How to Copy WordPress Theme to Another Site in Minutes?

When you need to copy WordPress theme to another site, it’s easy to think the process will be complicated or require technical know-how, but the truth is, with the right tools, it’s a quick and straightforward task👌

➡ Are you setting up a second site?

➡ Keeping a backup of your theme?

➡ Or simply moving your favorite design?

✔ This guide has you covered.

We’ll walk you through an effortless method to transfer a WordPress theme to another site, which also means downloading the theme from WordPress dashboard, backing it up without using FTP or cPanel, and ensuring everything is ready to go without headaches.

We’ll also discuss smart ways to manage and save your theme files – no technical skills required.

So, by the end:

You’ll be ready to move your site’s design with confidence and ease.

Key Reasons to Duplicate Your Website Design

Duplicating your website design allows you to copy a WordPress theme to another site, quickly and easily, which is useful in the following cases:

1. Setting Up a New Website Quickly

If you’re creating another site, copying your existing theme means you don’t have to start from scratch.

It’s like using a ready-made template, you already know what works, so you can get the new site up and running faster.

2. Keeping a Backup for Safety

Imagine if something unexpected happens to your site! an update goes wrong, or files get deleted!

So, when duplicating your theme, you’ll always have a backup ready to restore your site’s design without any panic.

3. Consistent Design Across Multiple Sites

If you’re running multiple websites for a business or project, having the same theme helps you keep a consistent, professional look.

It’s like having a uniform that ties everything together 😁

4. Experimenting Without Risk

Want to try out new changes or customizations but don’t want to mess up your live site?

Duplicate your theme, test your changes on a different site, and keep the original safe.

5. Moving to a Better Hosting Provider

If you’re moving your website to a new host, duplicating your theme makes the process smooth and stress-free.

You don’t have to recreate your design or worry about losing any settings.

What Happens When You Copy a Theme?

When you copy a WordPress theme to another site, you’re essentially making a duplicate of the theme’s design files and settings so they can be used somewhere else.

Think of it like copying your favorite playlist from one device to another, you’re keeping the exact songs, order, and settings intact.

👉 Here’s what gets copied:

1. The Design Files

All the parts that make your website look the way it does – like layouts, fonts, and colors – are included, it ensures the new site looks exactly like the original one.

2. Theme Settings

If you’ve customized your theme, like adding a logo, changing the header, or tweaking the layout, those settings are also saved when you copy the theme.

3. Custom Files

Any extra files or code you added to make your site unique will be copied as well, this is great for saving time because you won’t have to redo your work.

Traditional Methods to Copy a WordPress Theme (Complex)

If you want to copy a WordPress theme to another site manually, you can use traditional methods like FTP or cPanel.

While these methods work, they’re not the easiest or quickest options, especially if you’re not familiar with technical tools.

But in any case, let’s review it step by step together, maybe it will suit you!

1. Exporting Theme Files Manually via FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is like a bridge between your computer and your website’s server, it lets you access and transfer files directly.

Here’s how you can copy your theme:

• Step 1: Install and Set Up an FTP Client

• • Download an FTP tool like FileZilla (a free program).
  • Install it on your computer and connect it to your website by entering your FTP credentials, you can get these from your hosting provider, if you can’t get it, follow along, we’ll show you an easier way.

• Step 2: Locate Your Theme Files

• • Once connected, go to the folder: wp-content > themes.
  • You’ll see folders for all the themes installed on your site, find the folder for the theme you want to copy.

• Step 3: Download the Theme Folder

• • Right-click on the theme folder and select Download.
  • This saves the theme files to your computer.

• Step 4: Upload the Theme to Another Site

• • Connect to the new site using the FTP client.
  • Go to wp-content > themes and upload the theme folder you downloaded earlier.

• Step 5: Activate the Theme

• • Log in to the new site’s WordPress dashboard.
  • Go to Appearance > Themes and activate the uploaded theme.

 

2. Using cPanel to Transfer Theme Files

cPanel is a hosting control panel that allows you to access your website’s files, here’s how you can transfer your theme using cPanel:

• Step 1: Log In to cPanel

• • Log in to your hosting account and open cPanel.

• Step 2: Access the File Manager

• • In cPanel, find and click on File Manager.
  • Navigate to the folder: public_html/wp-content/themes.

• Step 3: Download the Theme Folder

• • Locate the folder for the theme you want to copy.
  • Right-click on it and select Compress, Choose ZIP format to bundle the folder into one file.
  • Once compressed, download the ZIP file to your computer.

• Step 4: Upload the Theme to Another Site

• • Log in to the new site’s cPanel and go to File Manager.
  • Navigate to public_html/wp-content/themes.
  • Upload the ZIP file you downloaded earlier and extract it.

• Step 5: Activate the Theme

• • Log in to the new site’s WordPress dashboard.
  • Go to Appearance > Themes and activate the transferred theme.

You may be interested in:

How to Export Plugin from WordPress in Just a Few Steps?

Why These Methods Can Be Complex?

While FTP and cPanel get the job done, they require technical knowledge and can be time-consuming.

Missing a step or uploading files incorrectly could cause errors on your site.

If you’re wondering, “Isn’t there an easier way to transfer my theme?”, don’t worry, a simpler, safer solution exists, keep reading 👇

Why a Plugin is the Best Solution for Theme Copying

Using a plugin to copy WordPress theme to another site is the simplest and safest way to get the job done.

Unlike manual methods like FTP or cPanel, a plugin takes care of the tricky parts for you.

👉 Here’s why it’s the best choice:

1. No Technical Skills Needed

You don’t have to understand file directories, servers, or coding, a plugin does all the work behind the scenes.

If you can click a button, you can transfer your theme 😁 no stress or confusion involved.

2. Saves Time and Effort

With traditional methods, you’d spend time searching through folders, downloading files, and uploading them manually.

A plugin does this for you in seconds, freeing you up to focus on other tasks.

3. Fewer Risks of Mistakes

When you use FTP or cPanel, one small mistake (like deleting the wrong file) can cause problems for your site.

A plugin eliminates this risk by guiding you through a clear and simple process.

4. Works Straight from the Dashboard

You don’t need to jump between multiple tools or log into your hosting account.

Everything happens right inside your WordPress dashboard, where you already manage your site.

5. Perfect for Backups and Transfers

Whether you want to transfer a WordPress theme to another site or create a backup, a plugin makes it easy.

You can download your theme as a ZIP file and upload it anywhere you want.

In short:

Using a plugin is the most reliable, beginner-friendly way to transfer or back up your theme, it turns a complex task into something anyone can handle with confidence.

Why take the long, risky route when a simple tool can do it all for you? 😉

The Plugin That Makes Copying WordPress Themes a Breeze

The “Download Themes in ZIP from WP Dashboard” plugin is the ultimate time-saver 👌

It’s designed to take the stress out of coping with your theme by giving you a clean, easy solution, right from your WordPress dashboard.

👉 Here’s what makes this plugin stand out and why both beginners and experts love it:

1. Instant Theme Downloads

With just one click, you can save your theme as a ZIP file, there’s no digging through files or jumping between tools, it all happens right inside your dashboard.

2. No Setup Required

The moment you activate the plugin, it’s ready to work.

You don’t need to tweak any settings, connect to servers, or get lost in confusing menus.

3. Works for All Themes

Whether it’s your active theme or one you’ve installed but haven’t activated yet, this plugin can download it effortlessly.

4. Bulk Theme Downloads

Need to save multiple themes at once?

This plugin lets you download all your themes together, saving you even more time.

5. Scheduled Backups

Set automatic downloads to keep your theme files regularly updated.

6. Custom File Names

Keep your downloads organized by automatically adding version numbers, dates, or custom labels to your ZIP files, no more guessing which file is which!

Copy Your WordPress Theme (Easiest and Fastest Method)

Follow these simple steps:

1. Install the Plugin

• Start by purchasing the “Download Themes” plugin, it’s affordable and worth every penny.

• Once purchased, you’ll get a ZIP file with the plugin.
• Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
• Upload the ZIP file, click Install Now, and then Activate the plugin.

2. Download the Theme from Your Original Site

• Head to your WordPress dashboard on the site where your theme is installed.
• Go to Appearance > Themes.
• Find the theme you want to copy, you’ll now see a “Download ZIP” button next to it.
• Click the button, and the theme will be downloaded to your computer as a ZIP file.

3. Upload the Theme to the New Site

• Log in to the WordPress dashboard of your new site.
• Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New > Upload Theme.

• Click Choose File, select the ZIP file you just downloaded, and click Install Now.

4. Activate the Theme

• Once the upload is complete, you’ll see an option to Activate the theme.
• Click it, and your new site will now have the exact same theme!

And that’s it! 👏

You’ve successfully copied your WordPress theme to another site in just a few steps.

No messing with FTP, no digging into cPanel, and no stress.

The plugin does all the hard work so you can focus on what really matters: building your site!

You may be interested in:

How to Choose a WordPress Theme You’ll Love

Tips for a Smooth Theme Copying

As we mentioned, copying a WordPress theme to another site is simple, but a little preparation can make the process even smoother, and to help you get it right the first time 👇

1. Back Up Your Original Site

Before starting, make sure to back up your original site, including the theme and any custom settings.

It’s like saving your game progress, you don’t want to lose your hard work if something unexpected happens.

2. Check for Theme Compatibility

Some themes may depend on specific plugins or settings to work correctly.

Before transferring, take note of the plugins or custom features your theme uses, this ensures the design looks the same on the new site.

3. Keep Your Theme Files Organized

Save the theme ZIP file with a clear name, like MyTheme_Copy_Nov2024.zip, and store it in a safe folder.

You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to hunt for it.

4. Test the Theme on a Staging Site

If you’re unsure about transferring directly to a live site, test the theme on a staging or test site first to let you catch any issues before going live.

5. Update Your Plugins

Make sure all necessary plugins are installed and updated on the new site, this ensures the theme functions properly without missing features.

You may be interested in:

10 Best, Fast & and Easy-to-use WooCommerce Themes

Conclusion About Copy WordPress Theme to Another Site

• Copy WordPress theme to another site is simple when you use the right tools.
• Traditional methods like FTP and cPanel can be tricky and time-consuming.
• With “Download Themes WP Dashboard” plugin, you’ll have your theme copied, transferred, and ready to use in just a few clicks!
• Follow the steps and tips in this guide, so you can save time and avoid common mistakes.