Feature availability: Cloning is a Deluxe feature on cPanel. In Plesk, use Clone when it is available for the installation.
Cloning creates a full copy of a WordPress website, including its files, database, and settings. A clone is useful for staging, testing updates, development, or redesign work that should not affect the production website.
- Open WP Toolkit: cPanel → Domains → WP Toolkit or Plesk → WordPress.
- Find the WordPress installation and select Clone.
- Choose the destination. WP Toolkit may offer to create a staging subdomain or use an existing domain/subdomain.
- Verify that the target is not being used by another website.
- Review the database name if offered.
- Select Start and allow cloning to finish.
Target data can be overwritten. Never clone into a location that contains a website you need to keep.
For staging copies, disable search-engine indexing and consider enabling password protection. Changes made to a clone do not automatically synchronize with the production website.
Panel navigation and availability: cPanel WP Toolkit feature guidance; Plesk WP Toolkit guide.
