Creating WordPress themes can be fun. But if you’re a U.S. freelancer or an agency juggling multiple clients, things can get hectic fast. That’s why having the right tools can make all the difference. They help you build faster, test smarter, and stay organized. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been building custom WordPress themes for years, these tools will save you time—and maybe even your sanity.
Let’s dive into some of the best WordPress theme development tools that’ll help you crank out incredible projects faster than ever.
1. Local by Flywheel
Local is a must-have. It lets you spin up local WordPress sites in seconds. No more dealing with XAMPP or MAMP headaches. Just click, name your site, and boom—you’re up and running.
- Free and super fast.
- One-click admin access.
- SSL and live link support for client previews.
Perfect for testing new themes without breaking a live site. And yes, it runs smoothly on both Mac and Windows.
2. Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)
ACF is like magic. It makes your themes fully customizable without writing tons of code. Want your client to add a video, quote, or map to a post? Easy. ACF’s got you covered.
- Create custom fields in minutes.
- Great interface for clients.
- Perfect for custom templates.
It’s a no-brainer for any agency theme development process. Developers love it. Clients love it. Everyone wins.
3. GeneratePress + GenerateBlocks
GeneratePress is fast, lightweight, and extremely developer-friendly. Paired with GenerateBlocks, you can build blogs, portfolios, or giant corporate websites.
- Minimal bloat.
- Built for speed.
- Insane customization with very little code.
Together, they offer complete freedom without giving up performance. Plus, they play nicely with page builders if you need that extra spark.
4. Theme Check Plugin
Theme Check ensures your theme follows WordPress standards. Just install it and let it scan your code. It’ll flag things like missing tags, unused files, or incorrect functions.
- Helps keep your themes clean.
- Makes sure you’re following WP best practices.
- Great before submitting to the theme directory.
You wouldn’t release a car without checking the engine, right? Same goes for themes.
5. Sass & SCSS Tools
CSS is fine. But Sass (and SCSS) are better. They help you write cleaner, more scalable CSS. Variables, loops, nesting—it’s a dream come true.
- Use Prepros or CodeKit for compiling.
- Boost productivity.
- Perfect for larger themes with lots of style layers.

Plus, clients dig themes that are easy to tweak. Sass helps with that.
6. VS Code + Plugins
Visual Studio Code is every developer’s Swiss Army knife. It’s fast, clean, and has loads of extensions just for WordPress.
- PHP Intelephense for smarter PHP coding.
- WordPress Snippet plugin to autocomplete functions.
- Live Server for real-time preview.
You can also sync settings and themes across devices. Handy if you work on both a laptop and desktop.
7. Gulp or Grunt
Automation is your friend.
Gulp and Grunt help automate tasks like:
- Minifying CSS and JS files.
- Compiling SCSS.
- Image optimization.
Less manual work = more time for Netflix (or, you know, client projects).
8. Underscores (_s)
Want a head start instead of building from scratch? Check out Underscores. It’s like a blank canvas for theme developers.
- Minimal styles.
- Clean, well-commented code.
- Backed by Automattic.
Pair it with ACF and you’ve got yourself a mega theme-building machine.
9. Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS
Looking to speed things up even more?
Try using Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS.
- Bootstrap is great for grids and pre-built components.
- Tailwind gives you full design control with utility classes.

Both work well in WordPress themes and save tons of time, especially for layout-heavy projects.
10. Git & GitHub (or GitLab)
Version control = peace of mind.
Whether you’re a solo developer or working with a team, Git is essential. Tools like GitHub help track changes, collaborate, and roll back mistakes.
- Handle multiple versions easily.
- View your project history.
- Work on different branches without chaos.
It’s like having an undo button for your entire theme.
11. Browser DevTools
This one’s right in your browser. Chrome or Firefox, doesn’t matter. Their DevTools make it easy to test and fix anything fast.
- Inspect elements.
- Modify styles live.
- Track down JavaScript bugs.
If you’re not using DevTools yet, today’s the day.
12. WP-CLI
Hate clicking through admin menus? WP-CLI lets you manage WordPress from your terminal.
- Install plugins.
- Update core files.
- Generate theme scaffolds.
Just type and go. Developers love how fast and powerful it is.
13. Postman for REST API Testing
Using the WordPress REST API in your theme? Postman is perfect for testing calls and endpoints.
- Preview data quickly.
- Diagnose errors fast.
- Build better headless themes.
It’s a great tool for modern WordPress development.

Bonus: Time Savers
Here are a few quick tools that aren’t theme-specific but are total lifesavers:
- Canva – for quick featured image design.
- Trello – to keep your project tasks organized.
- Unsplash – for royalty-free images.
Wrapping It Up
Theme development doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right set of tools, you can wow your clients and streamline your process at the same time.
Whether you’re building custom projects for clients in Texas or designing themes in a cozy Vermont coffee shop, these tools will help you deliver better results faster. Use them well, and you’ll be building like a boss in no time.
Now—crack your knuckles, open up your favorite code editor, and get building!