How to Download WordPress Plugins and Themes Directly from Your Dashboard?
Still think you need a developer or technical access just to download plugins or themes from your WordPress dashboard?
Well, not anymore. Forget about FTP, cPanel, or any technical skills, you just need to click one button to download any plugin or theme you need in a ZIP file from your WordPress dashboard in just a few minutes!
Just imagine how simple that is!
The all-in-one tool, “Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from WP Dashboard“. This tool brings ease and efficiency to your website.
This tool is like a magic wand, letting you download multiple themes and plugins at one time and in one click, saving you time and effort. And there is more, you get to choose the method that works best for you: ZipArchive or Pclzip libraries.
This plugin has the ability to streamline your store process, so you can work on the most important things for your site.
So, with over 40K installations, So, with over 40K installations, this plugin proven its worth of ease and time-saving. You don’t need to be a technical expert after today!
Now, let’s go to see how easy it is to get started with this amazing tool in just a few simple steps.
Step1:
➡ Download the Plugin
To get started you will need to download the “Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from WP Dashboard” plugin that allows you to set maximum quantities based on your store’s needs.
After downloading the plugin, from your WPFactory account, upload it to your WordPress site.
Step2:
➡ Access the Plugin
Once the plugin is installed and activated, you can tailor it to fit your business needs.
Go to WPFactory > “Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from WP Dashboard”
Step3:
➡ General Options (Directory)
- Add plugin/ theme directory
When you choose “Yes” the main plugin/ theme folder will be included in the ZIP file when it is downloaded. This means that all files inside the main plugin/ theme directory will be added.
While if you choose “No“, only the individual files containing the code or content will be included. This means that each file will be added separately, without the main folder that contains them.
Version
- Append plugin/ them version
If you choose “Yes“, the plugin/theme version number will be added to the ZIP file name.
If you choose “No“, the version number will not be added to the ZIP file name, only the plugin/theme name will be used.
- Version separator character
Tools
- Download plugins/ themes
From here you can download all the plugins and themes installed on your website and collect them in a ZIP file.
Step4:
➡Advanced Settings
- ZIP library
This option specifies which ZIP library will be used to create compressed files. You can choose between options such as:
- ZipArchive: The most common
- Pclzip: An alternative
You can also leave it at the default if you’re not sure which option to use.
- Temporary directory
Here you can specify the temporary directory to be used when creating ZIP files. If you leave it blank, the default system temporary folder will be used.
- Auto delete ZIP files
If you select “Yes“, the ZIP files will be automatically deleted from the server after they are uploaded.
If you select “No“, the files will remain on the server.
Step5:
➡Download Plugin Link
This section deals with the appearance of the download button that appears when downloading plugins/templates.
- Use custom color
If you select “Yes“, you can choose a custom color for the Download ZIP button.
Step6:
➡Periodical Downloads
The function of this section is to archive and upload site plugins and templates periodically to a specific path, which is useful for backup purposes or managing plugins externally.
- Periodical plugin/themes download
This option allows you to choose whether to schedule the automatic download of plugins and themes.
The “Run Now” button allows you to manually start the download immediately.
Note: Some plugins such as single file, drop-in, and must-have are not included in the automatic download. You can download them manually from the plugins page.
- Plugins/themes download path
This path is used to save a backup copy of all the plugins/themes on your site in ZIP format.
This is useful for:
✔ Easily retrieving your plugins/themes later.
✔ Transferring your plugins/themes to another site.
✔ Keeping backup copies before updates.
In the example shown, this means that the ZIP copies will be saved inside the “plugins-archive” folder located in “wp-content/uploads“, which is the common folder for storing uploaded files. And “wpwhale.com” means inside your website.
Note: It is preferable to clean these folders every once in a while, to save storage space, especially if saved periodically.
- Append plugin/theme date & time
When this option is enabled, the date and time will be added to the name of the plugin/theme ZIP file.
For example, it will become: “plugin-name-2025-04-07-1-30.zip”
This option helps you know when the file was created, and also to track modifications.
- Plugins/Themes output file(s)
This option determines how plugin and theme files are extracted.
Each plugin/theme ZIP: A ZIP file is created for each plugin and theme separately. That is, if you have 5 plugins and 5 themes, 10 ZIP files will be created.
Final Thoughts
From this moment, managing your website, and downloading plugins or themes doesn’t have to be complicated. You no longer need any technical skills, just one tool that will save time, simplify your workflow, and reduce risk.
From downloading, to backing up, transferring files, or customizing settings, this plugin makes everything easier. “Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from WP Dashboard” allows you to download plugins and themes without using FTP or cPanel, you can download them with just one click from your WordPress dashboard.
You’re in full control now!
