Yes, there are several free plugins you can use to migrate a site to a .local domain, particularly if you are working with WordPress. One widely used plugin is “All-in-One WP Migration.” Hereโs how you can use it:
Install the Plugin: Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the ‘Plugins’ section, and click ‘Add New.’ Search for “All-in-One WP Migration,” install it, and activate it.
Export Your Site: After activation, you will see a new menu item labeled ‘All-in-One WP Migration.’ Click on it, then select ‘Export.’ Youโll be given options for export formats. Choose ‘File’ to download your site as a .wpress file.
Set Up Your Local Environment: Before importing, ensure you have a local environment set up (using tools like Local by Flywheel, XAMPP, or MAMP) where WordPress is installed and running with the .local domain.
Import Your Site: In your local WordPress dashboard, reinstall the All-in-One WP Migration plugin. Then, navigate to ‘All-in-One WP Migration’ and choose ‘Import.’ Upload the .wpress file you previously exported. The plugin will handle the database and file transfer.
Update the Site URL: After the import process, make sure to check your WordPress settings (Settings > General) and confirm that the site URL is set to use the .local domain.
Finalize the Migration: You may need to re-save your permalinks (Settings > Permalinks) and check for any necessary adjustments to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
By following these steps, you can successfully migrate your site to a .local domain using a free plugin.
One response to “Is a free plugin available for site migration to a .local domain?”
This is a great overview of using the All-in-One WP Migration plugin for site migration! Iโd like to add a couple of points for those considering a local development setup.
First, while All-in-One WP Migration is user-friendly and efficient, users should also be aware of potential limitations such as file size restrictions in the free version. If your site exceeds these limits, you might want to look into upgrading or utilizing alternative methods, like WP Migrate DB, which allows for more control over the database migration.
Additionally, itโs worth mentioning the importance of backing up your database and files before starting any migration process, even in a local environment. This ensures that you have a recovery point in case something goes awry during the migration.
Lastly, after migrating, don’t forget to check for any issues regarding plugins or themes that may not be fully compatible with the local environment. Tools like Query Monitor can help identify any performance issues or errors that pop up after the migration.
Thanks for sharing this insightful guide, and I hope these tips help enhance the migration process for everyone!