Curious about how to tell what website builder was used behind a stunning website?
Unlock the mystery with our guide. We'll reveal simple methods to identify it, helping you gain insights into the world of web development.
Let's dive in and discover the tools behind your favourite websites!
How to Tell What Website Builder Was Used?
Finding out the specific website builder a site uses can sometimes be challenging. But there are ways by which you can tell what website builder is used.
Remember, the website owner can customize their site extensively or use advanced techniques that will change the output of what a website builder offers. In some cases, the website might be custom-built and not based on any particular builder.
i) Online tools for identifying website builders
Online tools help you specify the website builder a particular website is using. You can easily see what's under the hood of your competitor's websites. Just go to the new tab, and you get the platforms the site uses in a few clicks.
1. BuiltWith
BuiltWith is a popular online tool that can help you discover the technology used to build a website. It provides a detailed analysis of the website, including the website builder used, web server, hosting provider, web technologies, and more. All you have to do is simply enter the site address, technology name, or keyword.
2. What CMS
What CMS is a dedicated content management system(CMS) detection platform that can help you pinpoint which website builder a website is using. It's a free and open-source platform. It analyzes the site and gives you a report on the CMS used.
3. Sitechecker
Sitechecker provides a detailed platform analysis, including the website builder used. It can also provide other information, such as SEO analysis, page speed, website security & performance, keyword and page audit and security issues.
4. WhoIsHostingThis
WhoIsHostingThis is a web hosting search tool that helps to find out what the website is built with. You can search for any website URL. It will tell you what this platform is using, including the website builder, domain, hosting provider, theme, and plugins the website is using.
5. Netcraft
Netcraft is an internet research tool. It gives an in-depth knowledge of what a website uses, its infrastructure, and its technologies. It also provides internet security solutions. You will know about the builder a website uses by clicking the search button.
ii) Browser extensions for identifying the platform a website is using
If you do not know any programming language or do not want to see any code, then this browser extension method is for you. You can easily add Firefox or Google Chrome extensions to your browser and find out what a website is built with within a few clicks.
6. Wappalyzer
Wappalyzer is a browser extension. It can help you determine the website builder that is used for creating a website. Once installed, it will display the website technology stack it used, including the website builder, in the browser toolbar.
7. WhatRuns
WhatRuns detects almost everything that runs a website. Whether it is a personal website or an e-commerce platform, this extension lets you discover the list of technologies used on a website, including the website builder, in the browser toolbar.
8. PageXray
PageXray is another browser extension that scans websites and finds out what the website is made of. It displays the website builder, plugins, and other technologies the site uses in an organized manner.
9. Webspotter
Webspotter helps you to learn about all the technologies inaugurated on a particular site. You can know what website builder it is using. It is also lead-generation software. It also provides solutions to search and look up technologies.
This extension even helps you get emails from website owners. It looks up whether the website owner uses any marketing email services.
iii) Manual methods for identifying website builders
10. Reading the Source Code
Another way to find what your target website is built on is to read the source code. If you are a web developer or advanced user with knowledge of programming languages, you are likely to be familiar with view source code, which might be a fast option for you.
You can directly inspect the code with CMD+Option+u on Mac and CTRL+u on Windows or right-click on the page and select ‘Inspect’ to see the source code. These codes will show you what the website is built with.
11. Using Developer Tools
Use developer tools to find out what your desired site is made of. Any modern browser has developer tools to see what's under the hood in a website.
Open the web browser, and apply the process below -
Firefox: Menu ➤ Web Developer ➤ Toggle Tools, or Tools ➤ Web Developer ➤ Toggle Tools
Chrome: More tools ➤ Developer tools
Safari: Develop ➤ Show Web Inspector. If you can't see the Develop menu, go to Safari ➤ Preferences ➤ Advanced, and check the Show Develop menu in the menu bar checkbox.
Opera: Developer ➤ Developer tools
View page source, look for any word that gives a hint - wf for webflow, wp-content for WordPress site, Shopify for Shopify pages, etc. Also, you will find wp-content on the WordPress-built platform. In this method, you do not require analytics tools or any Chrome extension to see what platform a website is using.
iv) Other Ways for Identifying Website Builders
There are other ways to find out what platform a website uses. Below I am providing examples of ways to find out what the website is built on without any tool or Chrome extension.
12. Checking the Footer of the Site
Most websites have a footer section that includes - powered by, made with, etc. Reading this copyright, you will find out what platform your target website uses. Most of the website builders do their platform branding on the footer of the website.
If you want to see what an ideal footer looks like, then read the following blog below to explore your options:
13. Asking on the Community
An active community may help you to figure out the platform a website uses. If you come across a website that interests you and want to know about its technology and website builder, find out if they have a community and ask there.
14. Checking URL subdomain
Sometimes the URL gives information about the website builder it is built on. Website builder like Dorik gives their customer free domain name as Dorik subdomain in free plans.
Your website will look like yoursitename.dcms.site; from this, you can easily understand that the website builder is Dorik.
How to Use Website Builder Information
Gather insights by analyzing & comparing website builders. And then use that information to make a unique site. Thus, you will be updated about industry trends. Once you identify what website builder was used on a site, you can do the following things.
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You can make decisions about the design and development of your website. You can even decide what kind of fonts you will use in your platform.
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Doing this kind of market research helps you discover a unique operating system, specific features, and services you can add to your platform. It also helps you to see what people are interested in. Use the data and details to improve your content.
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Figuring out site makeup and structure can give you the insight you need to make your website unique.
Equipped with this information, you can improve your website. This information is not secret or otherwise illegal to acquire. You just need to know what to look for.
For example, imagine you have found an amazing website created by Dorik. So, you can also build your own website using the same platform. Thus, you can utilize your collected information.
What is the best website builder you can try on?
There are tons of website builder platforms out there you can try on. If you are an advanced developer, you can start from scratch with coding and stuff. But if you are not a techie person or want to save money, then the no-code builders are the thing you want to try.
The no-code website builder is best for anyone who wants to build a site easily and cost-effectively with a lot of technology stacks. Whether a service platform or an e-commerce platform, this is the best money-saving method out there.
Dorik is one of the best website builders out there. You can try to build websites for your small business or personal needs. With this platform, you can build your CMS(content management system) site, web development agency sites, or any full-functioning site.
Dorik AI let you generate a website in minutes. It generates SEO optimized landing page copy and images. This is one of the best time saver builder.
You will get a free domain as Dorik subdomain on the free plan. Besides, it offers a free SSL certificate, hosting service, top-notch website security, white label CMS with client billing & membership features, custom fields & collections, integrations, custom forms(contact form), and built-in SEO functionalities (meta tags, meta description/details).
If you want to explore more website builders out there, then read the following blog below:
You can export JSON code & Javascript libraries and then customize them as you want. With this Dorik's white-label feature, you can start your own agency service and earn from it. Also, Dorik collections help you to build your own database and use it throughout your websites.
Final Words
Above we try to give tips and tricks on how to tell what website builder was used on your intended website. Because building a successful website requires a combination of slight technical expertise and creative design. Knowing the details of what website builders and technologies others use helps you stay in the game. This information helps you create a website that looks great and attracts the right audience.
