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Unused Asset Finder

Detect CSS, JavaScript, and image assets that may not be required on a webpage.

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Unused Asset Finder – Detect Unused CSS, JavaScript, and Images

The Unused Asset Finder helps you identify CSS files, JavaScript files, and images that are loaded or present but not actually required for a webpage. Unused assets increase page weight, slow down load times, and negatively impact performance metrics. This tool gives you a clear view of referenced assets so you can optimize your site efficiently.

What Is an Unused Asset Finder?

An Unused Asset Finder is a performance optimization tool designed to analyze a webpage and identify assets that are loaded unnecessarily. These assets often remain after theme changes, plugin removals, or feature updates. Over time, unused CSS and JavaScript files accumulate and slow down websites.

Why Unused Assets Are a Problem

Unused assets increase page size, consume bandwidth, and delay rendering. Browsers must download, parse, and sometimes execute files even if they are never used. This negatively affects Core Web Vitals such as Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and Time to Interactive (TTI).

How the Unused Asset Finder Works

The tool fetches the HTML of a webpage and extracts referenced CSS, JavaScript, and image assets. By reviewing what the page actually loads, you can identify outdated or unnecessary assets that may be candidates for removal or optimization.

Common Causes of Unused Assets

  • Old themes or templates no longer in use
  • Plugins that load assets globally instead of conditionally
  • Features removed from the site but assets left behind
  • Third-party scripts added temporarily and forgotten
  • Duplicate libraries loaded by different components

Impact on Website Performance

Reducing unused assets can significantly improve page speed. Smaller payloads lead to faster downloads, reduced CPU usage, and smoother rendering. This is especially important for mobile users and slower networks.

SEO and Core Web Vitals

Google’s performance metrics reward fast, efficient websites. While unused assets are not a direct ranking factor, they strongly influence user experience and Core Web Vitals. Cleaning up assets helps improve overall SEO health.

Best Practices for Removing Unused Assets

  • Load CSS and JS only where needed
  • Use conditional loading for plugins
  • Split large CSS files by page type
  • Remove legacy scripts and styles
  • Audit assets after major site changes

Who Should Use This Tool

This tool is useful for website owners, SEO professionals, developers, and performance engineers. It is especially valuable during audits, redesigns, or before launching new features.

Limitations of Automated Detection

Some assets may be conditionally used based on user interaction or JavaScript execution. Automated tools provide a strong starting point, but manual review using browser developer tools can provide deeper insights.

Next Steps After Using This Tool

After identifying potential unused assets, review them carefully before removal. Test changes in staging environments and monitor performance improvements. Combine this tool with browser coverage reports for best results.

FAQ

Does this tool delete files?
No. It only analyzes and reports assets.
Can unused assets hurt SEO?
Indirectly, yes—by slowing down page performance.
Is it safe to remove unused CSS?
Yes, but always test thoroughly.
Does this tool work for dynamic sites?
It works best for static output; dynamic behavior may require manual checks.
Is this tool free?
Yes, it is completely free to use.
Can plugins cause unused assets?
Yes, many plugins load assets globally.
Should I check every page?
Yes, different pages often load different assets.
Does fewer assets always mean better performance?
Generally yes, but functionality should never be sacrificed.
How often should I run this check?
After major changes or periodically as part of maintenance.
Is this a replacement for browser dev tools?
No, but it complements them very well.

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Pro tip: pair this tool with YouTube Keywords Extractor and AI Keyword Cluster Ideas for a faster SEO workflow.