Highlights · computed from our daily tracking data
- Arbutus currently ranks #2849 in the WordPress.org popular themes list.
- The latest release, v1.6, shipped on Jun 22, 2025 (411 days ago) — release #11 since the theme joined the directory in 2020.
Ranking history
Active installs
Downloads per day
Details
| Author | Nick Halsey |
|---|---|
| Current version | 1.6 |
| Versions released | 11 |
| Last updated | 2025-06-22 |
| Added to directory | 2020-07-07 |
| Requires WordPress | 5.2+ |
| Requires PHP | 5.6+ |
| Type | Classic theme |
| First tracked here | 2026-07-23 |
Description
Arbutus is a minimalist photography theme that transforms your site into a visually stimulating canvas of cleanly layered images and content. Meticulously designed with simplicity in mind, Arbutus displays your content with no distractions. Arbutus features opinionated post format designs so that all types of content can be displayed in a way that captures the attention of your viewers. The home page includes an optional header image or video, which is displayed in a large featured section with your site logo, title, and tagline. Arbutus is a theme that emphasizes images and content through a simple modern design, providing a site experience that your users are sure to enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arbutus a free theme?
Yes — Arbutus is a free, open-source (GPL) theme distributed through the official WordPress.org directory.
Is Arbutus a block theme or a classic theme?
Arbutus is a classic theme: it uses the traditional Customizer/widgets workflow rather than WordPress Full Site Editing.
How many websites use Arbutus?
WordPress.org reports 400+ active installs.
How popular is Arbutus?
As of August 7, 2026, Arbutus ranks #2849 in the WordPress.org popular themes list.
When was Arbutus last updated?
Arbutus was last updated on June 22, 2025 (version 1.6). It has shipped 11 releases in total.
Who makes Arbutus?
Arbutus is developed by Nick Halsey. It joined the WordPress.org theme directory in July 2020.
