When choosing a website builder, most people look at design templates, ease of use, or maybe SEO tools. But there’s a powerful capability that often gets overlooked: support for custom PHP code.
Whether you’re just launching a site now or planning to scale in the future, having the ability to add your own PHP can make a huge difference – and most website builders don’t allow it.
What Is PHP and Why Does It Matter?
PHP is a server-side scripting language used to create dynamic, interactive websites. It’s what powers many major platforms on the web – from Facebook and Wikipedia to countless custom websites and apps.
The ability to add PHP gives you direct control over how your website behaves on the backend, letting you go far beyond prebuilt templates and settings.
But very few website builders allow you to use it.
Why You Might Want to Add PHP
UltimateWB already includes powerful built-in tools for most functionality people need – custom forms with processing logic, pricing and shipping controls for e-commerce, automated emails, calendar systems, and even full social networking features. In many cases, you won’t need to write a single line of PHP to build a dynamic, professional website.
But for websites with very specific or unique functionality, custom PHP can be a game-changer.
Take Me We Too, for example – a social network where users can anonymously post things they feel or think and find others who feel the same way. It uses custom PHP on top of the UltimateWB platform to implement social features that aren’t typical in standard builders. By leveraging UltimateWB’s flexible backend, Me We Too was able to focus on developing unique features – without having to reinvent basic things like user accounts, page styling and layout, or security.
That’s the key benefit:
Even if you don’t need custom PHP today, choosing a platform that supports it – without compromising the rest of your site – gives you room to innovate when inspiration strikes.
Which Website Builders Let You Add PHP?
Here’s a breakdown of how the most popular website builders stack up when it comes to PHP support:
| Website Builder | Custom PHP Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UltimateWB | ✅ Yes | Full PHP support with protected core code. Add your own logic without risking the main system. |
| Wix | ❌ No | Doesn’t allow PHP. Offers “Velo,” a limited scripting environment. |
| Squarespace | ❌ No | Closed platform. No server-side scripting access. |
| Webflow | ❌ No | Great for front-end design, but no PHP or backend support. |
| Weebly | ❌ No | No server-side scripting access. |
| Shopify | ❌ No | Uses Liquid templating. No PHP support. |
| GoDaddy Website Builder | ❌ No | Closed environment. No server-side scripting. |
| WordPress.com | ❌ No (on hosted plan) | Self-hosted WordPress.org allows PHP, but not the WordPress.com version. |
| WordPress.org (self-hosted) | ✅ Yes | Full PHP support, but you manage the hosting and updates yourself. |
As you can see, most website builders are locked-down systems. They’re great for simple use cases – but can be limiting for advanced customization.
What Makes UltimateWB Stand Out
UltimateWB combines robust built-in tools with advanced flexibility – you get both a powerful out-of-the-box website and the freedom to add your own PHP code when needed.
Out of the box, UltimateWB includes:
- Members system
- E-commerce tools (products, shipping, taxes, discounts)
- Custom form builder
- Calendar features
- Photo/video/audio/file uploads
- Social networking tools
- Listings Directory
- Classifieds & Auction
- Contact forms & automated emails
- Mailing list app for HTML newsletters
- Blogs, forums, and more…
Check out the UltimateWB Features List!
Most users don’t need to add any code. But if you do, UltimateWB makes it easy. You can safely drop in custom PHP logic using the built-in Ad(d)s app, without touching the core files – so your website remains stable and easily upgradable.
Future-Proofing Your Website
Even if you don’t think you’ll ever need PHP, it’s smart to choose a website builder that keeps that door open. Your business or creative vision might evolve, and when it does, you won’t want to start from scratch or be boxed in by a rigid system.
With UltimateWB, you’re set up for growth – whether that means running a simple business site today or building a custom platform tomorrow.
Bottom Line:
If you want a website builder that’s not only powerful and easy to use, but also flexible enough for advanced custom development, UltimateWB is a standout choice. It gives you the tools to build your website your way – right now and in the future.
Related: What’s the Best Website Builder for SEO?
Ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.
Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.