Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

How to Download a WordPress Site and Edit on Your Hard Drive

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems used for creating and managing websites. Whether you want to make changes to your current site or create a new one, it's essential to have a backup in case something goes wrong. In this article, we will guide you on how to download a WordPress site and edit it on your hard drive.

Step 1: Install Local by Flywheel

To begin, you need to install a local WordPress development environment on your computer. One of the most popular options is Local by Flywheel. It's easy to use and allows you to create and manage multiple WordPress sites locally.

Step 2: Create a New Site

After installing Local by Flywheel, it's time to create a new site. Click on the "Create a New Site" button and enter your site's details, such as name, environment type, and preferred domain. Once done, hit "Add Site."

Step 3: Download Your Site

Now it's time to download your WordPress site. Go to the "Site Setup" tab, then click "Download." Select a folder on your computer where you want to save your site files.

Step 4: Extract the Files

Once the download is complete, you will have a zipped folder containing your WordPress site files. Extract the files to the folder where you want to edit your site.

Step 5: Edit Your Site

With your WordPress site downloaded and extracted, you can now edit it on your computer. Open the folder where you extracted your site files and make any necessary changes. You can use a text editor like Notepad or Visual Studio Code to edit your site files.

Step 6: Upload Your Site

After editing your site, you can now upload it to your hosting provider. Most hosting providers offer an option to upload via FTP. You can use an FTP client like FileZilla to upload your site files.

In conclusion, downloading a WordPress site and editing it on your hard drive is a great way to make changes before making them live on your site. With a local WordPress development environment, you can make quick and easy changes to your site without worrying about breaking anything. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you'll be editing your WordPress site in no time.