Have you ever wanted to explore WordPress features privately, redesign your site without impacting the live version, or test multiple plugins without risking site stability? Installing WordPress locally on your computer allows you to create a safe, private server environment for development and testing. This guide will walk you through setting up WordPress locally so you can work on your site safely and efficiently.
As WordPress continues to evolve, powerful new tools have emerged to streamline rapid testing and development for WordPress websites. In this guide, we’ll explore two standout options: Studio and LocalWP, both available for Mac and Windows users. These tools offer versatile, easy-to-use solutions that simplify WordPress development and enhance productivity, regardless of your operating system.
1. Installing WordPress with Studio
Studio by WordPress is a modern, desktop-based development environment designed to simplify WordPress website building and testing. Created by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, Studio offers an all-in-one toolkit to help developers and designers quickly set up, customize, and test WordPress sites locally on their computers.
To install Studio, go to the official Studio page and download the installer for your operating system macOS or Windows.
1.1 Deploy WordPress in 1 click
The process is quite simple, name your website and press Add Site. Within a few seconds your new site is up and running.
1.2 Overview
Each site has its own quick-access buttons that are placed under the Overview tab for ease of use and more efficient workflow.
If you are using a block theme you will have quick access to the following:
- Index page of the site
- Site Editor
- Styles
- Patterns
- Navigation
- Templates
- Pages
If you are using a classic theme you will have access to the following:
- Customizer
- Menus
- Widgets
1.3 Share
The Share tab lets you easily share your site with others to gather feedback.
To host your demo, make sure you have a WordPress.com account.
The demo site will be hosted on a temporary wp.build domain and will remain active for 7 days.
1.4 Import and Export
The Import menu in Studio allows users to bring in WordPress site data, themes, plugins, or configurations from external sources or backups. The Export menu enables users to save and package their site’s content, themes, and settings for backup purposes or to move the site to a different location or server.
1.5 Settings
The Settings menu provides a comprehensive set of options to customize and configure your site to suit your needs.
Site Settings
Site Name: Customize the name of your local site.
Site URL: Edit the URL for your site.
File & System Information
Local Path: Folder where your site files are stored.
WordPress Version: Version of WordPress currently installed.
PHP Version: PHP version your site is using.
Admin Information
Admin Username: Username for site administrator access.
Admin Password: Password for administrator login.
2. Installing WordPress with Local
LocalWP is a popular tool for local WordPress development, enabling fast, offline site creation, testing, and management. With features like one-click WordPress installation, SSL support, and easy file access, LocalWP simplifies workflows, making it ideal for developers and designers building and refining WordPress sites efficiently.