Bulk search and replace – available exclusively in the Pro version – lets you run mass search and replace operations across an unlimited number of posts, pages, and custom post types at once.
Before running a bulk operation, back up your WordPress database so you can restore your site if anything goes wrong. See this guide, or use the plugin’s own built-in backup feature.
HTML with Regular Expressions (RegEx)
The plugin supports RegEx for matching and replacing HTML or other Elementor content. This is powerful but requires a solid understanding of RegEx syntax – test expressions on a tool like Regular-Expressions.info first, since the plugin performs minimal validation and a bad expression can break your site.
Dry-Run: Safe Testing Mode
Dry-run is enabled by default and lets you preview results before anything changes:
- Run a search to highlight results (available for Text-only searches).
- Review results by post or page, including the number of matches per item.
When you’re satisfied, disable Dry-run on the Options page to execute the replace action.
Select Post Type
The bulk interface lists every post type with published Elementor content – standard posts and pages, plus custom post types built with Elementor. Only published content is shown; drafts and non-Elementor posts are excluded. Use the top bar to toggle all posts or pages for bulk operations.
Search Methods
Three methods, each targeting specific data fields (customizable on the Options page):
- Text-only: searches text content, with an option for case-sensitive matching.
- Links (URLs): locates and replaces hyperlinks.
- Images: updates image file references.
Search For and Replace With
- Search For: your search term, URL, or image file – the input type adjusts to the search method. Minimum 3 characters for Text-only. Links and Images inputs are validated and sanitized.
- Replace With: appears only after a Dry-run search – enter the replacement text, URL, or image file here.
Action Buttons
The interface shows up to four buttons depending on your options and stage of operation:
- Search: available when Dry-run is enabled.
- Replace: appears after a Dry-run search, or when Dry-run is disabled.
- Clear: clears the highlight markers from Text-only results.
- Search & Replace: runs the combined operation, exclusive to the HTML RegEx feature.
Raw Data Limitations
Both Free and Pro default to a 300KB raw data limit. Pro lets you raise this up to 10,240KB on the Options page, for larger posts and more complex content.
Best Practices
- Back up first – always, before running bulk operations. Learn how.
- Test RegEx – validate expressions with a tool like RegEx101 before running them.
- Use Dry-run – confirm results are accurate before applying replacements.
For more, see the WordPress Support Page and the Elementor Help Center.