Found a WordPress site with a design you love? You can usually find out which theme and plugins it uses in under a minute. Here are the easiest free ways, from online tools to checking the page source yourself.
| Method | What it finds | Skill needed |
|---|---|---|
| IsItWP | Theme, some plugins, host | None |
| WPBeginner Theme Detector | Theme and some plugins | None |
| Wappalyzer or BuiltWith | Full tech stack | None |
| View page source | Theme and plugin folders | A little |
1. IsItWP
IsItWP tells you if a site runs WordPress, which theme it uses, some of its plugins, and often the hosting provider. Paste the URL and click Analyze Website.
2. WPBeginner WordPress Theme Detector
The WPBeginner Theme Detector is another free tool that shows the theme name and some detected plugins. It is useful to cross-check results from IsItWP.
3. Wappalyzer or BuiltWith
Wappalyzer (a browser extension) and BuiltWith show the whole technology stack of a site: CMS, theme, page builder, analytics, payment tools, and more. Wappalyzer works with one click as you browse.
4. Check the Page Source Yourself
- Open the site, right-click on the page, and choose View Page Source.
- Press Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) and search for wp-content/themes/.
- The word right after /themes/ is the theme folder name, for example /themes/astra/.
- Search for wp-content/plugins/ to see plugin folder names.
If the theme folder has a custom name, the site may use a child theme or a custom built theme. In that case, look for the parent theme name in the style.css file (open yoursite.com/wp-content/themes/foldername/style.css).
Why Detection Is Not Always Perfect
- Custom or heavily modified themes may not be identified.
- Many plugins do not leave visible traces in the page.
- Some sites hide or rename theme folders for security.
Ready to pick your own theme? Browse these premium WordPress theme shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell what theme a WordPress site uses?
Use a free tool like IsItWP or the WPBeginner Theme Detector, or view the page source and search for wp-content/themes/.
Can I find all the plugins a site uses?
Only the ones that load visible files or code. Back-end plugins (like backup or security tools) usually cannot be detected.
How do I know if a site is built with WordPress?
Look for wp-content in the page source, or use IsItWP or Wappalyzer.
Is it legal to use the same theme as another site?
Yes, if you buy or download it from the theme developer. Do not copy the site’s custom content or design assets.
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