What Are GPL WordPress Themes & Plugins? Are They Legal and Safe?

If you’re building a WordPress website in 2025, chances are you’ve come across the term “GPL” while browsing themes or plugins. You might have even seen premium tools like Elementor Pro, Rank Math, or WP Rocket offered at a much lower price or even for free under a GPL license. This raises a lot of questions:

• What does GPL mean?
• Are GPL WordPress themes and plugins legal to use?
• Are they safe for your website?
• Can you use them on shared hosting like JustFlyHost?

This comprehensive guide answers all these questions and more. Let’s dive in.

What is GPL?

GPL stands for GNU General Public License. It is a widely used free software license that guarantees end users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. WordPress itself is released under the GPL license, which means all derivative works—including themes and plugins built for WordPress—are also expected to comply with GPL terms.

Key Principles of GPL:

• Freedom to Use: Use the software for any purpose.
• Freedom to Study: Access and modify the source code.
• Freedom to Share: Distribute the original software.
• Freedom to Improve: Distribute modified versions.

Because WordPress is GPL-licensed, any theme or plugin that extends WordPress functionality is also considered to be under GPL.

What Are GPL WordPress Themes & Plugins?

GPL WordPress themes and plugins are simply themes and plugins that are distributed under the GNU General Public License. This means they can be used, modified, and shared freely. Some developers offer their GPL products directly, while others may resell or redistribute them.

You may find many premium tools available under GPL from third-party sites, and these are often exact copies of the originals. While the code itself may be the same, these versions typically lack official support and updates.

Are GPL Themes and Plugins Legal?

Yes, they are legal—as long as they adhere to the rules of the GPL license. This includes:

• Not altering the license
• Not claiming original authorship
• Distributing the code as-is or with modifications

You are legally allowed to download, install, and use GPL-licensed plugins and themes on unlimited sites without violating any law. However, you should avoid downloading GPL products from shady websites that might bundle malware or phishing code.

Common Misconceptions About GPL

“GPL is the same as nulled software.”

❌ False. Nulled software often contains malicious code. GPL software is clean and legal if downloaded from a trusted source.

“GPL themes and plugins are pirated copies.”

❌ False. GPL encourages free distribution and modification. It’s not piracy unless you violate the license or brand policies.

“Using GPL products will harm your SEO or ranking.”

❌ False. SEO is affected by performance, content, and code quality—not by license type.

Pros and Cons of Using GPL Themes and Plugins

Pros:

• ✅ Cost-Effective: Access to premium-level features without the high price.
• ✅ Unlimited Usage: No license restrictions.
• ✅ Customization Freedom: Modify the code to suit your needs.
• ✅ Ideal for Developers: Great learning and testing tools.

Cons:

• ⚠️ No Official Support: You won’t get help from the original developer.
• ⚠️ No Auto Updates: You must manually update the plugins/themes.
• ⚠️ Security Risks: Risk of malware if downloaded from untrusted sources.

Is It Safe to Use GPL Themes and Plugins?

It depends on where you get them from. The GPL license itself does not pose any security risk. However, if you download from shady websites, you might expose your site to vulnerabilities.

How to Use GPL Safely:

1. 🔒 Download only from trusted GPL marketplaces (e.g., GPLDL, GPLKit, GPLPluginsThemes.com).
2. 🔧 Scan files with antivirus or malware scanners.
3. ⚖️ Compare file hash with the original source if possible.
4. 🚧 Avoid nulled or modified versions with suspicious code.
5. 🔄 Always take backups before installing GPL software.

How to Install GPL Plugins and Themes on JustFlyHost

JustFlyHost’s shared hosting, starting at just ₹89/month, is fully compatible with GPL themes and plugins. Here’s how to install them:

Method 1: Via WordPress Admin

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Appearance > Themes or Plugins > Add New.
3. Click Upload Theme/Plugin.
4. Choose the .zip file you downloaded.
5. Click Install and then Activate.

Method 2: Using cPanel

1. Login to your JustFlyHost cPanel.
2. Open File Manager and navigate to /wp-content/themes or /plugins.
3. Upload the .zip file and extract it.
4. Go to WordPress admin and activate it.

Best GPL WordPress Themes to Try

1. Astra GPL Version
2. GeneratePress
3. Kadence Theme
4. Blocksy
5. Neve

These themes are fast, lightweight, and optimized for SEO and performance. They work perfectly even on shared hosting environments.

Must-Have GPL WordPress Plugins

1. Rank Math Pro (SEO)
2. WP Rocket (Caching)
3. Elementor Pro (Page Builder)
4. UpdraftPlus (Backups)
5. WooCommerce Extensions

All these plugins are available under GPL through trusted sources, and they greatly enhance your website without additional costs.

Can You Resell GPL Plugins and Themes?

Technically, yes. GPL allows redistribution. However:

• You must not falsely represent the software as your own.
• You must retain the original license.
• Ethically, consider supporting the developer.

Some agencies create GPL membership sites offering access to bulk GPL tools. While legal, always keep transparency and safety in mind.

Ethical Considerations

While the GPL license allows redistribution, remember:

• Developers work hard to create these tools.
• Consider supporting them if you use their software in production.
• Use GPL tools responsibly and don’t abuse the license to promote piracy.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use GPL WordPress Themes and Plugins?

If you’re on a tight budget or running multiple websites, GPL tools can be a blessing. When used properly and downloaded from trustworthy sites, they are completely legal and safe. Just ensure you understand the tradeoffs like lack of official support.

For JustFlyHost users, the lightweight, high-speed hosting is perfect for running websites powered by GPL themes and plugins. Whether you’re a blogger, freelancer, or startup, you can build powerful WordPress sites without spending big.

✅ Start your WordPress journey today with JustFlyHost at ₹89/month. Use promo code cloud88 to get 1 month FREE.

Stay tuned for our next guide: “How to Set Up a Professional Email with Your Domain on JustFlyHost.”