How to Export WordPress Site: Complete Guide for Beginners

Exporting a WordPress site is an essential task for developers who want to migrate their sites or create backups. Knowing how to export your WordPress site efficiently can save you time and prevent potential issues. WordPress allows exporting individual content like posts and pages to migrating the entire site including databases and themes.

In this blog, we’ll learn various methods to export your WordPress site such as: using built in tools, WordPress plugin, and manually using FTP. We’ll also dive into the best plugins WordPress developers use to export their site. But before that let’s check on what is the need to export a WordPress site.

Why Export Your WordPress Site?

Exporting your WordPress site can be an essential process for several reasons. Here’s why you might want to export your WordPress site:

Backup and Security

One of the most common reasons to export a WordPress site is to create a backup. By exporting your content, you ensure that you have a copy of your website’s important data stored separately from your hosting provider. This can be especially useful in case of:

• Server crashes
• Hacking or malware attacks
• Accidental data loss

Having an exported version of your site allows you to restore it if something goes wrong with the live version.

Migration to a New Host or Domain

If you’re planning to move your website to a new hosting provider or change your domain name, exporting the site becomes crucial. By exporting the entire website, you can easily move all your site’s data and configurations to the new environment without needing to rebuild it from scratch.

Moving to a New CMS

If you’re migrating from WordPress to another CMS like Drupal, Joomla, or Squarespace, exporting your site is the first step. Exporting allows you to retain your content, structure, and data so that you can transfer it to the new platform.

Creating a Staging Environment

Sometimes you may need to export your site to create a staging site or development version. This allows you to test updates, changes, or new designs in a safe environment without affecting the live site. Exporting ensures that your staging site is an exact replica of your live site.

Rebuilding or Redesigning the Site

If you’re planning a major redesign of your WordPress site, exporting can give you a backup. You can store a copy of your current site before making drastic changes. This allows you to revert to the previous site version if needed, without losing any content or functionality.

How to Export Your WordPress Sites?

There are various ways using which you can export your site. You can either use built-in tools, a plugin or do it manually. Here is a dive into each of them:

Using the Built-in Export Tool

The easiest method to export your WordPress content is by using the built-in export tool. This tool allows you to download an XML file containing your posts, pages, comments, custom post types, categories and tags.

Step 1: Navigate to your WordPress admin dashboard by entering yourdomain.com/wp-admin and logging in with your credentials.

Step 2: In the left-hand menu, hover over the Tools section and click on Export.

Step 3: Choose whether to export All Content or select specific content types such as posts, pages, categories, tags, etc. If you only want to export part of the site, select the desired options (e.g., Posts, Pages, or Media).

Step 4: Once you’ve chosen the content, click Download Export File. This will generate and download an XML file to your computer.

Step 5: You can import this XML file into another WordPress site by using the Import tool, found under Tools menu.

Step 6: Install the WordPress Importer by clicking on the Install Now found under WordPress.

Step 7: After installation, you’ll see a new option called Run Importer. Click on it.

Step 8: Choose the downloaded XML file from your computer and click on Upload file and import.

This method is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to quickly export their content, especially if you’re moving posts or pages. In this method, we used the native WordPress export feature to generate an XML file containing your site’s content, which can be imported easily into another installation.

Using Duplicator Plugin

The Duplicator plugin is a powerful tool for exporting and migrating entire WordPress websites. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Go to your WordPress admin dashboard, then navigate to Plugins > Add New.

Step 2: Search for Duplicator and click Install Now. After installation, click Activate.

Step 3: Once activated, navigate to Duplicator > Packages and click on Create New.

Step 4: You will see the Setup screen. Enter a name for your package and click Next to proceed. The plugin will run a scan of your website to check for any issues. Ensure that everything passes the scan.

Step 5: Click the Build button to begin creating a package. This may take some time, depending on the size of your site. The package will include your entire WordPress site: database, themes, plugins, and media files.

Step 6: After the build process is complete, you will see a page with download links for the Installer and Archive files. Click on both links to download these files to your computer. The Archive file contains your WordPress site, while the Installer helps to unpack and install it.

Step 7: To export your WordPress site to another server, you can upload both files (Installer and Archive) to the new server and follow the instructions for installation.

Duplicator is perfect for users who want a full backup of their entire site, including both files and database. In this method, we created a package using the Duplicator plugin, which included all the necessary files and database, making it easy to deploy the site elsewhere.

Using SFTP + phpMyAdmin (Manual Method)

For users who want full control over the export process, manually exporting via SFTP and phpMyAdmin is an option. This method allows you to export your entire site, including database and files, without the use of plugins. Here is how you can export your WordPress site.

1. Export Your WordPress Files Using SFTP

Step 1: Install an FTP client like FileZilla and connect to your web hosting server.

Step 2: Use the login credentials provided by your hosting provider (SFTP server address, username, and password).

Step 3: Once connected, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. This is typically located in the public_html or www folder.

Step 4: Select all of the WordPress files (including wp-content, wp-admin, and wp-includes) and download them to your local computer. This process will save your themes, plugins, and media files.

2. Export Your Database via phpMyAdmin

Step 1: Access phpMyAdmin from your hosting control panel (typically under Databases). This tool allows you to manage and export your WordPress database.

Step 2: In phpMyAdmin, locate the database associated with your WordPress site. The database name is usually listed in the wp-config.php file.

Step 3: Once the database is selected, click the Export tab at the top.

Step 4: Choose the Quick Export method for simplicity, and make sure the format is set to SQL. Then, click Go to download the SQL file to your computer. This file contains all of your WordPress site’s data, including posts, pages, and user information.

3. Re-upload the Files and Database to a New Location

Step 1: Using SFTP, upload your WordPress files to the root directory of the new server or hosting environment.

Step 2: In the new hosting environment, access phpMyAdmin and create a new database. Use the Import tab to upload the SQL file you exported earlier.

Step 3: After importing, make sure to update the wp-config.php file with the new database credentials.

This method is best suited for advanced users or those comfortable with technical processes. It allows for complete control over the export process, including both the files and the database. In this method, we manually downloaded the WordPress files using an SFTP client and exported the database using phpMyAdmin, giving us a full backup.

These three methods provide a way to export WordPress sites for users of all levels. If you are familiar with the WordPress environment, use built-in tools. If you want an easy way out use a plugin and if you want total control and flexibility use a manual method. To have your site exported you can also consider contacting WordPress migration services.

How to Export a WordPress Site From WordPress.com

Exporting a WordPress site from WordPress.com is a straightforward process using the platform’s built-in export feature. It allows you to download your site’s content, including posts, pages, comments, and more, in an XML file format.

Step 1: Go to WordPress.com and log in to your account using your credentials. After logging in, select the WordPress site you want to export from your dashboard.

Step 2: Once you’re in your WordPress site’s dashboard, click on Tools in the left-hand menu and select Export.

Step 3: On the Export page, you will have two main options, choose one of them:

• Export All Content: This option exports everything, including posts, pages, comments, media, categories, tags, menus, and custom post types. This is the most comprehensive export option.
• Export Specific Content: If you only want to export certain types of content, such as posts, pages, or media, you can choose this option and filter your export by the content type.

Step 4: If you want to export your entire site, select the Export All option and click the Download Export File button. This will generate an XML file that contains all your WordPress site content, including posts, pages, comments, and custom fields.

Step 5: If you want to export specific types of content (e.g., only posts or only media), select Export Specific Content. You will be given the option to choose which type of content you want to export, such as:

• Posts: Filter by author, date range, or post status.
• Pages: Choose specific pages to export.
• Media: Export specific media files uploaded to your WordPress site.

Step 6: Once you’ve made your selection, click Download Export File. The XML file containing your WordPress content will be downloaded to your computer.

Step 7: Keep this file in a secure location, as it will be necessary for importing your site into a new platform (e.g., self-hosted WordPress).

Step 8: If you’re migrating your content from WordPress.com to a self-hosted WordPress.org site, you can use the Import Tool on your new site.

Step 9: Simply log in to your new WordPress dashboard, go to Tools > Import, and upload the XML file you downloaded during the export process.

By following these steps, you can easily export your WordPress.com site’s content for backup or migration to WordPress.org. But if you are facing any difficulty or issues consider hiring WordPress developers.

Best Plugins to Export Your WordPress Sites

When it comes to exporting your WordPress site, plugins can streamline the process and offer additional features. Here are some of the best plugins to consider:

Duplicator

Duplicator is a popular plugin that allows you to create backups and export your entire WordPress site. It packages your site into a single archive (including the database, themes, plugins, and media files), making migration and backup processes simple.

Key Features

• Full site export including files and database.
• Supports manual site migration and backups.
• Easy duplication of live sites for staging environments.
• Automated site migration via installer files.

Best For: Full site backups, migrations to new hosts or domains, and creating staging environments.

UpdraftPlus

UpdraftPlus is one of the most trusted and widely used backup plugins for WordPress. While primarily designed for backups, it also offers easy export and migration functionality. You can store backups and exports on remote storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Key Features

• Export and backup entire sites, including the database, themes, and plugins.
• Scheduled backups and exports for automatic site saving.
• Integration with cloud storage services (Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon S3).
• Ability to restore or migrate sites easily.

Best For: Scheduled backups, cloud storage integration, and site migrations.

All-in-One WP Migration

All-in-One WP Migration is a powerful tool for exporting and migrating WordPress sites with minimal configuration. It allows you to export your entire site, including media files, database, themes, and plugins, in one simple package.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop site import feature for easy migration.
• Export the entire site or select specific components like the database or media files.
• No technical knowledge required for site migration.
• Supports large sites with extensions (paid version).

Best For: Beginners looking for an easy and complete site export and migration solution.

Total UpKeep

Total UpKeep is another excellent backup and migration plugin that focuses on providing a user-friendly experience for site export and maintenance. It allows you to create backups, export site data, and schedule automatic backups.

Key Features

• Backup and export WordPress sites in a few clicks.
• Schedule backups and receive email notifications.
• One-click restore or migration of your site.
• Cloud storage integration for backups (Dropbox, Google Drive).

Best For: Easy-to-use backup and export features, especially for beginners.

Jetpack

Jetpack is a versatile WordPress plugin that offers a variety of features, including security, performance, and backups. With the Jetpack Backup feature (formerly known as VaultPress), you can export and back up your entire WordPress site.

Key Features

• Real-time backups and easy site export.
• Automatic daily backups stored securely.
• Simple one-click restore and migration to new hosting environments.
• Protection against malware and security breaches.

Best For: Users who want an all-in-one plugin with backup, security, and export features.

Each of these plugins provides excellent export capabilities, ensuring that you can easily backup and migrate your WordPress site. Choose the one that best fits your technical level and specific needs. If you are still confused which plugin to use or need migration help, contact WordPress development company.

FAQs About Exporting WordPress Site

Final Words

Exporting a WordPress site is a crucial process for anyone looking to backup their data and migrate to a new hosting provider. By choosing the right method you can export your site easily and quickly. Here is a what you can consider when choosing:

• Choose the Built-in Export Tool, if you need to quickly export just the content from your WordPress site without additional setup or plugins.
• Opt for a Plugin, if you want a simple, one-click solution to export the entire site or need to migrate your site with minimal effort.
• Do it manually (SFTP + phpMyAdmin), if you prefer full control over the export process, and are comfortable with file management tools.

Choose the one that aligns with your needs and if you want a seamless migration, hire WordPress developers.