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How to Export Sites from InstaWP and Import Sites into LocalWP?

InstaWP streamlines WordPress site export by converting your site's content into a downloadable zip file. With LocalWP, developers can easily integrate these sites into a virtual server environment on their local machine, allowing for seamless creation and testing without the need for internet access. This streamlined technique improves workflow productivity and allows developers to fine-tune their WordPress projects more easily.


In this guide, we will explore how to:



Let’s get started 🚀


Export Site from InstaWP


Export a site onto the local system, which will be downloaded in a zip file. Using the demonstration below, let’s try to do that.


Step 1: Go to Sites and click on the horizontal ellipsis of your site. Select Export As > LocalWP from the options.



Step 2: A pop-up window will appear for your confirmation. Click Confirm from the box. It'll start exporting instantly. Once done, it'll be sent to your email.



Step 3: Go to your email inbox and open the mail. Click the Download File button to download your file.



In case the file has not started downloading, click the below provided link.


Import Site into LocalWP


Import the InstaWP downloaded site from a local computer into LocalWP. Using the demonstration below, let’s try to do that.


Step 1: Go to local dashboard and click the plus icon from the bottom left corner. You'll get the Create a new site button if you don't have any sites in local. Click on it.



Step 2: Click on the Select an existing ZIP from the Import Site box. Now, select the downloaded file which was exported. You can drag and drop the file, too.



Step 3: Set the name and click Continue.



Step 4: Choose your site's environment and click Import Site button.



It'll start importing instantly.



This will complete the site import to local.



💡 Did you know - You can build a site locally on LocalWP and then push it to InstaWP. Learn more on building site locally and push to InstaWP.

Updated on: 06/08/2025

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