How to find out the theme and plugins of a WordPress site

Why discover the theme and plugins of a WordPress site?

Many people, whether developers or just curious, want to discover the WordPress theme and plugins used by other sites. Sometimes you visit a website that has a design or functionality that attracts you, and a desire arises to learn more to take inspiration or integrate similar elements into your own design. Knowing which theme and plugins are being used can also be useful for improving your WordPress site, optimizing its speed or adding specific functionality. Fortunately, there are several simple tools and techniques that can help you identify these elements, even without special technical knowledge. In this article, we will explore how to discover both the theme and plugins of a WordPress site, focusing on the most reliable and easy-to-use tools and methods.

How to find out the WordPress theme used on a site

One of the easiest ways to discover the WordPress theme used on a site is to use an online “Theme Detector.” There are several free tools available, such as:

• What WordPress Theme is That? (link)
• WPThemeDetector (link)

These services analyze the source code of the site and provide details about the theme being used. To use them, just enter the URL of the site to be analyzed: within seconds, the tool will show you the name of the theme, its author and, in some cases, even the link to purchase or download it. Some of these tools also reveal additional information, such as the child theme if the site uses one.

Inspect the source code to discover the WordPress theme

Another method for discovering the WordPress theme is to inspect the source code of the site.Although it may seem complex, it is a simple technique that anyone can try. To begin, right-click on the page and select “Inspect” or “View Page Source” (depending on the browser you use). Within the source code, look for references to “/wp-content/themes/”: this path will point to the main theme. Usually, the folder contains the name of the theme used, and is easy to locate.Although this method will not give you as detailed information as a theme detector, it is very useful for quickly getting an indication of the base theme used.Remember that, in some cases, you may have to navigate through various sections of the code to find the details, but it is a procedure that takes only a few minutes.

How to discover the WordPress plugins used on a site

To discover the WordPress plugins on a site, there are specific tools such as:

• ScanWP (link)
• WP Plugin Checker (link)

These tools allow you to identify the most common plugins on a WordPress site simply by entering the URL of the site in question.Plugins are a key component of how WordPress works, as they add functionality and features that are not present in the base theme.Plugin detection tools do not always guarantee absolute accuracy, as some plugins may be customized or hidden.However, they are very useful for identifying well-known ones, such as plugins for SEO optimization, security or e-commerce. These tools can be especially beneficial for those looking to improve their site’s functionality by discovering plugins used by top sites in the industry.Analyze source code to identify WordPress plugins.

Analyze source code to identify WordPress plugins

In addition to online tools, you can also use source code to discover WordPress plugins installed on a site. To begin, right-click on the page and select “View Page Source” or “Inspect Element.” Once the source code is open, look for the string “/wp-content/plugins/” and, if the plugins are not obfuscated or hidden, you will find the names of those in use. Some plugins, particularly those for handling cookies, forms, or sliders, are easy to locate because their files are often called in public pages.

This method requires some time and patience, but it is a good alternative to online tools, especially for those who prefer direct analysis.Although it is not guaranteed to find all plugins, many are visible in the code, allowing a general idea of the functionality built into the site.

Using a Chrome extension to discover a WordPress site’s theme and plugins

A quick way to discover a site’s WordPress theme and plugins is to use a Chrome extension specifically for this type of analysis. There are several extensions available, such as:

• Wappalyzer: one of the most popular extensions for detecting web technologies. In addition to WordPress themes and plugins, it can identify CMSs, frameworks, analytics tools, and digital marketing platforms. Because of this versatility, it is highly valued by developers, marketers, and IT professionals. To use Wappalyzer, simply install the extension on your browser, visit the desired site and click on the extension icon to see the list of detected technologies. This tool is available for various browsers, including Chrome, Firefox and Edge, and is a great ally for those who want to fully understand the technical features of a site.
• WhatRuns: in addition to detecting WordPress plugins and themes, WhatRuns also offers update notifications to alert you when a site changes technology.This is a useful option for those who want to monitor changes in competitors’ sites and understand how they evolve over time. These extensions allow you to identify not only WordPress components but also other technologies used on the site, are easy to use, and provide detailed information with just a few clicks.

How to use theme and plugin detection tools effectively

Discovering a site’s WordPress theme and plugins can help you better understand the technical choices of other sites and improve your web design. Although tools such as theme and plugin detectors are easy to use and immediate, it is good to remember that complete identification of a site’s components is not always possible, especially in the case of advanced customizations or proprietary plugins. Analyzing the source code manually can also be a valuable aid in getting a basic idea of the resources used. Experimenting with these methods can provide inspiration for creating a well-structured and functional site. With a little practice, you will be able to use these techniques effectively to explore the potential of WordPress and tailor the best solutions to your project.

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