One of the most common questions we hear is whether you are locked into your choice of the AI Website Builder or Empty WordPress. The short answer is no — you can switch at any time, in either direction, at no extra cost.
Switching from the AI builder to plain WordPress
If you used the Web60 Site Builder to create your site and now want to take full manual control, you can do this yourself from within WordPress. The AI builder is simply a theme and a set of plugins — it is not a permanent part of your site.
Here is how to make the switch:
Step 1: Choose a new theme
Open your WordPress editor from your Web60 dashboard. Go to Appearance then Themes. Browse the available themes or upload one of your own, and click Activate on the theme you want to use.
Once you activate a new theme, your site will immediately start using it instead of the builder's theme.
Step 2: Deactivate the builder plugins
After changing your theme, you can deactivate the builder plugins. Go to Plugins in your WordPress editor, find the builder-related plugins, and click Deactivate on each one. This is optional — it just removes them from your active features without deleting anything.
Step 3: Review your pages
When you change themes, your content (pages, posts, and images) stays exactly where it is. However, the layout and styling may look different under your new theme. Take a few minutes to go through your pages and adjust anything that needs tidying up.
Switching from plain WordPress to the AI builder
If you started with an Empty WordPress site and decide you would like to try the AI builder, contact our support team. We can activate the Web60 Site Builder on your site for you.
Once it is activated, the builder will be available in your WordPress editor and you can use it to redesign your site or build new pages.
What stays the same when you switch
No matter which direction you switch, the following all remain unchanged:
- Your content. All your pages, blog posts, and uploaded images stay on your site. Nothing is deleted when you change themes or deactivate plugins.
- Your domain. Your domain name and any DNS settings remain exactly as they are.
- Your backups. All existing backups are kept, and daily backups continue as normal. We recommend checking that a recent backup exists before making any major changes, just for peace of mind.
- Your dashboard. Your Web60 dashboard, account settings, billing, analytics, and all other features are completely unaffected.
- Your price. There is no charge for switching. Your plan costs the same regardless of whether you use the AI builder or not.
A backup is always there
Before making any major change to your site, it is good practice to make sure you have a recent backup. You can check this from the Backups section of your Web60 dashboard. If anything does not look right after switching, you can restore your site to how it was before.
Which approach is right for you?
If you are not sure whether to stick with the AI builder or go manual, read our comparison guide for a full breakdown of who each option is best for.
Need help?
If you would like a hand switching your site over, or if you are unsure about anything in the process, visit our support page and we will take care of it for you.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my content if I switch?
No. Your pages, posts, and images all stay on your site when you change themes. You may need to rearrange some elements to suit your new theme, but nothing is deleted.
Do I need to pay extra?
No. Switching between the AI builder and plain WordPress is free. Your plan price stays the same regardless of which approach you use.
Can I go back to the AI builder after switching away?
Yes. If you deactivated the builder and want it back, contact our support team and we can reactivate it for you.
Last updated: 31 March 2026