Shopify Theme Detector: How to Check What Shopify Theme A Store is Using?

Building your own Shopify store does not stop at creating impressive content and professional photographs, you need a powerful theme alongside these elements for your business to really pack a punch. We understand the endeavors of building a store from scratch, and oftentimes, it is a good call to learn from others who have climbed that mountain. 

But as a newcomer to the eCommerce scene, you might find yourself getting puzzled at how and where to look for a trusty Shopify theme detector when coming across a banging theme. Look no further, this article will show you everything you need to know.

What Is A Shopify Theme?

A Shopify theme is the template that store owners use to create the look and feel of their Shopify stores. Each theme has different functions and features that determine how your website will look to visitors, alongside customization options for you to add specific information and elements that are relevant to your business.

Different types of themes will vary in cost, quality, user-friendliness, and number of features. However, no matter the type, a good theme needs to be able to convey your brand’s style and spirit while still keeping the website professional.

Different Types of Shopify Themes

The crucial difference that separates the Shopify theme collection into two categories is the prices: free and paid themes. On the other hand, there is one common attribute: they are pre-built. This means most of the features are laid out in a uniform pattern.

Let’s go into detail about different types of Shopify themes below.

Shopify Free Themes

Shopify did not become one of the most user-friendly platforms for no reason. They put efforts into giving entrepreneurs who are on a budget quality options for when they are kickstarting their businesses. Though there is not a wide array of products, the free theme collection is still packed full of excellent choices. 

If you are a rookie who is getting familiar with the platform, this zero-spend purchase from the theme store is a good call. As time goes on, the choice to upgrade to a premium or custom theme is always on hand. Therefore, starting with a free theme is a cost-effective option to find your footing.

Shopify Premium Themes

The biggest difference between free themes and premium, or paid themes on Shopify is the cost. The cheapest theme in this collection starts at $150 USD, which is a big gap from the zero-dollar price tag. However, paid themes are generally catered to businesses that are seeking more flexibility in the features and layout. They often purchase a theme with the criteria they have in mind (i.e. stock counter, sticky header), and the feel that they want the store to possess (i.e. chic, minimal, contemporary).

If you are keen on having more customization freedom, we’d highly recommend a page builder, such as GemPages. GemPages’ features allow users to drag and drop elements into the existing theme, which helps users achieve the exact look they want, while still keeping other details on the page.

Custom Themes

Technically speaking, custom themes are not a part of the Shopify theme store, as they are not readily-made themes that are available for purchase. Custom themes refer to the theme that a business creates from scratch, which contains unique elements that require the use of coding. This type of theme is more complex to build, but it gives users the ability to tailor the theme to precisely reflect their brands. This is why many eCommerce businesses of all sizes opt for custom themes, instead of fitting their vision into a pre-built one.

Why Do You Need a Shopify Theme?

The existence of custom themes begs the question: why do you need a Shopify theme?

Apart from the indisputable fact that your store is based on Shopify, are there other exclusive benefits to using a theme purchased from the Shopify theme store?

Here is the answer to those questions: you don’t need to exclusively use a theme from Shopify to be successful, but the benefits of Shopify themes are quite apparent.

Let’s check out what they are.

Different pricing options

The custom theme is created from scratch, which means no matter how you budget it, there will be no free option.

With Shopify themes, users have the choice to experiment with a free theme before pulling the big guns. Or better yet, they can keep on using that free theme without the need to upgrade to a premium one if they see fit.

Currently, there are 12 free themes and 149 paid themes on the Shopify theme store, with prices ranging from $150 USD to $390 USD. This is a reasonable price point for store owners to experiment and find the style that matches their brand’s vision along the way.

Third-party apps that aid you in building your store are another neat gateway to modify your Shopify themes. Alongside our paid plans, GemPages offers a free plan option for newcomers who are testing out their eCommerce stores. Check out the pricing details here.

Lots of automated features

The built-in features of the Shopify paid themes might be more versatile than you originally thought. Some of the most notable features include embedded video, product badges, visual storytelling, slideshow, etc. Although these features are mostly available with the paid theme options, all of them are definitely worth investing in.

Customization freedom

Pre-built is not harmonious with non-customizable. In fact, Shopify themes allow users to tweak and augment almost every detail of the theme, from colors, layout, and navigation, to the number of pages and text font. Everything can be done in the theme editor.

Alternatively, you can call the theme's developer for consultation on more advanced editing. By displaying third-party developers right along the theme name, Shopify makes it easy for users to contact them should any further concerns arise.

No-brainer compatibility

The built-in themes are compatible with your Shopify storefront, on both PC and mobile. When you view a theme, you can easily switch between a desktop and mobile mode. As most themes are compatible with devices of different sizes, you are rid of the concerns of not having a mobile-responsive website.

Why You Might Want to Detect a Shopify Theme? 

There are various reasons one might want to find out what theme a Shopify store uses, and they go deeper than simply wanting to copy the same aesthetic.

Inspiration for your own store design

This reason is especially relevant for newcomers who might not have a clear-cut idea of how they want their store to look. In this case, learning from the predecessors is the right move. 

By looking up what themes the most popular Shopify stores are using, you can then visualize and replicate a similar layout for your own store. Additionally, getting familiar with stores that are in the same industry as you can give you an abundance of inspiration to zhuzh up your website.

The Marshmallowist is a leading food store to inspire you on Shopify.

Competitor analysis and benchmarking

Detecting a store’s theme is not always about replicating. Knowing what your competitors are doing is one of the basics of any marketing strategy. In this case, inspecting your competitors’ theme of choice helps with benchmarking your own business. 

This process includes analyzing the layout of their store, how they organize different sections, what to include and omit, and the feel they go for. At the end of this process, you would have a better idea of whether that theme is for you, after weighing the pros and cons, as well as reviewing your brand’s vision.

Identifying theme features and customization options

When you see a well-designed Shopify store with unique features, you naturally want to identify the theme that they use to explore the customization options further. Not two eCommerce stores on Shopify are identical, as long as the owners put time and effort into customizing them. Thus, knowing what theme a store uses is the foundation for you to create your own version that captures your brand’s spirit.

Assessing a store's performance and load time

A theme might not be the sole deciding factor that affects a website’s load time, but it still plays an important role in slowing down or speeding up a store’s performance. As you enter the store with the theme you aim to replicate, pay attention to its load time, or better yet, use tools such as Google’s Page Speed Insights and Core Web Vitals to assess the theme that they use.

Alternatively, if you are a GemPages user, the Lazy Loading feature is an intuitive element that helps reduce page loading time for your Shopify store. By loading what is in view to visitors first and gradually showing other sections as they scroll, the load time is significantly improved. This feature can be found right on your GemPages editor.

Overall, looking good is not enough. You would want a theme that optimizes load time, creates a better user experience, and gets promoted by search engines. Let’s get into the how-to in the next chapter.

How to Check What Theme A Shopify Store is Using (2 Methods)

Method 1: Check the source code

Step 1. Visit the Shopify store whose theme you want to detect.

Step 2. If you are on a PC, press Control + U. If you are on a Mac, press Command + Option + U.

Step 3. A tab with the store’s HTML code will appear. If you are on a PC, press Control + F. If you are on a Mac, press Command + F.

Step 4. Search for “Shopify.theme”.

Step 5. A line of code that contains the theme name and Shopify theme ID will be highlighted.

And voila! Figuring out the name of that Shopify theme that you love is as simple as pie.

Right-click and choose “View page source” to check the store’s HTML code.

Method 2: Use a theme detector

There are several online Shopify theme finders that tell you exactly what theme a store is using without you manually looking up the name, and most of them can be added as an extension to your browser. 

The most well-known Shopify theme detectors are this tool of the same name or the Shopify App Detector by Fera.ai. Both of these tools are free and incredibly straightforward to use.

3 Shopify Stores Who are Using Different Themes for Your Inspiration

1. Kylie Cosmetics (Custom)

This reputable makeup brand’s flawless design has often left visitors wondering “ What theme does Kylie Cosmetics use?”. Newsflash: it is not on the Shopify theme store.

The brand chose a custom theme that reflects its vibes to a T. The neutral color palette gives the website a soothing feel, while each section is perfectly laid out with high-quality images and product information. The website encapsulates Kylie’s style and aesthetic amazingly well. Even if you are not familiar with the owner of the brand, the professional feel of the store can still pull you in and encourage you to make a purchase.

2. Bubble Tea Club (Free)

Bubble Tea Club proves achieving a superb website is doable with a free Shopify theme.

Bubble Tea Club is a DIY tea company that makes enjoying authentic bubble tea at home super easy. This Australian-based business is using none other than the most popular free theme on Shopify - the Dawn theme. By putting its own spin on it with the pops of colors and interesting visuals, Bubble Tea Club still manages to stand out as an incredibly appealing food and drink business on Shopify. This store is a prime example of when a free theme is utilized to its full potential.

3. Beardbrand (Premium)

Beardbrand makes use of a Shopify premium theme to highlight its best features.

Beardbrand’s name speaks for itself. Dedicated to everything men’s grooming, the company chose a sleek but impactful layout for its website design. Not going the custom route or opting for a free theme, Beardbrand chooses to build their business with Split - a premium theme on the Shopify theme store. Just by scrolling through the site, visitors will be impressed with mesmerizing photographs, bold texts, and witty product descriptions. This company obviously knows what its brand represents, and they have just the perfect theme to do so.

Learn From the Best and Find the Shopify Theme for Your Store Today

Taking inspiration from another Shopify store now does not just stop at simply admiring anymore. You can look up what that gorgeous theme is with ease, completely hassle-free. That’s the advantage of being a part of one of the largest eCommerce platforms on the planet.

If you want to take these themes, whether pre-built or custom-made, to a whole new level, why not try working with a powerful page builder like GemPages? We understand each store has that “it” factor that sets it apart from the crowd, and GemPages aims to bring you the freedom to let your creativity flow. Let’s get out there, pick the best theme that matches your brand, and whip up a storm with the help of GemPages right by your side.

FAQ About Shopify Theme Detector