# Theme.json Design Manager vs Theme YAML

> Theme.json Design Manager vs Theme YAML compared on installs, downloads, ratings, updates, compatibility and support. Theme.json Design Manager comes out ahead, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head checks against Theme YAML.

**Theme.json Design Manager comes out ahead, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head checks against Theme YAML.** Choose Theme.json Design Manager if you care most about downloads (30 days), download trend and health score. Choose Theme YAML if you care most about active installs and reviews.

| | Theme.json Design Manager | Theme YAML – Use YAML instead JSON for your theme.json settings and styles |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | <10 | 10+ ✅ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 53 ✅ | 37 |
| Download trend | +17.8% ✅ | -38.3% |
| Rating | — | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | 0 | 2 ✅ |
| Health score | 36/100 ✅ | 29/100 |
| Last updated | 7 months ago ✅ | 3 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.9.10 ✅ | WP 6.3.13 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | 7.4+ | 7.4+ |
| First released | Mar 2026 | Mar 2022 |

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better, Theme.json Design Manager or Theme YAML?
Theme.json Design Manager comes out ahead, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head checks against Theme YAML. Choose Theme.json Design Manager if you care most about downloads (30 days), download trend and health score. Choose Theme YAML if you care most about active installs and reviews.

### Is Theme.json Design Manager more popular than Theme YAML?
Theme YAML is the more popular of the two with 10+ active installs, compared with <10 for Theme.json Design Manager.

### Can I use Theme.json Design Manager and Theme YAML together?
Both plugins cover theme.json, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.

### Are Theme.json Design Manager and Theme YAML free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.


---
Source: live WordPress.org data · HTML version: https://pageforge.pro/directory/compare/theme-json-design-manager-vs-theme-yaml/ · Generated 2026-10-18 08:25 UTC by PageForge