Have you ever come across a website and wondered, “What theme is this?” You’re not alone! Whether you’re trying to replicate a site’s sleek design or looking for inspiration for your own WordPress project, knowing the theme a website uses can save you hours of searching. The good news? There are tools available that can detect a WordPress theme in seconds.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best WordPress theme detectors and show you how to use them. Plus, we’ll explain why knowing a site’s theme is just as important as choosing the right hosting, especially when you’re aiming for scalability and reliability.
How to confirm a website is using WordPress
Before trying to detect a website’s theme, it’s essential to verify whether the site is built with WordPress. You wouldn’t want to use a WordPress theme detector on a non-WordPress site. Identifying the platform first ensures you’re on the right track and saves time.
Here are some simple ways to confirm if a website is using WordPress:
- Check the URL structure: WordPress has a distinct way of organizing its files. By checking the website’s URL, you can spot WordPress-related paths such as /wp-content/ or /wp-admin/. These directories handle core functions like storing images, themes and administrative tasks, which are unique to WordPress. If you see them, it’s a sure sign the site is running on WordPress.
- View page source: Another method is by inspecting the page’s source code. Just right-click on the webpage, select “View Page Source,” then search for phrases like “wp-content” or “wp-“. Once you have the code in front of you, search for key terms like “wp-content” or “wp-includes.” These terms usually point to the backend structure of a WordPress site. Seeing them in the source code is like finding a digital signature that confirms the platform.
- Use online tools: If the manual methods sound too complicated, don’t worry—there are online tools that can handle this step for you. IsItWP is one such tool. Simply enter the website’s URL, and within seconds, it will tell you if the site uses WordPress. It’s quick, straightforward and perfect if you’re in a hurry or not keen on viewing source code.
- Visual indicators: Sometimes, WordPress websites give themselves away with visual clues. Many WordPress themes come with standard designs or widgets that are hard to miss, like the familiar WordPress logo in the footer or built-in themes such as “Twenty Twenty-Three.” Even certain plugin elements can tip you off. If you recognize these typical WordPress features, you’ve got your answer.
Top 5 WordPress theme detector tools
There are several handy tools available to detect what theme a WordPress site is using:
1. WPBeginner WordPress theme detector
WPBeginner is a well-known and trusted resource in the WordPress community. It offers a wide range of tutorials and tools, including its WordPress theme detector. This tool is a go-to for many users because it’s simple to use and provides reliable results.
How to use WPBeginner’s theme detector:
- Visit the WPBeginner WordPress Theme Detector page.
- Enter the URL of the WordPress site you’re curious about in the provided field.
- Click on the “Detect” button, and the tool will fetch the theme’s name along with additional details like the author and version.
Pros:
- Ease of use: WPBeginner’s theme detector doesn’t require any technical knowledge. You simply enter the URL, and the tool does the heavy lifting.
- Reliable results: The tool is highly accurate with standard WordPress themes and provides detailed information like the theme’s author and licensing.
Cons:
- Limitations with custom themes: If the website you’re analyzing uses a heavily customized theme or a child theme, the results may not be as clear. In such cases, the tool might only identify the parent theme or show limited details.
WPBeginner’s WordPress theme detector is a great starting point if you’re searching for a quick and easy solution. While it’s incredibly effective for most websites, keep in mind that customization can sometimes limit its ability to provide full information.
2. WordPress theme detector chrome extension
For those who want instant access to theme detection while browsing, the WordPress Theme Detector Chrome Extension offers convenience and speed. With this tool, you don’t have to visit a separate website—just click an icon in your browser, and the theme information will appear. It’s a handy option if you’re regularly exploring multiple websites and want quick answers.
How to install & use the chrome extension:
- Visit the Chrome Web Store and search for “WordPress Theme Detector.”
- Click the “Add to Chrome” button to install the extension.
- Once installed, navigate to any WordPress website you’re curious about.
- Click on the extension icon in your browser’s toolbar, and it will display the theme details in real-time, right on your screen.
Pros:
- Real-time detection: Unlike web-based tools, the Chrome extension offers immediate results as you browse, saving time when exploring multiple sites.
- Easy access: You can detect a theme with just one click, eliminating the need to visit separate tools or websites.
Cons:
- Browser compatibility issues: While it works well in Chrome, users of other browsers like Firefox or Safari might encounter limitations or need to find alternative solutions.
- Possible extension conflicts: Occasionally, extensions may conflict with other browser add-ons, affecting performance or functionality.
3. ScanWP
If you’re looking for a tool that goes beyond just theme detection, ScanWP is a great choice. It provides comprehensive insights into both the theme and the plugins used on a WordPress site. This makes it especially useful for anyone trying to replicate not just the look but also the functionality of a particular website.
How to use ScanWP:
- Go to the ScanWP website.
- In the search box, enter the URL of the WordPress site you want to investigate.
- Hit “Search,” and ScanWP will provide a detailed breakdown of the site’s active theme and plugins.
Pros:
- Detailed reports: In addition to detecting the theme, ScanWP also works as the WordPress plugin detector and lists the plugins with the help used on the website, giving you a full picture of how the site operates behind the scenes.
- Additional insights: ScanWP can even offer information about the hosting provider used by the site, which can be helpful if you’re interested in understanding more about the site’s setup.
Cons:
- Possible delays with large websites: For sites that are particularly large or feature-rich, ScanWP might take longer to process and display results. This delay is often due to the complexity of the site and the depth of the report.
3. WPThemeDetector.com
WPThemeDetector.com is a specialized service designed specifically for identifying the theme and plugins used by a WordPress website. WordPress theme detector tool is known for its accuracy and simplicity, this tool is highly regarded by those looking to get detailed theme information without any hassle.
How to use WPThemeDetector.com:
- Go to WPThemeDetector.com.
- Enter the URL of the WordPress site you’re interested in.
- Click the “Detect” button, and the tool will generate a report showing the active theme and WordPress plugins running on the site.
Pros:
- Highly accurate: WP theme detector is precise when it comes to identifying both the theme and any associated plugins, giving users reliable data.
- User-friendly interface: The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for beginners.
Cons:
- Usage limitations: While the tool is free, users might encounter ads or limitations on the number of searches they can perform in a given time period. This can slow down the process if you need to use it extensively.
3. IsItWP
IsItWP is more than just a theme detector—it’s a versatile tool that provides a broad analysis of any WordPress website. Whether you’re curious about WordPress theme a site is using, plugins, or even the hosting provider, IsItWP gives you a complete snapshot of the site’s setup. It’s an all-in-one solution for anyone wanting to dig deeper into the technical details of a WordPress site.
How to use IsItWP:
- Visit IsItWP.
- Enter the URL of the website you want to analyze.
- Click the button to run the search, and within seconds, you’ll see the WordPress theme details along with other site-specific information, like plugins and hosting provider.
Pros:
- Comprehensive site analysis: IsItWP doesn’t just stop at theme detection—it also offers insights into plugins, hosting, and other vital site details. This makes it an ideal theme and plugin detector for users looking to learn more about how a site is built and runs.
- Versatility: Whether you’re a developer, blogger, or someone just starting out, IsItWP can help you explore the inner workings of a WordPress site with minimal effort.
Cons:
- Potential information overload: While the detailed analysis is a major strength, some users may find the extra information unnecessary, especially if they only want to identify the theme. This could feel overwhelming for those who prefer a simple, focused tool.
Additional method to detect WordPress themes
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can manually detect the theme a WordPress site uses by inspecting its source code. This method doesn’t require any external tools and gives you direct insight into how the website is built. Using browser developer tools, you can locate the theme files quickly and effectively.
Manual inspection using browser developer tools
Here’s how you can manually inspect a site’s code to uncover the theme information:
- Right-click on the webpage and select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” (depending on your browser). This opens the browser’s developer tools.
- Navigate to the “Sources” or “Network” tab. This is where you’ll find all the files loaded by the website, including the theme files.
- Look for theme-related files. Focus on CSS or JavaScript files that are often named after the active theme. Files like style.css or directories with names similar to the theme’s name are good indicators.
Tips for identifying theme directories:
- Theme directory structure: WordPress theme files are usually located in /wp-content/themes/. Once you find this directory in the file structure, you can identify the theme’s folder name, which often matches the theme’s name.
- Look for recognizable filenames: In addition to style.css, files like functions.php or scripts.js often belong to the active theme. These can help you confirm the theme name and its customizations.
Tips for accurate theme detection:
While most WordPress theme detectors are reliable, there are a few challenges you might face when identifying a theme. Some websites use custom or child themes, making detection a bit trickier. Here are some tips to help ensure your theme detection efforts are as accurate as possible.
Check for child themes
Many websites use child themes to customize their design while keeping the parent theme intact. A child theme inherits the functionality of the parent theme but allows for modifications. If you notice a theme name that doesn’t seem familiar, it’s worth checking if it’s a child theme.
In this case, some tools may only show the child theme name, so you’ll need to dig deeper to find out which parent theme is in use. Looking for references in the code (like Template: [parent-theme-name]) can help uncover this.
Consider custom or premium themes
Some websites use highly customized or premium themes, which can make theme detection more challenging. Custom themes may not follow the same naming conventions as standard WordPress themes, and premium themes might not show up in public directories.
In these cases, even though tools can detect a theme, they might not provide full details or identify that it’s a heavily modified version. If you’re encountering a theme that seems unfamiliar, it could be a sign that the website is using a premium or custom solution.
Use multiple tools
For the most accurate results, it’s a good idea to use more than one theme detection tool. Each tool might access different elements of the website’s structure, so cross-verifying information from multiple sources can help ensure you’re getting the right details. If one tool doesn’t give you all the answers, another one might fill in the gaps. This is especially useful for sites with complex setups or advanced customizations.
Final thoughts
Knowing the WordPress theme used by a website can be a game changer, especially when you’re looking for design inspiration or building your own website. We’ve discussed a range of tools—like WPBeginner, ScanWP and IsItWP—that make theme detection easy and efficient.
Each tool has its strengths, but no single tool can cover every scenario, especially with custom or premium themes. That’s why it’s smart to try more than one method to ensure you get accurate results.
Start exploring your favorite websites and use these tools to reveal the themes behind the design. It’s a simple step that can lead to big improvements in your own site-building journey. And if you’re ready to create your own stunning website, check out Bluehost WonderSuite. With its easy-to-use tools and seamless integration with WordPress, you can build a beautiful, professional site without any hassle.
FAQs
Yes, but detecting custom or premium themes can be trickier. Tools may not always provide full details for highly customized themes or premium ones, as they aren’t always publicly listed. Manual inspection of the website’s code might give more clues.
Yes, tools like ScanWP and IsItWP not only detect WordPress themes but also list the plugins used by the site. This helps you understand more about how the site functions beyond just the theme.
Most WordPress theme detectors, like WPThemeDetector.com and WPBeginner’s tool, are highly accurate for standard themes. However, they may have limitations with custom or child themes, which might require further investigation for precise identification.