If you’re looking to replicate your WordPress website quickly and efficiently, you’re in the right place. Cloning or duplicating a site can save you time and effort when you need to create a new website with the same content or structure as an existing one. In this article, we’ll explore the 20 best WordPress plugins for this task, breaking down their features and providing step-by-step guides.
What Is Cloning or Duplicating a WordPress Site?
Before we dive into the plugins, let’s clarify what we mean by “cloning” or “duplicating” a WordPress site. Essentially, it’s the process of creating an exact copy of your website. This copy includes all the posts, pages, settings, and even the design of your site. It’s like making a photocopy of a document – everything is reproduced exactly as it is on the original site.
Now, let’s explore the top 20 plugins that can help you accomplish this task effortlessly.
1. Duplicator
Features: Duplicator is a user-friendly plugin that allows you to create and download site backups or duplicate your entire site. It provides step-by-step wizards for easy setup.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the Duplicator plugin.
- Navigate to the Duplicator menu in your WordPress dashboard.
- Create a new package by following the on-screen instructions.
- Download the generated package, and you’re ready to duplicate your site elsewhere.
2. UpdraftPlus
Features: UpdraftPlus is a robust backup plugin that includes site duplication functionality. It automates backups and simplifies site restoration.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate UpdraftPlus.
- Go to the Settings and configure backup settings.
- Create a backup of your site.
- Use the Clone/Migrate feature to duplicate your site to a new location.
3. All-in-One WP Migration
Features: This plugin offers an easy export/import feature for duplicating your site. It’s known for its simplicity.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the All-in-One WP Migration plugin.
- Go to the Export option.
- Export your site to a file.
- On the new site, install the plugin and choose the Import option to bring in your site.
4. WPvivid Backup Plugin
Features: WPvivid Backup Plugin provides comprehensive backup and site migration features, including cloning.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the WPvivid Backup Plugin.
- Create a backup of your site.
- Use the “Clone/Migrate” option to duplicate your site to another location.
5. WP Clone by WP Academy
Features: WP Clone offers a straightforward approach to duplicating your site within your WordPress dashboard.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the WP Clone plugin.
- Click “Create Backup” to make a copy of your site.
- Click “Restore” on another WordPress installation to clone your site.
6. Migrate Guru
Features: Migrate Guru specializes in site migration and cloning, making it suitable for moving to a new host or domain.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Migrate Guru.
- Enter the destination site details.
- Click “Migrate” to duplicate your site.
7. NS Cloner – Site Copier
Features: NS Cloner is designed for network or multisite installations. It can clone entire sites within a WordPress network.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate NS Cloner.
- Go to your network’s dashboard.
- Select the site you want to clone and use NS Cloner to create a duplicate.
8. Clone
Features: The Clone plugin provides a straightforward way to duplicate your WordPress site without any complicated settings.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate the Clone plugin.
- Visit the “Clone” section in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click “Clone” to create a copy of your site.
9. WP Super Duplicate
Features: WP Super Duplicate focuses on speed and simplicity when duplicating a site.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate WP Super Duplicate.
- Navigate to the plugin’s settings.
- Click “Duplicate Site” to create a clone.
10. Multisite Cloner
Features: This plugin is specifically designed for WordPress multisite networks, allowing you to clone sites within the network.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Multisite Cloner.
- Go to the network admin dashboard.
- Choose the site you want to clone and use Multisite Cloner to replicate it.
11. Clone Shipper
Features: Clone Shipper is part of the Shipper suite and offers a comprehensive cloning solution.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Clone Shipper.
- Configure your settings.
- Start the cloning process to duplicate your site.
12. WPClone
Features: WPClone is a lightweight and straightforward plugin for duplicating sites quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate WPClone.
- Click “Clone” in your WordPress dashboard.
- Follow the prompts to create a copy of your site.
13. Clone Page & Post
Features: While not a full-site cloning tool, this plugin helps you clone individual pages or posts.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Clone Page & Post.
- Go to the page or post you want to clone.
- Click the “Clone” option to duplicate the content.
14. Copy-Paste-Post
Features: Similar to Clone Page & Post, Copy-Paste-Post focuses on copying individual posts or pages.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Copy-Paste-Post.
- Go to the content you want to copy.
- Click “Copy Post” to replicate it.
15. Duplicator Pro
Features: Duplicator Pro is the premium version of the Duplicator plugin, offering advanced features for site duplication.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Duplicator Pro.
- Use the wizard to create a package.
- Download the package and deploy it on your new site.
16. Clone Plugins
Features: Clone Plugins is designed for duplicating plugins, not entire sites.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Clone Plugins.
- Go to the plugins list.
- Select the plugins you want to clone and duplicate them.
17. Starter Templates
Features: While not primarily a cloning plugin, Starter Templates can import pre-designed templates to kickstart your site.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Starter Templates.
- Browse and import a template that suits your needs.
18. Elementor
Features: Elementor, a popular page builder, includes a site import/export feature for its templates and designs.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Elementor.
- Create or edit a page with Elementor.
- Export or import templates using Elementor’s tools.
19. Beaver Builder
Features: Beaver Builder, another leading page builder, allows you to export and import templates and designs.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Beaver Builder.
- Use the built-in export/import tools to clone designs.
20. Divi Builder
Features: Divi Builder, part of the Divi Theme, enables you to import and export entire website designs.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install and activate Divi Builder.
- Access the theme builder and use the import/export options to clone your site’s design.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced WordPress user, these 20 plugins offer various options to clone or duplicate your WordPress site. Choose the one that best fits your needs and follow our step-by-step guides for a hassle-free duplication process. With these plugins, you’ll save time and effort while ensuring that your new site retains all the content and settings of the original.