TemplateMonster is one of the oldest website template stores. It started by selling its own templates, then opened up as a marketplace for independent authors. Today it sells WordPress themes, Shopify and WooCommerce themes, HTML templates, landing pages, plugins, presentation templates and graphics. Authors can sell exclusive and non-exclusive items from the same account.
At a glance
| What it is | A marketplace for templates, themes, plugins and graphics |
| How you earn | A commission on each sale of your items |
| Commission | 50% to 65% on exclusive items, by sales volume; flat rate on non-exclusive |
| Cost to join | No fee; applications reviewed individually since 2026 |
| Who it’s for | Theme developers, web designers and graphic designers |
| Where it works | Online, worldwide |
How selling on TemplateMonster works
Authors upload products to their author profile, add descriptions, demos and documentation, and submit them for review. TemplateMonster checks copyright, to confirm the work is original and yours to sell, and quality, to confirm every advertised feature works. Approved items go on sale on the marketplace and through TemplateMonster’s affiliate and partner networks, email and social promotion.
The January 2026 change
From January 1, 2026, TemplateMonster stopped accepting bulk open registrations for new authors. Each application is now reviewed individually: you email the team details of your products and portfolio. The marketplace also stopped accepting bulk new product submissions in some crowded categories, including WordPress themes, HTML templates, landing pages and graphic products. In short, it’s still open, but selective, and quality matters more than volume.
Commission
TemplateMonster’s author terms set commission at 50% to 65% for items sold exclusively on its marketplace, rising with sales volume. Non-exclusive items, which you can also sell elsewhere, earn a flat rate. For graphics, authors set their own prices and earn a set commission. If a customer gets a refund, the commission is deducted from your balance. Authors who also join the TemplateMonster affiliate program can earn an affiliate commission when they refer a buyer’s first order, on top of their author share.
Exclusive or not?
Exclusive pays more per sale but ties the item to TemplateMonster. Non-exclusive pays less but lets you sell the same item on your own site and other marketplaces. Many authors keep their best sellers exclusive and use non-exclusive for items they also sell elsewhere. You can mix both in one account.
What sells
Niche website templates and themes, especially for clear business types, do better than generic ones. Shopify and WooCommerce themes, Elementor templates and polished presentation templates are steady categories. Good demos, clear documentation and responsive support help reviews and repeat sales.
Getting started
Prepare a strong portfolio of finished, original items before you apply, since applications are now reviewed one by one. Choose a category that is still accepting new products. Write clean documentation and build a live demo. Decide which items you want exclusive and price them in line with similar products.
Support and updates
Buyers of themes and plugins expect help when something breaks, and updates when WordPress, Shopify or a page builder changes. Plan time for answering questions and fixing bugs, and keep a public changelog. Good support shows up in reviews, and reviews decide which items keep selling after launch week.
Owen’s take
TemplateMonster gives authors more flexibility than most marketplaces: mixed exclusivity, author-set pricing for graphics and an affiliate bonus. The new selective intake makes it harder to get in, but that also means less low-quality competition. I’d apply with a tight, niche portfolio rather than a pile of generic templates.
Who it suits
It suits experienced theme developers and designers with a polished portfolio. It suits less well beginners, or anyone hoping to upload many quick templates in crowded categories.
Similar options
- ThemeForest is Envato’s theme marketplace, now at a flat 50% author fee.
- Envato Market covers Envato’s wider author program.
- Creative Market sells templates and graphics from independent shops.
- Webflow pays 95% on templates sold through its Marketplace.
More options are in Selling Templates and Designing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Exclusive and non-exclusive items in one account
- Up to 65% on exclusive items
- Marketplace promotion through affiliates and partners
Cons
- Individual applications since January 2026
- Some crowded categories closed to bulk submissions
- Refunds come out of your commission
FAQ
How much does TemplateMonster pay authors?
50% to 65% on exclusive items, depending on sales volume, and a flat rate on non-exclusive items.
Can I still become a TemplateMonster author?
Yes, but since January 1, 2026, applications are reviewed individually. You send your product and portfolio details by email.
Can I sell the same template elsewhere?
Yes, if you list it as non-exclusive. Exclusive items must be sold only on TemplateMonster.
What happens if a buyer gets a refund?
The commission you received for that sale is deducted from your account balance.
Can authors also earn as affiliates?
Yes. Authors can join the affiliate program and earn a referral commission on first orders they bring in.
