For over a decade in the WordPress community, the Genesis Framework and its accompanying "theme package" have been synonymous with quality, security, and professional-grade development. For many developers and agencies, the legendary "Pro Plus All-Themes Pack" was a cornerstone of their business—a one-time purchase that provided a lifetime of value.
But as we navigate the dynamic landscape of 2025, the WordPress world has evolved with the block editor and Full Site Editing (FSE). What has become of the Genesis Framework package? Is it still the powerhouse it once was?
This in-depth, SEO-optimized guide will explore the history of the Genesis theme package, explain its modern iteration as Genesis Pro, dissect its core components, and help you determine if it's the right choice for your website today.
The original Genesis theme package, widely known as the Pro Plus Pack, was a legendary offer from StudioPress. For a single payment, users received lifetime access to:
This incredible deal made it an essential toolkit for freelancers and agencies. However, following the acquisition of StudioPress by the managed hosting giant WP Engine in 2018, this model was discontinued for new customers. It was replaced by a modern, subscription-based offering that reflects the current software landscape: Genesis Pro.
Genesis Pro is the modern-day successor to the Pro Plus Pack. It’s an annual subscription that provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to work seamlessly with the block editor and the evolving WordPress platform.
The Genesis Pro subscription includes:
Perhaps the most significant change to the Genesis package model is its integration with its parent company. Today, the entire Genesis Pro package—including the framework, all themes, and both Pro plugins—is available for FREE to all customers of WP Engine and Flywheel hosting.
This strategic move repositions the Genesis suite from being solely a standalone product to a massive value-add for choosing a premium managed hosting environment. For anyone already considering WP Engine or Flywheel, this makes the entire professional toolset of StudioPress available at no additional cost.
In an era of powerful, flexible themes like Kadence and GeneratePress, and with WordPress's own Full Site Editing capabilities on the rise, is a framework like Genesis still necessary?
The answer is yes, but its role has evolved.
The Genesis Framework package, in its modern form as Genesis Pro, remains a top-tier choice, but its target audience has become more defined.
The Genesis Pro package is an ideal choice for:
For solo users on a tight budget who are not using WP Engine or Flywheel, the annual subscription for Genesis Pro may feel steep compared to the one-time costs or freemium models of competitors like Kadence or GeneratePress. However, for those who fit the profiles above, the Genesis package continues to offer a level of quality, support, and professional tooling that is well worth the investment.
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Published:
Jun 22, 2025 08:24 AM
Version:
v3.6.0
Category:
Developer:
ThemeforestLicense:
GPL v2 or Later