Orbit Fox Plugin by Themeisle.

Should WordPress Newbies Using the Hestia Theme Install the Orbit Fox Companion Plugin by Themeisle?

The Orbit Fox Companion plugin offers a suite of modules that might appeal to WordPress users, particularly beginners using Themeisle themes like Hestia. While I don’t personally use Orbit Fox, I believe it has features that could benefit newbies. Here’s my take on the plugin overall and its individual modules.

PS. For a detailed yet accessible Hestia theme tutorial, head over to our homepage and start your learning journey.

Video: Orbit Fox Plugin For WordPress Newbies Using Hestia Theme.

Overview of the Orbit Fox Plugin

Orbit Fox bundles ten modules designed to enhance Themeisle themes. However, not all of them work with Hestia, and some may not be suitable for beginners.

What I Don’t Like

Compatibility Issues:
 Some Orbit Fox modules, like the Template Directory, require switching to the Neve theme. The plugin provides a notice about this, but it’s easy to miss. Beginners might accidentally activate this feature, unintentionally switching to an unfamiliar theme.

Overwhelming Features:
 Modules like Page Builder Widgets and Custom Fonts add complexity that might overwhelm beginners.

Hestia theme users cannot use Orbit Fox Template Cloud.

This is what Hestia theme users see when they try activate the Template Cloud.

What I Like

Hestia Enhancements:
 The Hestia Enhancements module simplifies setting up a homepage that mimics the demo site, making it easier for newbies to get started.

Social Sharing: 
Orbit Fox expands Hestia’s limited social sharing options, adding more platforms to connect with your audience.

Policy Notice: 
This module offers a simple way to display a cookie policy notice, ensuring your site meets basic legal requirements.

Header and Footer Scripts:
 Beginners can easily insert Google Analytics or other tracking scripts without editing code manually.

Recommendations for Newbies

Activate only the modules you need to avoid unnecessary complexity. For Hestia users, I recommend enabling:

• Hestia Enhancements
• Policy Notice
• Social Sharing
• Header and Footer Scripts

Finding the settings.

After you install the plugin you can access the settings via your WordPress dashboard.

The template directory will not work with Hestia theme. To install Orbit Fox templates directory the plugin will tell you to switch themes from Hestia to Neve. Only do this if you’re sure you want to switch and you understand the work involved with changing themes.

The Otter Blocks plugin is a good alternative, it includes enough patterns or templates for most small websites.

The toggle switches I refer to above are under the General Setting tab.

Modules Not Ideal for Newbies

Custom Fonts:
 Hestia’s built-in typography settings offer enough flexibility for beginners. The Orbit Fox Custom Fonts module adds more options than most users need.

My Stock Photos:
 While this module simplifies adding stock images, better free options are available on platforms like Unsplash and Pexels.

Page Builder Widgets:
 These are designed for advanced page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. If you’re using Hestia, the focus should be on simplicity, not on mastering additional tools.

Image Optimisation and CDN:
 Optimising images before uploading them using built-in tools on Windows or macOS is often sufficient. Most beginners don’t need a Content Delivery Network (CDN).

For Power Users

If you’re an experienced WordPress user, Orbit Fox may not be the best choice. Advanced users typically prefer standalone plugins tailored to their specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Orbit Fox has its merits, especially for WordPress beginners using the Hestia theme. By selectively enabling modules, you can enhance your website without unnecessary complexity. However, some features—like the Template Directory and Page Builder Widgets—are better suited for other Themeisle themes, such as Neve.

Ultimately, Orbit Fox can be a helpful addition, but its usefulness depends on your specific needs and experience level.