Review a Theme

Function: Test
Type: Task
Level: Intermediate

Theme reviewers help theme authors get their themes into the official WordPress theme directory. You’ll install and test themes, review code for security issues, and confirm GPLGPL GPL is an acronym for GNU Public License. It is the standard license WordPress uses for Open Source licensing https://wordpress.org/about/license/. The GPL is a ‘copyleft’ license https://www.gnu.org/licenses/copyleft.en.html. This means that derivative work can only be distributed under the same license terms. This is in distinction to permissive free software licenses, of which the BSD license and the MIT License are widely used examples. compatibility — all of which keep the directory safe and high-quality for everyone.

Before you start

Complete the common setup first, then:

Setup: Set up a local WordPress environment, set WP_DEBUG to true in your wp-config.php, and install the Theme Check pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory https://wordpress.org/plugins/ or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party..
Read: Work through the Onboarding for new reviewers guide. It walks you through the full process step by step, from setting up your environment to writing your first review.
Connect: Join #themes on SlackSlack Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform https://slack.com/. The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at https://make.wordpress.org/chat/ and introduce yourself. Attend meetings if possible, or read meeting notes.

Steps

Complete the reviewer onboarding guide, if you have not already.
Select and review a theme using this guide, focusing on license compliance and security, not design, unless something is broken or unusable.
Comment with your review as instructed here.
Leave the ticket open and watch for any responses. The author may submit several updates for you to re-review. Approve the theme once it passes all requirements.

Contribution checklist

Read through all theme review requirements
Reviewed the theme for license and security issues
Posted review using the suggested ticket format
Responded to any followup

What happens next

An experienced reviewer will look over the ticket once you’ve completed your review. You may be asked follow-up questions, or the admins will add the theme to the directory.

After enough reviews, you’ll be added to the Reviewers group, which lets you assign and close tickets yourself.