divi modules
If you use Divi extensions from our Marketplace (third-party Divi modules and plugins), check that they show the Compatibility with Divi 5 tag. If many are not ready, it’s safer to delay migration.
Run the Divi 5 Migrator
Download and install Divi 5 (Beta)
From your WordPress Dashboard, go to Divi → Divi 5 Migrator.
Run the Migration by clicking the Migrate This Site to Divi 5 button. You’ll see what’s ready to convert and what will stay as legacy.
Backward Compatibility (what happens to legacy content)
Divi 5 automatically detects old Divi 4 modules and loads the Divi 4 framework only on pages that still need it.
Those modules keep working and can still be edited, but pages that use them won’t get the full Divi 5 speed boost until everything is updated.
On pages that use legacy modules, you may see a notice saying Backward Compatibility Mode Enabled on the frontend. This is normal and just means Divi 4 is loaded in the background to keep those modules running.
Shortcodes are gone
In Divi 4, layouts were saved as “shortcodes” (chunks of text like
[et_pb_section]).In Divi 5, layouts are stored in a new, more stable format behind the scenes.
During migration, Divi converts your existing Divi 4 shortcodes automatically. You don’t need to change anything. Shortcodes from non-Divi plugins will keep working as usual.
When Should You Migrate To Divi 5?
Migrate now if your Divi 5 Migration scan shows most modules are convertible and you only have a few legacy modules.
Wait, if you rely heavily on third-party modules that aren’t ready. They’ll run, but you’ll miss some speed gains until native versions land.
Rollback and safety nets
If you’re not happy after testing, restore your backup.
The migrator also keeps a copy of your Divi 4 content so you can restore that and reinstall Divi 4 if needed.
Post-migration checks
Check key templates and high-traffic pages in both the Visual Builder and the Front End.
Spot-check Woo modules, menus, and theme builder layouts that were migrated from Divi 4 to Divi 5.
Quick checklist
Staging + backup complete
Extensions updated
Migrator scan reviewed
Convert → Test
Replace 3rd-party legacy modules gradually
Final testing and migrating the live website
FAQs
Will my site break if I have legacy modules?
Will my site break if I have legacy modules?
No. Divi 5 runs legacy modules in backward-compatibility mode and flags pages using them. Expect a small performance cost on those pages until you swap them out.
How long does the migration take?
How long does the migration take?
Usually minutes. Large sites can take a bit longer, but the tool handles it end-to-end.
Do I need to rebuild layouts?
Do I need to rebuild layouts?
No. Migrator converts supported content; unsupported pieces continue to work until you replace them.