WordPress Blog Migration
This post describes a few ways to move WordPress, either to a different server or to Jekyll.
Steps to make an exact copy
This includes all plugins, themes, posts, and other site content.
- Download a copy of the database and save it somewhere safe. Once downloaded, make a second copy as a backup in case something goes wrong.
- Search the SQL file for the current domain URL and replace it with the new domain.
- Update the site location in the
wp-config.phpfile. - Import the MySQL database and add the user at the new location.
- Upload your WordPress files and test the site.
I tried a few other methods, including web applications, but those caused problems such as not fully disconnecting the databases. Be sure that all URL references have been changed. In one case, upgrading the copied WordPress site also upgraded the original because one reference had been missed.
The safest way to move (but not an exact copy)
- Download copies of your themes and plugins.
- Download an export of your posts. If you are using multisite, you will need to do this for each site.
- Download a fresh copy of WordPress and set up your plugins and themes again.
- Import the posts and map users, making sure to check the box to download linked media.