Where we list / Listing guides
How to submit a theme to WordPress.org
Log in to WordPress.org, upload your theme ZIP at wordpress.org/themes/upload, and a volunteer reviewer checks it against the Themes team's required list before a final check puts it live. It is free, you can have only one new theme in the queue at a time, and the team says there is no fixed time frame. You must reply within 7 days or the ticket may close.
Checked on WordPress.org Themes's own pages on 2026-11-12.
| Cost | Free. |
|---|---|
| Who can submit | Anyone logged in to a WordPress.org account. One new theme in the queue at a time across all your accounts; updates to live themes are unlimited. |
| Review | Volunteer reviewers from the Themes team, then a key reviewer for the final check. No exact time frames are given. |
| Fits | Free, 100% GPL-compatible classic and block themes, including the free version of a theme you also sell (if your paid version is also GPL). |
| Time needed | 15 minutes to upload; usually several hours to a few days to meet every requirement, plus the queue wait. |
Before you start
- A WordPress.org account; disclose any extra accounts to [email protected].
- A complete theme ZIP without .git or .svn folders, hidden files, nested ZIPs, __MACOSX, .sql or other banned file types.
- A screenshot.png no larger than 1200x900 px at a 4:3 ratio that does not look like an ad.
- style.css headers: Theme Name, Author, Description, Version, Requires at least, Tested up to, Requires PHP, License, License URI, Text Domain.
- A valid readme.txt with one Contributors username, a short description of 150 characters or less, and a Resources section listing every bundled asset and its license.
- All scripts, images and fonts bundled locally (Google Fonts is the only remote exception).
- A test run with the Theme Unit Test data.
How to list on WordPress.org Themes, step by step
Read the required list
The Themes team handbook lists required items for licensing, privacy, accessibility, code, plugins, naming, translation, files and upsells. Themes with three or more distinct issues may be closed as not approved.
Test with Theme Unit Test data
WordPress.org asks you to test the theme with the Theme Unit Test data before uploading. Fix every PHP and JavaScript error, warning and notice.
Check name and prefixes
The name cannot include 'WordPress', 'Theme' or 'Twenty', and must not clash with trademarks. Prefix public functions, options and handles with at least four letters, and match the text domain to the slug.
Upload the ZIP
Log in and upload at wordpress.org/themes/upload. The theme enters the new theme queue and waits for a reviewer.
Work through the ticket
The reviewer leaves required changes on your ticket. Reply within 7 days or it may close; if a reviewer is silent for 48 hours after taking it, you can ask to go back to the queue.
Pass the final check
Once approved, a key reviewer does a final check. If nothing is found the theme goes live; later versions go through the update queue.
Ship updates
Raise the Version in style.css and upload the ZIP again. Updates do not count toward the one-theme queue limit.
What the WordPress.org Themes form asks for
| Field | Limit | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Theme ZIP file | – | Zip the theme folder only, with no hidden files or version-control folders. |
| style.css Theme Name | – | Avoid 'WordPress', 'Theme' and 'Twenty', and names close to existing themes. |
| style.css Version | X.X or X.X.X | Raise it for every update you upload. |
| style.css Theme URI | – | Optional, and if used it must point to the theme's WordPress.org page. |
| readme.txt short description | 150 characters | Write it for people; spam and keyword stuffing are not allowed. |
| readme.txt Upgrade Notice | 300 characters | Keep it to what changed and why users should update. |
| screenshot.png | Max 1200x900 px, 4:3 | Show the real theme design, not a sales banner. |
Why submissions get rejected
- Three or more distinct required issues in one review.
- Code or assets that are not GPL-compatible, or a cloned design.
- Plugin territory inside the theme: custom post types, shortcodes, custom blocks, SEO, analytics, contact forms or social share buttons.
- Remote assets from CDNs or calls home without consent (Google Fonts excepted).
- Front-end upselling, popups on activation, non-dismissible notices, or demo imports in admin.
- PHP or JavaScript errors, unescaped output, missing prefixes, or untranslatable strings.
- Banned files such as .git folders, hidden files, nested ZIPs or .sql dumps.
Tips that make a difference
- You get one front-facing credit link to your Theme URI or Author URI, plus one to WordPress.org; no other promotional links on the front end.
- If you sell a premium version elsewhere, it must be 100% GPL-compatible and your sales page must say so clearly.
- You can only recommend plugins hosted on WordPress.org, and only install them on user action.
- Opening a second ticket from another account can close all your tickets and add a one-month upload ban per closed ticket.
- Theme names cannot be reserved, so do not upload a placeholder to hold a name.
Example: what JustLaunched prepared
These are the texts Pushify prepared for JustLaunched, a real brand, before listing it on sites like WordPress.org Themes. See the full sample report ›
| Name | JustLaunched |
|---|---|
| Tagline | Launch board for founders and early adopters |
| Short description | JustLaunched is a free launch board where founders introduce new products and early adopters try them first, ask questions and share feedback. |
| Tags | product launch, launch platform, startup discovery, indie makers, early adopters, beta testers, launch deals, product hunt alternative, saas, startups |
Questions people ask
How long does WordPress.org theme review take?
The Themes team says there are no exact time frames; queues shrink as more reviewers help. The speed also depends on how fast you answer, since tickets may close after 7 days without your reply.
Is it free to submit a theme to WordPress.org?
Yes. You need a WordPress.org account and a theme that meets every required item, with GPL-compatible code and assets.
How many themes can I submit at once?
One new theme in the queue at a time. You must wait until it is live or closed before submitting another, but updates to live themes are unlimited.
Can I add a link to my website in a WordPress.org theme?
Yes, one front-facing credit link to the Theme URI or Author URI set in style.css, plus one to WordPress.org. Admin pages may not carry affiliate links.
What size should a WordPress theme screenshot be?
No larger than 1200x900 pixels with a 4:3 ratio, and it must not look like an advertisement.
Sources
The WordPress.org Themes pages this guide was checked against.