---
title: How to Use the “Download All” Tools
description: Download every installed WordPress plugin or theme in one ZIP with the free Download all tools, plus memory limits and requirements.
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/using-download-tools/"
updated: "2026-09-27"
category: How to
tags:
  - Download Plugins and Themes from Dashboard
---

# How to Use the “Download All” Tools

To download every installed plugin or every theme in one ZIP, use the free **Download all** tools in [Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from Dashboard](https://wpfactory.com/item/download-plugins-and-themes-from-dashboard-wordpress-plugin/). Go to **WPFactory > Download plugins and Themes**, scroll to **Tools** and click **Download all** next to **Plugins** or **Themes**. It is handy for a quick backup or a migration.

## Where the tools are

Open **WPFactory > Download plugins and Themes** and scroll to the **Tools** section. There is one **Download all** button for **Plugins** and one for **Themes**.

![Tools section with Download all buttons for plugins and themes](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/Tools.png)

## Download all plugins

1. Under **Tools**, next to **Plugins**, click **Download all**.
2. Your browser downloads `plugins.zip`, which contains the contents of your regular plugins folder.

**Note:** the plugins archive does **not** include **Must-Use** or **Drop-in** plugins, because those live outside the regular plugins folder. Download them one by one from the **Plugins** screen: switch to the Must-Use or Drop-in filter, then use each item's **Download ZIP** link.

## Download all themes

Next to **Themes**, click **Download all**. Your browser downloads `themes.zip` with everything in your themes folder, including default themes.

## Watch your memory limit on large sites

Building one archive of every plugin or theme uses server memory. The Tools section shows your current limits (standard and admin). On a site with many plugins or themes, you may need to [increase your WordPress memory limit](https://wordpress.org/support/article/editing-wp-config-php/#increasing-memory-allocated-to-php) before Download all can finish. If a download fails or the ZIP is empty, see [fix Download all failing or timing out on large sites](https://wpfactory.com/docs/fix-download-all-large-sites/).

## Requirements

- Plugin downloads need the `activate_plugins` capability; theme downloads need `switch_themes`. Both are part of the Administrator role.
- Your server needs the `RecursiveIteratorIterator` class and the `zlib` extension. The plugin checks these when you click a download and shows a notice if either is missing.

## FAQ

### Is Download all a Pro feature?

No. Both Download all buttons are free.

### Can I download only some plugins instead of all?

Yes, with Pro. Tick the plugins on the Plugins screen and pick **Download ZIP** from the bulk actions menu. See [how to bulk download selected plugins](https://wpfactory.com/docs/bulk-download-selected-plugins/). In the free version, use the **Download ZIP** link on each plugin.

### Can this run automatically?

Yes, with Pro. **Periodical plugins downloads** and **Periodical themes downloads** save archives to a folder on your server on a schedule. See [how to schedule automatic plugin and theme downloads](https://wpfactory.com/docs/automate-backups-pro/).

### Do the Directory and Version settings apply to Download all?

No. Those settings shape single plugin and theme ZIPs. Download all always produces `plugins.zip` or `themes.zip` with the folders inside.

New to the plugin? Start with [Getting Started with Download Plugins and Themes](https://wpfactory.com/docs/introducing-dashboard-downloads/).

### Get more from Download Plugins and Themes

The Download all tools are free. [Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from Dashboard](https://wpfactory.com/item/download-plugins-and-themes-from-dashboard-wordpress-plugin/) Pro can run these downloads on a schedule and lets you bulk download only the plugins you select. [See what Pro unlocks](https://wpfactory.com/item/download-plugins-and-themes-from-dashboard-wordpress-plugin/).

Need a hand? Our team answers every ticket on the [Download Plugins and Themes support forum](https://wpfactory.com/support/item/download-plugins-and-themes-from-dashboard-wordpress-plugin/).

Related articles

- [Download All Plugins at Once](https://wpfactory.com/docs/download-all-plugins/)
- [How to Download a Single Plugin or Theme as a ZIP](https://wpfactory.com/docs/download-single-plugin-or-theme/)
- [Getting Started: Download WordPress Plugins and Themes From Your Dashboard](https://wpfactory.com/docs/start/)
- [How to Customize What Goes Into Your Download ZIP](https://wpfactory.com/docs/customize-dashboard-downloads/)
- [Settings Reference: Every Option in Download Plugins and Themes](https://wpfactory.com/docs/download-plugins-themes-settings-reference/)

 

[![Download Plugins and Themes from WordPress Dashboard](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/Download-Plugins-and-Themes-from-Dashboard.webp)](https://wpfactory.com/item/download-plugins-and-themes-from-dashboard-wordpress-plugin/)