Introduction
Whether you’re inspired by a website’s design, looking to create something similar, or simply curious about the creative minds behind it, there are a few ways to find out who designed a website. Knowing where to look and what tools to use can reveal details about the site’s designer or design agency, along with useful insights about the technologies used.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps and resources to identify a website’s designer or agency, even if that information isn’t displayed on the site.
Start by Checking the Website’s Footer
Many designers and agencies leave their signature in the footer section of the websites they build. Look for phrases like “Designed by [Name]” or “Site by [Agency Name]” at the very bottom of the homepage. It’s one of the easiest ways to spot the designer’s or agency’s name without having to dig too deeply.
Quick Tip:
Not every designer or agency uses this technique, especially if it’s a large-scale or corporate website. However, smaller agencies and freelancers often do, so it’s worth a look!
Browse the Website’s About or Credits Page
If there’s no mention of the designer in the footer, head to the About page. Websites with larger teams or creative backgrounds may include acknowledgments or even a credits section. Some About pages go into detail about the site’s history, development process, or even the team involved, offering clues about the designer.
If the website has an Acknowledgments or Credits page, check there as well. Creative sites—such as portfolios or artistic communities—are especially likely to credit their designers.
Use Website Analysis Tools
If no obvious clues are on the website itself, you can turn to website analysis tools. These tools reveal more about the backend, including which platform or design theme the site uses and, sometimes, the designer.
Some Helpful Tools:
- BuiltWith: BuiltWith reveals the website’s technology stack, including the content management system (CMS), frameworks, plugins, and sometimes even the specific design theme or builder used.
- Wappalyzer: Wappalyzer identifies CMS platforms, libraries, frameworks, and other tools that help create a website’s unique look.
- Netcraft: Netcraft provides hosting and registrar information, which may lead you to the agency or company responsible for the website.
While these tools don’t reveal the designer’s name, they often provide enough information to track down the designer if they used a specific design platform, theme, or template.
Search for the Domain Registration Information
Another option is to search for information about the domain itself. Tools like Whois Lookup allow you to see the name and contact information of the person or entity that registered the domain.
Keep in Mind:
Not all domain registration information is public. Many domain owners use privacy protection, so the registrar may display generic information instead. However, for websites that don’t have privacy enabled, you might find the registrant’s name, which can sometimes lead you to the designer or agency responsible.
Reach Out Through Contact Information
If the website offers a Contact form or email address, you can simply reach out and ask. This approach works best if you genuinely admire the design and are interested in discussing a potential project. Being upfront about your intentions is key here; express your interest in the site’s design and your desire to work with the designer or agency. This can often lead to valuable connections, or at least direct you to the right person.
Look at the Site’s Source Code
If you’re comfortable digging a little deeper, you can check the website’s source code to find out more. Sometimes, the designer or developer information is embedded within the HTML, CSS, or even comments within the source code.
To view a site’s source code:
- Right-click on the website’s page and select View Page Source.
- Use the search function (Ctrl+F or Command+F) to look for terms like “designer,” “theme,” “agency,” or “credits.”
- Look for references to custom themes or libraries that might have the designer’s or agency’s name.
Source code analysis doesn’t always yield a designer’s identity, but it’s a useful trick for finding design resources or frameworks that can give you clues.
Use Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Dribbble, and Behance are popular among designers for showcasing their work. Try searching the website’s name or specific design features on these platforms. Many designers post their portfolio pieces and tag the clients they’ve worked with, making it easier for potential clients to find them.
LinkedIn:
On LinkedIn, search for the website or company and see if anyone lists it as part of their experience. Designers and developers often update their LinkedIn profiles to showcase their work, and you might find the designer directly or see if the company mentions a design partner.
Dribbble & Behance:
Dribbble and Behance are go-to platforms for designers to showcase website designs. Many designers include case studies of live sites they’ve worked on, so you may be able to find the site listed in their portfolio.
Perform a Reverse Image Search
If the website includes custom graphics, illustrations, or specific design elements, you can use Google’s Reverse Image Search to trace their origin. Sometimes, designers post unique elements on their portfolios or share them in design communities. Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on a unique image or graphic from the site and select Search Google for image (or upload it directly on Google Images).
- See if any results lead you to a portfolio, agency, or designer profile that might have created the asset.
This approach works best if the site uses highly custom visuals, as more generic stock images won’t yield much designer-specific information.
Search for Case Studies or Blog Mentions
Many designers and agencies publish case studies or blog posts about their past projects. Searching for the website’s name along with terms like “case study,” “design,” or “portfolio” may uncover articles or posts where the designer talks about their process. This can lead you to the agency or designer responsible.
Try This:
Search for phrases like “[Website Name] design case study” or “[Website Name] by [Agency Name]” to see if anything relevant comes up. Many agencies highlight their work on their own blogs or guest blogs to attract new clients.
Check Industry Awards and Recognition
If the website you’re admiring is high-quality, there’s a chance it’s been featured in a design award site or list. Websites like Awwwards and CSS Design Awards recognize exceptional website designs and always list the designer or agency behind each project. Try browsing these platforms for the website to see if it’s been recognized there.
Final Thoughts
Finding out who designed a website often requires a bit of detective work, but it can lead to useful insights and connections. Whether you’re inspired by a design or want to connect with a specific designer, there are several methods you can try. Start with the straightforward options, like the website’s footer or About page, and move on to more detailed searches if needed. From digging into source code to reaching out directly, there’s usually a way to find the information you’re looking for if you know where to look.
