Key highlights
- Uncover how to find a website’s WordPress theme with a free and reliable theme checker tool.
- Learn which WordPress theme detectors provide both theme and plugin insights for deeper competitive analysis.
- Explore manual methods like source code inspection to detect hidden or custom themes.
- Understand what to do after finding a theme including checking availability, support and performance.
- Know how to launch your site with the right theme and reliable hosting using Bluehost.
Have you ever stumbled upon a beautifully designed WordPress site and thought, “I want my website to look like this”? That reaction is common and often marks the beginning of a great design journey. But recreating a site’s look starts with one crucial step: identifying the theme it’s built on.
That’s where a WordPress theme detector becomes incredibly useful.
A WordPress theme detector is a tool that instantly tells you which theme a WordPress site is using. It scans the site and reveals theme names, developers and even active plugins.
Instead of digging through source code or guessing based on layout, these tools give you clear answers in seconds. In this guide, we’ll explore the most reliable WP theme detectors to speed up your website design journey.
To begin with, let’s break down the different ways you can use to identify WordPress theme used on any website.
How can you detect a WordPress theme on any site?
You can identify a WordPress theme using three proven methods:
1. Use a WordPress theme detector tool
You can use tools like WPThemeDetector, ScanWP or What WordPress Theme Is That to scan any WordPress site. These tools instantly reveal:
- Theme name and author
- If it’s a parent or child theme
- Active WordPress plugins
These tools help you skip manual inspection and get accurate results fast.
2. Check the page source
Right-click anywhere on the site > click View Page Source > press Ctrl + F and search for:
/wp-content/themes/ The folder name following this path usually reveals the active theme.
For example:
wp-content/themes/astra/→ The site uses the Astra theme.
3. Open the theme’s style.css file
Use this URL format:
https://[example].com/wp-content/themes/theme-name/style.cssReplace [example].com and theme-name based on what you found in step 2. This file shows:
- Theme name
- Version
- Author
- Template (if it’s a child theme)
These methods work on the vast majority of WordPress websites using public themes. For sites using heavily customized or hidden themes, you might need both a theme and plugin detector tool for full visibility.
In such cases, combining a manual check with a reliable theme detection plugin gives you a better chance of identifying the theme structure and its dependencies.
Also read: 65 Best Free WordPress Themes for Every Niche (2025 Edition)
Once you understand how theme detection works, the next step is choosing the right tool. Here are some of the best options available.
What are the best WordPress theme detector tools?
You can’t choose the right WordPress theme detector by name alone. Each has its strengths- some WordPress plugin detector tools excel at plugin detection, while others highlight theme frameworks or child theme structures.
Here’s a quick summary of the top WP theme finder tools, what each one offers and who they’re best suited for:
| Tool | What it detects | Why it’s useful | Best for |
| WPBeginner Theme Detector | Theme name, version, author, homepage, parent-child structure | Gives reliable theme data even if renamed or customized | Beginners and business owners |
| Chrome Theme Detector Extension | Current theme, framework, page builder, visible plugins | Real-time detection in browser with no need to switch tabs | Developers and marketers |
| ScanWP | Theme details, pricing, plugin list, SEO keywords, hosting info | Combines theme, plugin and SEO data for deeper insights | Agencies and SEO professionals |
| WPThemeDetector.com | Theme name, structure, plugin list, usage stats and tags | Explains popularity and context of many WordPress themes and plugins | Niche researchers and analysts |
| IsItWP | Theme name, author site, basic plugins, WordPress status | Clean UI for quick checks without technical overload | New users or small site owners |
Now that you’ve seen what each tool can do at a glance, let’s look at them in more detail to help you pick the one that fits your needs best.
1. WPBeginner WordPress Theme Detector
WPBeginner’s detector is built by one of the most trusted WordPress tutorial sites in the world. It’s a lightweight, browser-based tool that helps users uncover themes running on any WordPress site with minimal effort. It’s ideal for bloggers, solopreneurs and marketers exploring theme options by example.
Top features:
- Detects full theme name, version and author
- Identifies parent-child theme relationships
- Links directly to the theme homepage or source
- Highlights if the theme is free or premium
- Occasionally lists major plugins used on the site
What it detects:
- Exact theme name, version and author
- Theme homepage and developer site
- Parent and child theme relationships
Why it’s useful:
It gives reliable results even when the theme is customized or renamed. If you’re building a blog or business site, this tool helps you track down the visual design you’re trying to replicate.
Best for:
Beginners or business owners looking for fast, accurate theme insights without using browser developer tools.
2. WordPress Theme Detector Chrome Extension
This browser extension adds one-click detection power directly into your Chrome browser. It eliminates the need to copy/paste URLs into external tools, saving time during research or site comparisons.
Top features:
- Detects active theme and associated framework
- Identifies page builders like Elementor or WPBakery
- Shows plugin stack when not hidden
- Works in real-time across multiple tabs
- Lightweight and doesn’t slow down browsing
What it detects:
- Current theme and framework (for example, Astra, GeneratePress, Divi)
- Page builder (like Elementor or WPBakery)
- Active plugins, when visible
Why it’s useful:
You don’t need to copy URLs or run scans. You can access this tool directly from your browser and instantly view key design and plugin details on any WordPress site.
Best for:
Developers, designers and marketers who regularly explore other websites and need fast, reliable insights.
3. ScanWP
ScanWP goes beyond basic theme detection-it pulls in deep data, including SEO keywords and hosting providers. It’s a premium-grade research tool best suited for agencies and SEO professionals.
Top features:
- Provides theme name, author, version and source
- Displays plugin list and keyword data
- Shows if the theme is custom or marketplace-based
- Includes pricing for premium themes
- Identifies hosting provider and CMS version
Why it’s useful:
You don’t just get design-related details you also uncover content and SEO clues. This helps you replicate what’s working on other high-performing WordPress sites.
Best for:
Agencies, SEOs and power users who want deep insights into both the frontend and backend of a competitor’s site.
4. WPThemeDetector.com
WPThemeDetector is built for deeper exploration. It not only detects themes and plugins, but also analyzes popularity and usage trends-making it ideal for finding what’s working at scale.
Top features:
- Detects theme name, structure and origin
- Lists associated plugins with links and usage stats
- Identifies child/parent hierarchy
- Adds theme tags and category data
- Tracks popularity based on public usage
What it detects:
- Theme name, structure (parent/child) and developer info
- Plugin list with links and descriptions
- Tags and usage stats for both themes and plugins
Why it’s useful:
The tool offers more than detection. It helps you understand how common a theme or plugin is, what it’s typically used for and whether it’s part of a larger design framework.
Best for:
Users doing in-depth research on niche WordPress websites and looking for new theme/plugin combinations to try.
5. IsItWP
IsItWP offers a clean, fast, no-frills experience. Built by the makers of SeedProd and WPForms, it focuses on essential information ideal for users who want quick answers without technical noise.
Top features:
- Instantly identifies WordPress theme in use
- Shows theme name and developer site
- Confirms if a site runs WordPress
- Lists top visible plugins (if detectable)
- Simple UI with zero learning curve
What it detects:
- Active WordPress theme name and author site
- Basic plugin information (limited to major ones)
- Verifies if the site is running on WordPress
Why it’s useful:
It doesn’t overwhelm you with data. The UI is clean and designed for people who just want the basics: theme, plugins and a simple yes/no on WordPress use.
Best for:
Beginners or small business owners who need fast, clutter-free theme and plugin detection without technical extras.
After identifying the theme using WP theme finder tools, you need to make sure it’s usable, reliable and a good fit for your own website. Here’s what to do next.
What to do after you find the theme?
To bring your vision to life, you need more than just a great-looking theme. You need to ensure that the theme is available for download or purchase, actively supported by the developer, optimized for performance and compatible with the tools you plan to use. These factors directly impact your site’s stability, speed and scalability.
Here’s what to do next:
1. Check if the theme is available to use
Start by searching the theme name on trusted platforms:
- WordPress.org for free popular themes
- ThemeForest or TemplateMonster for premium themes
- Official developer websites for studio-created themes
If you can’t find the exact theme, search for alternatives using the same design elements. Many marketplaces offer filters by layout, industry and plugin compatibility.
Avoid downloading themes from unofficial sources. These often include malicious code and can compromise your site’s security.
2. Evaluate theme quality before installation
Before adding the theme to your WordPress site, assess its performance and long-term value. Use this checklist:
- Recent updates: Ensure the theme has been updated in the last 3–6 months.
- Responsive design: Test how it looks on phones and tablets.
- Speed performance: Run demo through PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
- Plugin compatibility: Check support for WooCommerce and SEO tools.
- User feedback: Read reviews to catch common issues.
- Developer support: Look for documentation or a helpdesk for troubleshooting.
A good-looking theme means nothing if it slows down your site or lacks proper updates and support.
3. Set up your website with Bluehost hosting
To run your theme smoothly, you need reliable hosting first. Themes depend on server performance, plugin compatibility and update stability to function properly.
That’s where Bluehost comes in.
With WordPress-optimized infrastructure, Bluehost ensures your theme loads fast, stays secure and integrates seamlessly with plugins and builders. You also get access to powerful tools that simplify site management no technical background needed.
Also read: How to Create a WordPress Website in 2025: A Practical Guide
Bluehost includes:
- One-click WordPress and theme installation
- Free SSL, CDN and backups for security and speed
- Plugin bundles that match your site type (blog, store, portfolio)
- 24/7 expert support trained in WordPress theme issues
- Pre-tested compatibility with top themes like Astra, OceanWP, Kadence and more
Ready to launch? Choose a Bluehost WordPress Hosting plan that fits your goals. Install your theme, set up your plugins and publish your site-all in one streamlined workflow.
Final thoughts
Knowing which theme powers a WordPress site gives you a creative and strategic edge. With the right WordPress theme detector, you can uncover design inspiration, analyze competitors and choose a theme that aligns with your goals.
Don’t stop at research. Tturn your insight into action. Once you find the theme that fits your vision, pair it with reliable hosting that brings your site to life. With Bluehost, you get performance-optimized WordPress hosting, one-click theme installs and expert support to help you launch with confidence.
Launch your WordPress site today with Bluehost Hosting fast, secure and optimized for your chosen theme.
FAQs
Yes, you can detect most premium WordPress themes using tools like WPBeginner or ScanWP. These tools will show the theme name, author and marketplace. If the site uses a custom theme, the tool may return a generic name or nothing at all. That usually means the theme is privately developed and not available to the public.
Yes, you can easily check it. View the site’s source code and search for /wp-content/themes/. If the folder name includes “-child”, it’s a child theme. You can also open the style.css file and look for the Template: line, which shows the parent theme name.
Yes, most theme detector tools are completely free. Tools like IsItWP and WPThemeDetector don’t charge for basic detection. Some advanced tools like ScanWP may offer plugin or SEO data only in their paid plans.
No, using the same theme won’t fully replicate the site. You’ll get the layout and design, but not the content, images or custom code. To match the full experience, you’ll need to use similar plugins and manually recreate any custom elements.
No, many websites use custom or private themes that are not for sale. Detector tools may identify the base framework (like Astra or Divi), but not the full theme. If you can’t find a download link, the theme is likely built exclusively for that site.
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