Add PHP Code Inside a Divi Builder Layout with Divi PHP Code Module

Divi PHP Code Module adds a dedicated PHP Code module to the Divi Builder, allowing you to run PHP directly inside Divi pages, posts and layouts.

This is useful when the PHP output needs to appear at a specific point in the layout, such as inside a page section, Theme Builder template, product layout or reusable Divi layout.

Divi’s standard Code Module and Divi PHP Code Module solve different problems. The standard Code Module is useful for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, shortcodes and embeds, but it does not execute server-side PHP. Divi PHP Code Module adds a separate module designed specifically for running PHP in Divi layouts.

Install and activate Divi PHP Code Module

First, install and activate the Divi PHP Code Module plugin.

Once activated, a new PHP Code module will be available in the Divi Builder alongside Divi’s other modules.

Add the PHP Code module to your layout

Open the page, post or Theme Builder layout where you want the PHP output to appear.

In the Divi Builder, click to add a new module, then search for the PHP Code module. Add it to the section, row or column where you want the PHP-generated output to display.

Add your PHP code

Open the PHP Code module settings and add your PHP code.

When the page is viewed, the PHP code will run and its output will be displayed in the location of the module.

This lets you treat PHP output like part of the Divi layout itself: position it visually, move it between sections, and save it in reusable layouts.

Try some PHP Code Module examples

Once you've added the PHP Code module to your layout, you can use it for a wide range of Divi-specific PHP tasks.

For example, you can:

• Display SQL query results inside a Divi layout
• Use global variables inside the Divi PHP Code Module
• Include a PHP template file directly in a Divi Builder layout

For more details on the plugin itself, see the Divi PHP Code Module page.

Add Sitewide PHP Code Using a Code Snippets Plugin

A code snippets plugin lets you add and manage PHP snippets from the WordPress dashboard, without editing Divi’s theme files directly.

This is usually a good option for PHP that should run across the site, such as snippets that add shortcodes, use WordPress actions or filters, modify WooCommerce behaviour, or change frontend / admin functionality.

Install and activate a code snippets plugin

Install and activate your preferred code snippets plugin. Once activated, you’ll be able to add PHP snippets from the WordPress dashboard instead of editing theme files directly.

I use and recommend the free Code Snippets plugin for sitewide snippets.

Create a new PHP snippet

In your snippets plugin, add a new PHP snippet.

Give it a clear name so you can recognise what it does later. This is especially useful if you end up adding several snippets over time.

Paste in your PHP code

Paste your PHP code into the snippet editor.

Note that snippet plugins often expect you to enter only the PHP code itself, without an opening <?php tag, but the exact behaviour depends on the plugin.

Save and activate the snippet

Save the snippet and activate it.

If the plugin gives you options for where the snippet should run, choose the most appropriate setting for the code. For example, some snippets may only need to run on the frontend, while others may need to run in the admin area or across the whole site.

Learn more about using Code Snippets with Divi

If you're using snippets regularly, it's worth keeping them organized and understanding when a snippet belongs in Code Snippets rather than in a child theme or Divi layout. 

I've put together a separate guide on using the Code Snippets plugin with Divi, including when it's a good fit and how it compares with other ways of adding code.

Add PHP Code to Divi Using a Child Theme

A Divi child theme gives you an update-safe place to add custom theme files, including a child theme functions.php file for PHP snippets.

This is useful for developer-managed sitewide customisations, such as registering shortcodes, adding filters, modifying WordPress behaviour, or keeping PHP customisations alongside other child theme changes.

Avoid adding custom PHP directly to Divi’s parent theme functions.php file, typically located at /wp-content/themes/Divi/functions.php. Divi updates can replace parent theme files, causing your changes to be lost.

If a tutorial says to "add this to functions.php," use your child theme’s functions.php file or a code snippets plugin instead.

Create or install a Divi child theme

If you are not already using a child theme, create and activate one before adding custom PHP to theme files.

Your child theme should include its own functions.php file. This is where your custom PHP can be added.

Open the child theme’s functions.php file

Open your child theme’s functions.php file using your preferred method.

This may be via SFTP, FTP, your hosting file manager, or a local development workflow.

Avoid relying only on the WordPress Theme File Editor if you are adding PHP code, because a PHP error can prevent the site from loading and may also stop you from accessing the WordPress dashboard.

Before making changes, make sure you have a recent backup and a way to restore the file if something goes wrong.

Add your PHP code

Add your PHP code to the child theme’s functions.php file.

Add the code inside the existing PHP section of the file, usually after the opening <?php tag. If the snippet you copied includes its own opening <?php tag, check whether you need to remove it before pasting it into an existing functions.php file.

Save and test

Save the file, then test the site.

If something goes wrong, restore the previous version of the file using SFTP, FTP, your hosting file manager, or your backup.

Learn how to create a Divi child theme

If you don’t already have a child theme set up, Elegant Themes has a guide to creating a Divi child theme.

A child theme is a good option if you’re comfortable working with theme files and want a more developer-managed place for custom PHP, CSS and template-level changes.