Website workflows are made easier with convenient tools that copy and install data automatically through cloning.
This article outlines cloning a website with Softaculous.
What is Softaculous?
While plugins and extensions are a great way to customize and add features to websites, users of common hosting control panels no longer need to install anything extra on their websites to move them from one place to another.
As described on softaculous.com,
Softaculous is an auto installer for 380+ apps like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, etc. which integrates with several control panels like Webuzo, cPanel, Directadmin, Plesk, Interworx, ISPmanager and more.
https://softaculous.com/
Check with your hosting provider to ensure Softaculous is installed when using any of the above-noted control panels.
What is Cloning?
Cloning a site allows you to have a copy of your website to test plugins and themes or update content without making any changes to the live version that your visitors see.
Having a clone of your site will save you time and minimize necessary corrections and interruptions to your live website.
You can also keep a separate installation or version of your site for your development workflow.
Softaculous Cloning Process
This article assumes that you already have an existing site imported into or created with, Softaculous. Please read here first to learn how to import a site from a remote server.
Important Note: This demonstration import was done using Softaculous in cPanel. If you are using another control panel or a different version of cPanel, some of the screens may look different.
In cPanel, Softaculous is in the Software section. Click the Softaculous Apps Installer button:
Step one
Click the Clone icon for the installation that you wish to duplicate.
Step two
Enter your settings. The default naming options are automatically generated and differ each time you clone a site with Softaculous. You can leave them as they are or change them.
To change them, you can choose your own directory and database names.
Note: If you’re unfamiliar with handling or setting up cron jobs, I recommend leaving the cron settings at their defaults.
Clone settings explained
- Choose Installation URL: Choose your protocol and enter your preferred domain and directory.
- Database Name: You can label your database with any complete word (no spaces) you want.
- Disable Search Engine Visibility: Check the box if you don’t want search engines to crawl this version of your site and have it appear in search results.
- Site Name: Give your clone site a unique name.
Step three
Double check your information and click the Clone Installation button.
Final Results
You will see a progress bar, showing cloning status.
Finally, you should see a message confirming your successful site cloning. The message will contain a direct link to your website and admin area (if applicable.)
