11 Ways to Identify A Shopify Store's Active Theme
Knowing your Shopify store's theme can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. With endless customization possibilities obscuring default themes and critical details stripped out by developers, accurately identifying the active theme is vital yet challenging. This guide arms store owners with eight powerful yet practical methods to uncover what theme is really running behind the scenes. Learn techniques ranging from surface-level storefront checks to leveraging platform tools plus third-party auditing services for guaranteed theme detection.
Quick Answer: There are 11 main ways to identify a Shopify store's theme: view theme credits on the storefront, check source code for references, use the Shopify admin and partner dashboards, leverage browser extensions like Oberlo, look for the theme favicon, use tools like BuiltWith, check theme metadata, or visually match preview images in the Shopify Theme Store.
Essential Techniques for Detecting Active Shopify Themes:
1- Viewing Theme Details on the Storefront
Locating the Shopify theme used on a store can be done right from the storefront if the theme credits are displayed. While most themes show credits out of the box, they may sometimes get obscured or removed.
Locating the Theme Credits Link
The easiest way to identify the Shopify theme is to look for the theme credits link. This is typically located in the footer section of store pages. For example, themes like Debut and Brooklyn have the credits clearly shown in the footer.
The link text usually contains the theme name and is a clickable link to the theme sales page or developer website. This makes it easy to find and verify the active theme.
Obscured or Removed Credits
While the theme credits link is conveniently placed by default, Shopify gives stores the flexibility to customize and tweak design elements through the theme settings.
The credits link can be obscured if the footer section is removed or blended too much with the background color scheme. An experienced developer can also manually remove the credits link text altogether.
In these cases the theme name becomes less discoverable from the front-end store pages alone. You'd have to peer into the backend theme files and code to uncover the actual theme name.
2- Verifying with Theme Previews
Luckily Shopify provides theme preview images even for paid themes that help identify them visually. These are found on the Shopify theme store search page results.
If a store's theme credits link is unavailable or unclear, you can browse through theme images looking for visual matches. Stores rarely customize beyond recognition so the underlying theme can be spotted.
Preview images let you visually verify if a store matches the style of a particular theme. Combined with the credits link when available, this makes confirming Shopify themes easier.
3- Identifying Theme from Source Code
Beyond the storefront, the active Shopify theme name is often referenced directly in the underlying source code. Viewing and inspecting the HTML, CSS, and other files can reveal the theme.
Viewing Store Page Source Code
The simplest way is to right click on any store page and choose "View Page Source" or "Inspect Element", depending on the browser. This displays the raw HTML and embedded CSS, JavaScript, etc that constructs that page.
Within the page source you may see references to the specific theme name in several places:
- Comment headers in Liquid templates and sections
- Paths to CSS stylesheet files named after the theme
- Occasional text strings mentioning the theme by name
With some digging you can often piece together clues that point to the active theme.
Theme References in Code
Some typical places where the Shopify theme name appears indirectly or directly:
- Style sheet links in the HTML <head>, like debut-theme.css
- Liquid template comments like {# Layout: theme-custom #}
- Text strings referring to theme directories like assets/theme.css
So spotting these stylesheet references, layout names, and text strings associated with the theme can reveal the actual theme name.
Limitations of Source Code Method
However, the store's developer could have obscured the theme name in the code, using a renamed variant instead of the actual theme name.
They might also split theme components across multiple different stylesheet and template files, without the main theme name referenced anywhere.
In these cases you'd have to rely more on visual inspection of store pages rather than just searching for the theme name directly. Shopify themes can be modified quite heavily so the code only gives clues rather than proof.
The source code method works best for stores using themes in their original or near-original state without heavy customization or obscuring of platform references.
4- Using Shopify Partner Dashboard
For Shopify partners and agencies managing multiple stores, the Partner dashboard provides a handy back end view into connected shops including the currently active theme.
Accessing Partner Dashboard
As a Shopify partner you can log into the Partner dashboard using your partner login credentials, which are separate from normal Shopify store logins.
This gives access to a centralized dashboard for all stores that you have connected to your partner account through an agency agreement. There is detailed control and visibility into these connected stores.
Locating Connected Stores
Once logged into the Partner dashboard, you can browse the My shops page which lists all connected Shopify stores along with quick overview stats for each one.
You can also search and filter this list of connected stores by name, date connected, plan type, etc. to zone into the specific store you want.
Viewing Store Theme Details
Selecting an individual store from this list lets you jump into the store's back end dashboard. This is similar to what the store owner themselves sees.
From here you can access Online Store > Themes in the left sidebar menu. This shows the currently published theme along with any unpublished theme drafts.
It displays the theme name and options to customize or view theme files. There is also a preview button to see the live storefront appearance.
So Partners get full control and visibility into all theme details, customization, when changes were published, etc. Making checking the active theme very straightforward from this centralized back end.
5- Checking Theme in Admin Settings
For store owners and collaborators with access to the behind-the-scenes Admin dashboard, identifying and even changing the active Shopify theme can be done right from the back end settings.
Accessing Store Admin Area
To access the Admin, you log into the store's separate account dashboard using store owner credentials or a collaborator email invite link. This is different than the customer-facing storefront.
Once logged into the Admin, the sidebar menu contains Online Store options where themes are managed.
There is also a store preview button to jump between Admin settings and the public storefront to see changes.
Locating Current Theme Name
Navigating to Online Store > Themes shows the currently published theme name right at the top along with options to preview it live or customize elements.
Any unpublished theme drafts being worked on also appear on this page. But the topmost published theme is what is actively live on the store at that moment.
So the Admin makes finding and verifying the active theme straightforward for those with dashboard access.
Theme Selection and Customization
Conveniently, the Theme settings area is also where you change the published theme. Just clicking "Publish theme" switches the store to use that draft immediately.
You can install new themes or create drafts based on the hundreds of options in the Shopify Theme Store accessible right from the dashboard.
And all aspects of an active theme can be customized - colors, fonts, layouts, content sections, and more. No code experience required.
So the Admin offers full control over theming and personalization in one spot. Allowing owners to not just identify but also update the store's theme easily.
6- Using the Shopify Theme Store
The Shopify Theme Store acts as a theme marketplace where store owners can purchase new themes or manage existing paid themes. Details about the currently active theme are also visible here.
Browsing Current Theme
When logged into a Shopify store, the Theme Store shows a Current Theme box under the search filters highlighting the active theme details:
It displays the theme name and a preview image along with options to customize, upgrade, or view theme files. You can also visit the theme developer's webpage.So for any purchased or customized theme, the Theme Store consolidates details in one spot for awareness. The default free themes don't show this section.
Comparing Free vs Paid Themes
The level of visibility in the Theme Store depends on whether a free theme vs paid theme is being used.
Free themes that come built-in to Shopify like Debut and Brooklyn don't reveal full specifics. You simply see the theme name if currently active.
But paid, premium themes purchased from the Theme Store expose much more information to the store owner. This includes recent customization details, upgrade eligibility, and help documents.
So switching from a default to paid theme also improves transparency from Shopify around theme management.
Upgrading Existing Theme
Owners can utilize the Theme Store to upgrade an existing purchased theme to the latest version if upgrades are available. Rather than just showing the current theme, it facilitates keeping it updated.
And entirely new themes can be bought to replace the active one, with the Theme Store guiding you through setting the newly purchased theme live. This even ports over content and customizations.
So the Theme Store acts as a command center to not just reveal but also upgrade or replace the active theme when needed. Keeping stores progressing with development.
7- Using Theme Detector Websites
There are numerous web Theme Detector websites available that can identify the active theme name and details. Simply conduct a Google search for 'Shopify Theme Detector', and various websites will appear.
They can identify default free themes, paid themes, as well as obscured or renamed custom themes. Essentially auditing a store's theme situation from the front-end. This info could complement other methods like source code inspection or Theme Store data.
Limitations of Theme Dectector Websites Method
However, theme detector websites have potential inaccuracies around theme detection compared to native options. They only see the customer-facing storefront.
Also, the websites come from many different developers. So there is variance in features and reliability.
Before relying solely on third-party websites for critical functions like theme analysis, vet several options to ensure quality detection capabilities suited for your particular store.
9- Using Browser Extensions
In addition to native Shopify tools, certain browser extensions provide shortcuts to detect active theme names on stores for convenience.
Oberlo Theme Finder
One handy extension is Oberlo's Theme Finder available as a Chrome and Firefox addon.
It can identify both free and paid Shopify themes quickly with just a click while browsing any product page or collection on a store. Making it easier than inspecting code manually.
Results show the theme name and developer details in a popup. Useful for those frequently analyzing stores.
Functionality vs Official Methods
The main appeal of extensions like Oberlo's is speed and convenience accessing theme specifics on the front-end store layer that shoppers see.
However, functionality is more limited compared to back end Shopify admin options. It won't show active theme customization details, when the theme was published, upgrade eligibility etc.
So browser extensions compliment rather than replace official admin methods. Think quick audits rather than in-depth analysis. Also depends on the extension staying updated.
Permission Requirements
One catch with browser extensions identifying themes is they require page source code access to function.
So the Oberlo extension asks permission to "Read and change all your data on the websites you visit" in order to view a store's underlying HTML and CSS files where the active theme name resides. This is normal for this category of tool. But worth considering rather than purely front-end options that don't access source code.
9- Identifying Theme from Favicon
A favicon is the small icon image shown next to a website's name in the browser tab. Shopify themes include associated favicon files which can indicate the active theme.
What is a Favicon
A favicon (short for favorites icon) is a branded image that appears beside page titles on tabs to represent that website. It helps identify sites quicker visually.
The favicon displays next to the domain on browser tabs, bookmarks, app home screens and other locations. It shows in front of page content.
Shopify themes include properly sized favicon image files using formats like ICO and PNG stacked onto the active theme.
Recognizing Theme Favicons
Since quality themes ship with custom favicon designs, performing a reverse image lookup on a store's favicon can reveal the originating theme.
Tools like images.google.com or Tineye.com let you upload an image to search and find visually matching ones across the web.
If the favicon is showing the theme's default file, image results often point back to that theme's demo/marketing pages confirming the match.
So favicon lookups can complement checking theme credits or inspecting code when needing additional confirmation.
Limitations of Favicon Method
However, favicon change is one of the most basic customizations stores apply early on. This limits accuracy of the favicon approach over time.
Any store can upload a different branded favicon not tied to the theme. Or developers can fully replace all theme images/files.
So while favicons provide some clues when a theme is in its original state, customization often disconnects the favicon from the active theme down the road.
10- Identifying Themes Using Tools
In addition to native Shopify options, third-party tools like BuiltWith exist to provide extended theme identification functionality when needing to dig deeper.
Using BuiltWith Lookup
BuiltWith is a popular web technology profiler used by agencies, analysts, and developers.
Beyond listing a site's tech stack, BuiltWith contains dedicated tools to detect specifics like:
- Ecommerce platforms
- JavaScript frameworks
- Analytics services
- and much more...
This includes identifying Shopify themes. By entering any store URL into BuiltWith’s analysis engine, it reveals the active theme name and version.
So BuiltWith provides another angle for confirmation if you require more detailed audits. It won't show customization details but accurately detects default or renamed themes.
Limitations of Third-Party Tools
The main limitations with external tools like BuiltWith for Shopify theme identification include:
- No customization visibility - Third-party tools only see the front-end store layer versus back end admin access showing full theme changes.
- Potential inaccuracies - Services like BuiltWith rely on pattern matching that could incorrectly interpret highly customized themes.
- Limited interface - The interface focuses on tech specifics rather than shop management like native options.
So while tools like BuiltWith deliver extended theme detection capabilities, they complement rather than replace internal Shopify admin methods. Depends if you value third-party validation or not.
11- Checking Built-in Theme Metadata
In web development, metadata refers to supplemental data bundled in code files that describes contents. Shopify themes contain metadata with the active theme name that can be checked.
Definition of Metadata
Metadata means "data about data". It provides extra details about core content, structured using standards.
For example, image files include exchangeable image file format (Exif) metadata with creation dates, geotags, camera settings, copyright info, etc. Documents contain author, title, subject metadata.
In web sites and apps, developers embed metadata within page HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other code files for various utilities around discovery, parsing, indexing, attribution, etc.
Locating Theme Metadata
In Shopify themes, the main files containing identifiable metadata are:
- theme.liquid - Central control template
- theme.css (or styles.css) - Core stylesheet
Usually near the top, you’ll find metadata blocks like:
<!--
Theme Name: Debut
Theme URI: https://debutify.com
Author: Debutify
Author URI: https://debutify.com
Description: The free Shopify theme for beginners...
-->
This structured data reveals the active theme name along with developer details even if the theme is renamed or split elsewhere.
Limitations of Metadata Method
However, metadata relies on developers keeping it updated and intact. Shopify themes allow full control over file customization.
So nothing prevents removing internal metadata references to the theme name, especially if aiming to obscure the underlying platform.
For stores with heavily edited themes, critical details like the theme name could get stripped out from customization changes over time.
