--- title: Active Pro version description: "Master Addons Pro comes as a downloadable `.zip` you upload to WordPress, then unlock with your license key. The whole thing takes a few minutes. This guide walks each step with a screenshot, including one detail people miss: Pro needs…" url: "https://master-addons.com/docs/getting-started/active-pro-version/" updated: "2026-06-11" category: Getting Started --- # Active Pro version Master Addons Pro comes as a downloadable `.zip` you upload to WordPress, then unlock with your license key. The whole thing takes a few minutes. This guide walks each step with a screenshot, including one detail people miss: Pro needs the free version of Master Addons running alongside it. ## Master Addons Pro Needs the Free Version Too Master Addons Pro runs on top of the free core plugin, the same way Elementor Pro needs free Elementor. The two work together: the free version powers the base, and Pro adds the premium widgets, extensions, and [template kits](https://master-addons.com/template-kits/) on top. Install Pro on a site that doesn’t have the free version yet, and WordPress shows a notice with an **Install Free Version** button. Click it, and WordPress pulls in and activates the free core for you, no separate download needed. You’ll also see an **Activate Free Version** link on the license screen that does the same thing (more on that below). Either way, keep both active. ## Before You Start - An active [Master Addons Pro plan](https://master-addons.com/pricing/) (Personal, Business, or Developer) - Elementor installed and active (the free version is enough) - Administrator access to your WordPress dashboard ## Step 1: Download the Pro .zip Log in to your Master Addons account and open **My Portal > Downloads**. Next to Master Addons for Elementor, open the **Download** dropdown and pick a version (the latest at the top is your best bet) to grab the Pro `.zip` file. Save it somewhere you can find it. ![Selecting a Master Addons Pro version to download from the account portal downloads dropdown](https://d1asvmc6qcowgk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/11074722/01-download-pro-zip.png) ## Step 2: Upload the Plugin to WordPress In your dashboard, go to **Plugins > Add New** and click **Upload Plugin** at the top. Choose the Pro `.zip` you just downloaded, then click **Install Now**. ![Uploading the Master Addons Pro zip file on the WordPress Add Plugins screen](https://d1asvmc6qcowgk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/11074733/02-upload-pro-zip.png) ## Step 3: Activate the Plugin WordPress unpacks and installs the plugin in a few seconds. When you see "Plugin installed successfully," click **Activate Plugin**. ![Master Addons Pro installed successfully with the Activate Plugin button in WordPress](https://d1asvmc6qcowgk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/11074743/03-pro-installed-activate.png) ## Step 4: Enter Your License Key Right after activation, Master Addons shows a welcome screen asking for your license key. Grab the key from your account under **Licenses**, paste it into the field, and you’re set to activate. See the bar at the bottom: **Don’t have a license key? Activate Free Version**. That’s the same shortcut for adding the free core if it isn’t on the site yet. ![Master Addons Pro welcome screen asking for the license key with the Activate Free Version option](https://d1asvmc6qcowgk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/11074752/04-enter-license-key.png) ## Step 5: Activate Your License With the key pasted in, click **Activate License**. Master Addons checks the key and unlocks the Pro widgets, extensions, and template kits on your site. ![Clicking Activate License after pasting the Master Addons Pro license key](https://d1asvmc6qcowgk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/11074804/05-activate-license.png) ## Step 6: You’re on Pro Once the license activates, you land on the Master Addons dashboard with Pro unlocked. The premium widgets show up in Elementor, and the Pro template kits are ready to import. ![Master Addons Pro active in the WordPress dashboard with premium features unlocked](https://d1asvmc6qcowgk.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/11074815/06-master-addons-pro-active.png) ## What to Do Next With Pro live, the fastest payoff is to [import a template kit](https://master-addons.com/docs/template-kit/how-to-import-template-kits-in-master-addons/) and get a full website design in one click. Or open Elementor and start dropping the premium widgets into your pages. ## Troubleshooting - **Pro widgets still locked?** Check that both the free and Pro versions are active under **Plugins**, and that your license key is activated. - **Seeing an "Install Free Version" notice?** That’s expected. Click the button so WordPress adds the free core, then keep both plugins active. - **License key won’t activate?** Copy it again from your account under **Licenses**, and check that the plan still has an open site slot. - **Don’t have Elementor yet?** Install [Elementor](https://wordpress.org/plugins/elementor/) first, since Master Addons runs on top of it. ## Frequently Asked Questions Do I need the free version of Master Addons to use Pro? Yes. Master Addons Pro runs on top of the free core plugin, so both need to be installed and active. If you install Pro first, WordPress gives you an Install Free Version button that adds the free version automatically. Where do I download Master Addons Pro? Log in to your Master Addons account and open My Portal > Downloads. Click Download next to Master Addons for Elementor to get the latest Pro zip file. Where do I find my Master Addons Pro license key? Your license key is in your account under the Licenses section. Copy it from there and paste it into the welcome screen after you activate the Pro plugin. Can I install Master Addons Pro by searching the plugin directory? No. The free version installs from the WordPress.org search, but Pro is a paid plugin you upload as a zip through Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin. How many sites can I use Master Addons Pro on? It depends on your plan. Personal, Business, and Developer plans each allow a different number of sites. Check the pricing page for the exact site limits before activating the license. ## Related Reading - [How to Install the Free Master Addons Plugin](https://master-addons.com/docs/getting-started/installing-plugin/) - [How to Import Template Kits in Master Addons](https://master-addons.com/docs/template-kit/how-to-import-template-kits-in-master-addons/) - [Master Addons Pricing & Plans](https://master-addons.com/pricing/)