How to Create a Vertical Navigation Menu in Elementor for Free?

Updated onApril 10, 2026By

Key Takeaways

  • Navigation Menu Lite widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor allows users to create a vertical navigation menu for free.
  • Users must create a menu in WordPress before adding the Navigation Menu Lite widget to the header, sidebar, or page template.
  • The vertical menu is configured by selecting 'Vertical Menu' from the Menu Direction dropdown and choosing a menu from the Select Menu dropdown.
Table Of Content

For small websites, adding a vertical navigation menu can give a unique look to it. With the Navigation Menu Lite widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor, you can easily create a vertical navigation menu in Elementor for free.

To check the complete feature overview documentation of The Plus Addons for Elementor Navigation Menu Lite widget, click here.

Requirement  – This widget is a part of The Plus Addons for Elementor, make sure its installed & activated to enjoy all its powers.

To use the Navigation Menu Lite widget, you need to create a menu in WordPress.

Then, add the Navigation Menu Lite widget to the header, sidebar or a page template and follow the steps –

Note: To create the template, you can use the free Nexter Builder or you can use Elementor Pro if you are already using it.

1. Select Vertical Menu from the Menu Direction dropdown.

2. Then select your menu from the Select Menu dropdown.

Navigation menu lite vertical menu

You can select the appropriate submenu hover event and effect.

Now, your menu will be aligned vertically.

Navigation menu vertical menu demo

Also, check How to Create an Elementor Hamburger Toggle Menu for Mobile for Free.

About the Author

Photo of Aditya Sharma CMO of The Plus Addons for Elementor
CMO · The Plus Addons for Elementor · 10 years experience

He has spent years in the WordPress ecosystem building, breaking, and optimizing sites until they actually perform. He works at the intersection of speed, growth, and usability, helping creators ship websites that load fast and convert. An active WordPress community contributor sharing through tools, tutorials, and direct collaboration. Tested practice, not theory.

WordPressElementorn8nAIClaudeAutomationServer
LinkedIn X GitHub YouTube Website
Get Instant Answers to all your questions about The Plus Addons for Elementor, trained on 1000+ Docs and Videos

Related Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the vertical menu isn't displaying correctly?

If the vertical menu isn't displaying as expected, ensure that the Navigation Menu Lite widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor is properly installed and activated. Also, check that you've selected 'Vertical Menu' from the Menu Direction dropdown. If the issue persists, verify that your WordPress menu is correctly set up and linked to the widget.

What are the best settings for submenu hover effects in a vertical menu?

Choosing the right submenu hover effects is crucial for user experience. The Navigation Menu Lite widget allows you to select appropriate submenu hover events and effects. Consider using subtle animations to enhance visibility without overwhelming users. This can help maintain a clean look while ensuring that submenus are easily accessible.

Is there a way to create a mobile-friendly version of the vertical menu?

While the vertical navigation menu is designed for desktop use, you can create a mobile-friendly version by using the Elementor Hamburger Toggle Menu. This allows you to maintain a clean layout on smaller screens. For guidance, check out the tutorial on creating an Elementor Hamburger Toggle Menu for Mobile for Free.

Last reviewed: April 10, 2026

Related Docs