5 Best Before After Image Widget for Elementor (Full 2025 Guide)

In today’s competitive digital landscape, visual proof is everything. Whether you’re a cosmetic clinic showcasing transformations, a fitness coach displaying weight loss success, or a home renovation company highlighting stunning remodels, the ability to show dramatic before-and-after comparisons can dramatically increase trust and conversions. 

In fact, visual content increases engagement by over 40% compared to text-only content, and interactive elements like before after sliders can keep visitors on your page longer and reduce bounce rates.

The challenge? While Elementor is an incredibly powerful page builder for WordPress, it doesn’t include a fully-featured before after image widget by default. That’s where specialized addons come in. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare 5 of the best before after image widget options for Elementor, with special attention to HT Mega’s Image Comparison Widget, and help you pick the perfect solution for your project.

Key Takeaways

• Compare transformations with interactive before-after sliders.
• HT Mega offers flexible before after image controls.
•  Perfect for beauty, fitness, and renovation case studies.
• Touch-friendly sliders boost engagement on mobile.
• Vertical and horizontal comparison layouts are available.

What Is a Before After Image Widget?

A before after image widget is an interactive slider that allows website visitors drag, click, or hover to compare two images side-by-side in a single frame. Instead of placing photos next to each other (which takes up twice the space), users can smoothly transition between the “before” and “after” versions to instantly see the transformation.

These widgets come in two main orientations:

• Horizontal comparison: A vertical divider line that users drag left and right
• Vertical comparison: A horizontal divider line that users drag up and down

Beyond interaction methods, most comparison widgets also support:

• Custom labels (“Before/After”, “Before/During/After”, or your own text)
• Handle styling (circle, line, icon, or custom design)
• Overlay effects (color tint, blur, or blend modes)
• Touch-friendly interactions for mobile users
• Responsive adjustments for different screen sizes

Common use cases include makeovers, weight loss transformations, interior design projects, product edits, photo retouching, property renovations, SaaS dashboard comparisons, and beauty treatments. Essentially, any scenario where visual transformation builds trust and encourages action.

Before After Image Widget for Elementor: The Definitive Guide

Setting up a before & after image widget in Elementor is straightforward, but understanding which addon offers the best features and easiest workflow can save you hours of frustration. A typical workflow looks like this:

• Install and activate an Elementor addon plugin (like HT Mega)
• Enable the widget in the addon’s settings
• Add the widget to your Elementor page
• Upload your “before” and “after” images
• Configure interaction type, labels, handle style, and positioning
• Customize styling to match your brand
• Test on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices

The five plugins we’re reviewing today each take slightly different approaches to this core workflow. Some prioritize simplicity, others emphasize design flexibility, and still others focus on advanced features. Let’s explore each one.

When You Should Use a Before & After Image Widget

Before diving into specific plugins, let’s clarify when a before & after image widget truly outperforms alternatives like static image galleries or side-by-side image blocks.

You should use a before after image widget when:

• You need immediate visual impact. The interactive slider creates curiosity and draws the eye better than static photos.
• Space is limited. One widget replaces two images, letting you keep pages clean and fast-loading.
• Transformation is dramatic. The more dramatic the change, the more powerful the slider effect.
• Mobile is important. Touch-friendly sliders encourage engagement on phones and tablets.
• You want measurable engagement. Sliders can be tracked with analytics to show interaction rates.
• Trust-building is critical. Real before-and-after proof from your business or clients is more credible than testimonials alone.

In contrast, you might use a different approach (gallery, carousel, lightbox) if you have multiple before-and-after pairs, need to show a step-by-step progression, or want to display images in a full-page context.

How to Add a Before After Image Widget in Elementor

Let’s walk through the basic setup process using HT Mega’s Image Comparison Widget as an example (the steps are similar for other addons):

Step 1: Enable the Widget

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard
• Navigate to HT Mega Addons > Settings > Elements
• Find Image Comparison in the widget list
• Toggle it ON

Step 2: Add the Widget to Your Page

• Open your Elementor page with the page builder
• Click the + (Add) icon to insert a new element
• Search for “Image Comparison” (look for the HT badge)
• Drag and drop the widget into your desired section

Step 3: Upload Your Images

• In the widget’s Content tab, locate the Before Image field
• Upload or select your “before” photo
• Upload or select your “after” photo
• Adjust the image size to match your design

Step 4: Configure Basic Settings

• Set Before Title (e.g., “Before”) and After Title (e.g., “After”)
• Choose Level Position (top, center, or bottom)
• Select Positioning Label style (arrows, text, or custom)
• Adjust the Before Start Amount (how much of the before image shows initially)

Step 5: Customize Style and Save

• Tweak colors, handle size, border, and other style options
• Preview on desktop, tablet, and mobile
• Save and publish

HT Mega Before After Image Widget: Features and Styling Options

HT Mega stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly and versatile options for creating before after comparisons in Elementor. Here’s why:

Key Features:

• 5 pre-designed styles to choose from, ranging from minimalist to bold
• Full responsive control with separate settings for different screen sizes· 
• Custom handle styling (size, color, border, icon)
• Label positioning with flexible text options (before/after text, arrows, or custom)
• Box shadow and border effects for professional polish
• Image overlay options to create unique visual effects
• Touch-friendly by default, with optimized interactions for mobile

Styling Capabilities:

Within HT Mega’s Image Comparison widget, you can customize:

• Box Style: Container background, border, padding, and shadow.
• Before Title: Font, size, color, weight, and alignment.
• After Title: Independent styling from the before title.
• Reveal Effect: Border type, color, width, and shadow on the divider line.
• Handler: Size, color, background, border, icon, and hover effects.
• Image Before: Filters, opacity, hover effects.
• Image After: Independent filter and effect controls.

This granular control means you can match any brand style without writing custom code. Whether your design calls for a sleek, minimalist look or a bold, graphic comparison, HT Mega provides the flexibility.

Real-World Example:

A cosmetic clinic using HT Mega’s Image Comparison Widget can:

• Upload before-and-after photos of a patient transformation (with permission).
• Set labels to “Before Treatment” and “After 4 Weeks”.
• Customize the handle with their brand color.
• Add a subtle box shadow for depth.
• Adjust mobile settings to ensure the slider is easy to use on phones.

The result is a professional, trust-building element that increases conversion rates on their service pages.

Top 5 Before After Image Widget for Elementor (Side-by-Side Comparison)

Here’s a detailed comparison of the five best before after image widget options for Elementor in 2025:

Plugin	Free/Pro	Orientation	Interaction	Labels	Touch Friendly	Best For
HT Mega	Both	H & V	Drag/Hover	Yes	✓	All-purpose, easy customization
Unlimited Elements	Free	H & V	Drag/Hover/Click	Yes	✓	Lightweight, free option
Premium Addons	Both	H & V	Drag/Hover	Yes	✓	Advanced features, pro plans
Happy Addons	Both	H & V	Drag/Hover	Yes	✓	Smooth animation, performance
Ultimate Addons	Both	H & V	Drag/Hover/Click	Yes	✓	Feature-rich, pro support

Detailed Breakdown:

1. HT Mega Image Comparison Widget

The HT Mega Image Comparison Widget lets you showcase before and after images with an interactive slider and five pre-built styles, making it ideal for services like makeovers, renovations, and product tweaks. It integrates seamlessly with 130+ Elementor widgets in HT Mega, so you can design entire landing pages while keeping performance and responsiveness under control.

Price: Free plan available; Pro version from $49/year

Best for: Small businesses, agencies, and freelancers wanting a complete solution without complexity

Pros: 

• 5 pre-built styles, 
• Full responsive control, 
• Excellent documentation, 
• Active support, 
• Lightweight code

Cons: Pro version has a cost; some advanced animations reserved for Pro.

Verdict: The best overall choice for most users. HT Mega balances ease of use with powerful customization, and their Image Comparison Widget integrates seamlessly with 100+ other widgets in the HT Mega suite.

2. Unlimited Elements Before After Widget

The Unlimited Elements Before After Widget focuses on delivering an easy, free way to compare two images side by side with a draggable slider. It covers core essentials like horizontal sliders, customizable handles, and basic label styling, which makes it a solid choice for simple portfolios or budget projects.

• Price: Free
• Best for: Budget-conscious designers who want all core features without upselling
• Pros:
  • Completely free, 
  • Simple interface, 
  • No premium limitations, 
  • Strong community support    

• Cons: Limited pre-built styles, fewer advanced customization options
• Verdict: Perfect if you want a minimal, no-frills solution. Great for personal projects or clients with tight budgets.

3. Premium Addons Image Comparison Widget

The Premium Addons Image Comparison widget offers vertical and horizontal orientations with mouse move, drag, or click interactions for highly interactive comparisons. It shines on creative and portfolio sites thanks to its smooth animations and advanced display options, especially when combined with features like Magic Scroll in the Pro version.

• Price: Freemium model; Pro from $79/year
• Best for: Designers who want cutting-edge animation options and exclusive effects.
• Pros:
  • Smooth animations, 
  • Extensive library of effects, 
  • Professional widget code.
• Cons: Pro features are more expensive; the free version is limited.
• Verdict: Choose this if you’re building high-end portfolio sites and want animated comparisons with advanced effects.

4. Happy Addons Image Compare Widget

The Happy Addons Image Compare widget helps designers and agencies present before and after work with clean, performance-oriented sliders and flexible styling. With options to adjust orientation, overlay, handle size, and labels, it’s a smart pick when you need a lightweight solution that still looks modern and polished.

• Price: Free and Pro versions (Pro from $39/year)
• Best for: Performance-focused developers who need lightweight comparison widgets
• Pros:
  • Optimized for speed, 
  • Clean code, 
  • Excellent performance scores, and 
  • Affordable Pro tier
• Cons: Fewer styling options than HT Mega; smaller add-on library overall
• Verdict: Best for Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) focused projects where page speed impacts rankings and user experience.

5. Ultimate Addons Before After Slider Widget

The Ultimate Addons Before After Slider delivers an advanced, fully customizable comparison widget with horizontal and vertical modes, custom labels, and multiple interaction triggers. It is tailored for agencies and enterprise projects where granular control over styling, multiple sliders per page, and premium support are critical requirements.

• Price: Pro only ($139/year for the full suite)
• Best for: Enterprise clients and agencies with complex comparison requirements
• Pros:
  • Extensive customization, 
  • Dedicated support, 
  • Enterprise-grade features
• Cons: Higher cost; requires a subscription; steeper learning curve
• Verdict: Consider this only if you need enterprise-level features and have clients willing to invest in premium tools.

Design Tips to Make Before After Images Look Professional

Creating a stunning before-and-after comparison isn’t just about dropping a widget on your page. Here are proven design practices to maximize impact:

1. Match Image Dimensions and Aspect Ratios

The most common mistake is uploading before and after images with different sizes or crops. This causes misalignment and looks unprofessional. Before uploading:

• Crop both images to the same aspect ratio (square, 16:9, 4:3, etc.)
• Ensure both images are the same pixel dimensions (e.g., 800x600px)
• Keep high resolution (at least 72 DPI for web)

2. Ensure Consistent Lighting and Color Grading

If the before image is dark and the after is bright, the transformation looks unrealistic. Use photo editing software to:

• Match white balance between before and after
• Adjust exposure and contrast similarly
•  Use consistent color grading or filter

3. Use Clear, Contrasting Labels

Small or low-contrast labels disappear on mobile. Make your labels readable by:

• Using font sizes of at least 14px (larger on mobile if possible)
• Choosing a high-contrast color (dark text on light background, or vice versa)
• Keeping labels short and descriptive (“Before” and “After” work fine)

4. Position the Handle for Maximum Clarity

A subtle handle can get lost. Consider:

• Making the handle at least 40px wide for easy touch interaction
• Using your brand color or a contrasting accent color
• Adding a subtle icon (arrow, line, or custom symbol) to make it obvious the image is interactive

5. Add Whitespace Around the Widget

Cramped designs feel claustrophobic. Give your before after widget breathing room:

• Add 30-50px margin on top and bottom
• Use a section background color or subtle texture that complements the images
• Place the widget above the fold for immediate impact

6. Include Context Above and Below

The widget alone doesn’t sell. Enhance it with:

• A compelling headline above (e.g., “See the Transformation”)
• Social proof or testimonial below (client quote, result, timeline)
• Call-to-action button (e.g., “Get Your Free Consultation”)

Improving UX: Handles, Labels, and Animation Settings

User experience with your before after widget depends on thoughtful configuration of three elements: handles, labels, and animations.

Handles: Making It Obvious the Image Is Interactive

The “handle” is the draggable divider. On desktop, users might not immediately know it’s interactive. Improve usability by:

Making the handle visible: Set the handle width to 40-50px minimum

• Using color: Choose a color that stands out from the images (e.g., brand color, white, or neon)
• Adding an icon: Use arrows, chevrons, or a custom icon to suggest movement
• Testing cursor: Ensure the cursor changes to “grab” or “pointer” on hover

In HT Mega, you can customize all of these in the Handler style section.

Labels: Telling the Story

Labels guide visitors through the comparison and explain what they’re seeing. Best practices:

• Keep it simple: “Before/After” works, but “Before Treatment/After 6 Weeks” tells a better story
• Match your context: Use relevant terms for your industry (Renovation: “Before/After Remodel”; Fitness: “Before/After 12 Weeks”)
• Position strategically: Top labels work for most cases; center or bottom labels can work for specific designs
• Test readability: Check that labels are legible on mobile without overlapping the images

Animation Settings: Motion Without Distraction

While some plugins offer animation effects, be cautious:

• Avoid auto-play animations that surprise visitors; make interaction intentional
• Use smooth transitions (300-400ms duration) that feel responsive without lag
• Test on slower connections to ensure animations don’t cause performance issues
• Provide fallbacks for older browsers

The sweet spot is a widget that’s responsive to user input without unnecessary motion that distracts or delays page load.

SEO and Performance Best Practices for Before After Image Widgets

Visual elements like comparison widgets can actually help your SEO if implemented correctly, or hurt it if poorly optimized. Here’s what you need to know:

Image Optimization:

•  Compress before uploading: Use tools like TinyPNG, ImageOptim, or WordPress plugins to reduce file size without visible quality loss.
• Use modern formats: Serve WebP images where possible, with JPG fallbacks for older browsers.
• Set dimensions in HTML: Specify image width and height in the widget settings to reduce Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).
• Add descriptive alt text: Both the before and after images should have meaningful alt text, e.g., “before treatment dental implant” and “after treatment dental implant with smile”.

Page Speed:

• Enable lazy loading: Load comparison images only when visitors scroll to them (many Elementor addons support this by default)
• Minimize widget code: Lightweight plugins like HT Mega have smaller JavaScript footprints than bloated addons
• Test with PageSpeed Insights: Google’s tool shows exactly how your page performs with comparison widgets included
• SEO-Friendly Markup:
•  Use structured data: If your before-and-after comparison showcases a service, use schema markup (e.g., LocalBusinessSchema) to help search engines understand context
• Write supporting content: The text around your comparison widget (headlines, descriptions) should explain the transformation and include your target keywords naturally

Linking Strategy:

•  Link to case studies: If you have case study posts, link to them from your before after sections
• Internal linking: Use comparison widgets in hub pages that link to relevant service pages or category archives
• External credibility: If appropriate, link to third-party sources that mention the importance of before-and-after proof (builds trust and improves SEO)

By following these practices, your before after widgets become SEO assets rather than liabilities.

Real-World Use Cases: From Clinics to eCommerce Stores

Understanding where before after image widgets deliver the most impact helps you implement them strategically. Here are five industries where these widgets drive measurable results:

1. Cosmetic and Dental Clinics

Cosmetic dentists, dermatologists, and cosmetic surgeons rely heavily on before-and-after proof. A patient seeing a photogenic transformation is far more likely to book a consultation. Placement: Service detail pages, homepage hero section.

2. Fitness and Weight Loss Coaching

Personal trainers and weight loss programs use before-and-after comparisons to build credibility and motivation. These widgets turn client success stories into powerful marketing assets. Placement: Testimonial pages, success stories section, email marketing.

3. Home Renovation and Interior Design

Renovation companies and interior designers work in highly visual industries. Showing a shabby kitchen transformed into a modern masterpiece is exponentially more persuasive than photos alone. Placement: Portfolio pages, service pages, case studies.

4. Photo Editing and Retouching Services

Photographers, photo editors, and retouching services demonstrate their skill directly with before-and-after comparisons. This is where the before after image widget truly shines. Placement: Portfolio, service pages, pricing pages.

5. SaaS and Software Products

Software companies often use before-and-after comparisons to show how their dashboard or interface simplifies workflows. Placement: Feature pages, sales pages, testimonial sections.

Each of these industries benefits from the trust and engagement that comparison widgets provide. If your business involves transformation or improvement, a before after image widget is worth implementing.

Alternative Ways to Show Before & After Content in Elementor

While before & after image widgets are powerful, they’re not the only way to showcase transformations. Here are alternatives to consider:

Image Carousel or Gallery

Use an image carousel (like HT Mega’s Carousel widget) to display multiple before-and-after pairs in sequence. This works well if you have 3+ transformations to showcase.

Image Switcher Widget

HT Mega’s Image Switcher widget lets visitors toggle between images by clicking buttons instead of dragging. This is ideal for showing multiple variations of the same scene without the complexity of a slider.

Side-by-Side Image Comparison

Simply place before and after images next to each other using Elementor’s native column layout. This is the simplest approach but takes up more space.

Image Grid with Lightbox

Use an image grid (like HT Mega’s Image Grid widget) with lightbox functionality. Visitors click thumbnails to see full-size before-and-after pairs in a modal. This works well for portfolios with many projects.

Video Overlay Comparison

Some advanced projects combine video and before-and-after sliders to show dynamic transformations (e.g., timelapse renovation videos).

For most use cases, the dedicated before & after image widget is still the best choice because it’s intuitive, mobile-friendly, and specifically designed for comparison workflows.

Common Before & After Image Widget Mistakes (And Advanced Tips)

Understanding common pitfalls helps you avoid them and use comparison widgets more effectively.

Common Mistakes:

1. Mismatched Image Sizes

❌ Problem: Before image is 1200x800px, after image is 1200x900px. Result: Misaligned comparison, unprofessional look.

✓ Solution: Resize both images to identical dimensions before uploading. Use your image editor’s batch resize feature to make this fast.

2. Low-Contrast Handles and Labels

❌ Problem: Gray handle on a gray background; small white text on a light image. Result: Users don’t realize the widget is interactive; they don’t see the labels.

✓ Solution: Test your design on different image types. Use high-contrast colors and larger font sizes (minimum 14px).

3. Oversized Images That Hurt Performance

❌ Problem: Uploading uncompressed 5MB images. Result: Slow page load, visitors bounce, SEO ranking drops.

✓ Solution: Compress images to under 200KB each using TinyPNG or similar tools. Serve WebP format where possible.

4. Ignoring Mobile and Touch Interactions

❌ Problem: Widget works great on desktop but is too small to interact with on mobile. Visitors get frustrated.

✓ Solution: Test on real mobile devices. Set handle size to at least 50px on mobile. Adjust label font size responsively.

5. Placing Comparisons Below the Fold

❌ Problem: The before & after widget is buried below other content. Few visitors see it.

✓ Solution: Place your most compelling comparison above the fold or in a prominent section. Use it as a conversion driver on key pages.

Advanced Tips to Maximize Impact:

Tip 1: Use Multiple Comparisons Strategically

Instead of one comparison, create a series of 3-5 before-and-after pairs arranged vertically. This builds cumulative proof and keeps visitors scrolling.

Tip 2: Combine with Trust Elements

Place testimonials, client names, results, and dates near each comparison. Example: “Sarah’s 12-Week Transformation” with a date, weight loss amount, and client quote next to the slider.

Tip 3: Link to Detailed Case Studies

Add a “Read Full Case Study” CTA button below the comparison widget to deepen engagement and boost SEO with internal linking.

Tip 4: Use Comparisons in Email Marketing

Export your comparison widget as an image or GIF and include it in email campaigns. Before-and-after visuals significantly boost email open and click-through rates.

Tip 5: Track Engagement Metrics

Use Google Analytics events or heatmap tools (like Hotjar) to track how many users interact with your comparison widgets. This data helps justify the ROI of investment in professional before-and-after photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the Right Before & After Image Widget

Creating powerful before-and-after comparisons isn’t just about finding the right widget—it’s about using visual proof strategically to build trust, increase engagement, and drive conversions. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored five of the best before & after image widget options for Elementor, each offering unique strengths for different use cases.

HT Mega’s Image Comparison Widget emerges as the strongest all-around choice. It balances ease of use with powerful customization, includes multiple pre-built styles, and integrates seamlessly with the rest of the HT Mega ecosystem. Whether you’re showcasing a cosmetic transformation, home renovation, fitness journey, or product improvement, HT Mega gives you the flexibility to create professional, trust-building comparisons without requiring custom code.

Next Steps:

1. Install HT Mega from the WordPress plugin repository or their website.

2. Enable the Image Comparison widget in HT Mega Settings > Elements.

3. Create a new Elementor page or edit an existing one.

4. Search for “Image Comparison” and drag the HT Mega widget onto your page.

5. Upload your best before-and-after images (make sure they’re the same dimensions).

6. Customize colors, labels, and handle styling to match your brand.

7. Test on mobile to ensure smooth touch interaction.

8. Publish and celebrate your transformation showcase.

Your first before & after section is just minutes away. Start building trust with visual proof today.