Envato Market is a family of marketplaces where independent creators, called authors, sell digital items on a per-licence basis. It includes ThemeForest for website themes, CodeCanyon for scripts and plugins, VideoHive, AudioJungle, GraphicRiver and others. For years it was the default place to sell templates. In 2026 the rules changed sharply, so read this before you plan around it.
At a glance
| What it is | Envato’s group of per-item digital marketplaces |
| How you earn | You keep what’s left of the item price after the author fee |
| Author fee | Flat 50% for all authors since July 1, 2026 |
| Cost to join | No joining fee; ID check required |
| Who it’s for | Theme, plugin, graphics, video and audio creators |
| Where it works | Online, worldwide |
How Envato Market works
You upload an item to the right marketplace, Envato reviews it, and if approved it goes on sale. Buyers pay a list price made up of your item price plus a fixed buyer fee that Envato keeps. Envato then charges its author fee on your item price, and you get the rest, before taxes. Each item has a public page with ratings, comments and a support thread, so buyers judge you on quality and on how well you answer questions.
The July 2026 changes
From July 1, 2026, Envato moved every Market author to one non-exclusive model with a flat 50% author fee. Before that, exclusive authors paid a fee of 12.5% to 37.5% depending on lifetime sales, while non-exclusive authors paid 55%. The upside is freedom: you can now sell the same item on your own site or other marketplaces. The downside is money. Established exclusive authors lost a large share of each sale, and many have raised prices or moved their main sales elsewhere.
Can you join right now?
This is the biggest catch. Envato paused new author applications while it reworked its intake. Its help centre says new authors will join through a selective, application-only model for chosen content types, with applications reviewed in batches rather than on a rolling basis. Audio and stock photography were excluded from the first reopening plans. Check the author help centre for the current status before you build anything aimed at Envato.
Envato Market vs Envato Elements
Envato also runs Elements, an all-you-can-download subscription. Elements authors are paid from a share of subscription revenue rather than per sale, and they contribute on a non-exclusive basis. Elements intake was paused at the same time as Market intake. Market suits authors who want to set a price per item; Elements suits authors with large libraries who prefer a steady share of a pool.
What sells
Website themes, WordPress plugins, presentation templates, video templates and graphics packs have long been the big categories. Buyers expect polished demos, clear documentation and regular updates. Support is part of the product: buyers of themes and plugins get item support, and slow answers lead to bad reviews and refunds.
Getting started
When intake is open, build a portfolio of two or three finished items in one category, not one item in five. Study the bestsellers in that category and note what their demos, documentation and changelogs include. Plan for support time from day one. With the 50% rate, price your item knowing you keep half of it, and think about selling the same item on your own store too, which the new model allows.
Owen’s take
Envato used to be the obvious first stop. Today it’s a strong storefront with a weaker deal and a closed door. If you’re already an author, keep your items there for the traffic but start building your own sales channel now. If you’re new, don’t wait for Envato. Start on a marketplace that is open and treat Envato as a second channel when intake returns.
Who it suits
It suits experienced theme, plugin and asset creators who can produce polished work and handle buyer support. It suits less well beginners, since new author applications are paused, and anyone who needs to keep most of each sale.
Similar options
- ThemeForest is Envato’s marketplace for website themes and templates.
- CodeCanyon is Envato’s marketplace for scripts and plugins.
- Creative Market sells fonts, graphics and templates from independent shops.
- TemplateMonster sells website templates and themes with its own author program.
More options are in Selling Templates and Designing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very large existing buyer base
- Non-exclusive since July 2026, so you can sell elsewhere
- Envato handles checkout, licensing and payments
Cons
- Flat 50% author fee on every sale
- New author applications paused
- Buyer support is expected and takes time
FAQ
How much does Envato take per sale?
Since July 1, 2026, a flat 50% author fee on your item price, plus a fixed buyer fee added to the list price.
Is Envato still exclusive?
No. Exclusivity was removed in July 2026, so you can sell the same items on other platforms.
Can I become an Envato author today?
Envato’s help centre says new author applications are paused and will reopen through a selective model for certain content types.
What is the difference between Envato Market and Envato Elements?
Market sells single licences per item. Elements is a subscription where authors share in subscription revenue.
Do I have to offer support for my items?
For themes, plugins and code, yes. Buyers get item support, and your ratings depend on it.
