When setting up a website, choosing the right builder is a crucial decision, and sometimes you might want to know what builder a particular website is using. Whether you’re inspired by the design of a site or just curious about the technology behind it, identifying the website builder can provide valuable insights. Here’s a guide on how to determine which website builder was used to create a website.

1. Look at the Page Source

One of the simplest ways to start is by inspecting the website’s page source. Right-click on the webpage (if you are using a desktop browser) and select “View Page Source” or simply press CTRL+U on most browsers. Once you have the source code open, look for clues such as unique identifiers like specific CSS class names, JavaScript files, or comments that might indicate the platform. For example:

  • Wix: URLs containing wixstatic.com
  • Squarespace: Strings like static1.squarespace.com
  • WordPress: Often you’ll find /wp-content/ in the URLs of scripts and stylesheets.

2. Use Browser Extensions

There are browser extensions specifically designed to detect the technology used on websites. Extensions like Wappalyzer or BuiltWith can provide a comprehensive list of technologies a website is using, including the website builder, analytics tools, plugins, and even hosting providers. These tools are user-friendly and can give you the information with just one click.

3. Check the Footer

Many websites built using website builders have a footer credit line that states which platform was used. This is often found in smaller websites or those that are using a free plan from platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Weebly. Look for phrases like “Powered by [Website Builder Name].”

4. Use Online Tools

Aside from browser extensions, there are online tools that can also determine what website builder was used. Tools like What CMS? or CMS Detect allow you to enter a URL, and they will analyze the website to figure out the technology behind it. These tools are similar to browser extensions but don’t require any installation.

5. Observe URL Structure

Some website builders have a distinctive URL structure. For example, Shopify stores often include /collections/ for categories and /products/ for individual items. Observing these URL patterns can sometimes give away the builder without needing to delve deeper.

6. Look for Unique HTML/JavaScript Elements

Each website builder has a somewhat unique way of structuring its HTML or JavaScript. By examining these elements, you can sometimes identify specific patterns or code snippets that are characteristic of particular builders. This might require more technical knowledge but can be quite revealing.

7. Ask Directly

If all else fails, consider reaching out directly to the website owner or support team. People are often willing to share information about the tools they use, especially if you are considering using the same technology for your website.

 

Identifying the website builder used for a specific website can be a straightforward process if you know where to look. Whether you use direct examination of the page source, browser extensions, online tools, or just ask the website owner, you can discover not just the builder but also other technologies that make the website effective. This knowledge can inform your choices if you are planning to build or redesign your own website.