WordPress Playground, the free tool that runs a temporary WordPress site in your browser, can now make a copy of your own live site. You get an editable version with your real content and no local server to install.
Edits to the copy do not publish to your live site. That makes it a safe place to try a new layout, check a plugin update, or investigate a bug.
How to clone your site
The feature uses Reprint, a plugin that copies a site’s files and database. Your live site needs Reprint installed and activated, and you need administrator access to authorize the copy. Entering a site address alone gives Playground no access.
- Open Playground and choose New Playground, then Clone a live site.
- Enter your site’s address and select Check site.
- Install and activate Reprint on your live site if prompted.
- Copy the migration key from Playground. On your live site, go to Tools, then Reprint Server. Paste the key into Migration Token and select Authorize client.
- Return to Playground, select Clone site, then Open site.
You can try the process first with a public demo site that needs no account or key.
Limits to know
The browser import accepts up to 2 GiB of files and database data. Keep the tab open while the copy runs. Closing or reloading it loses an unfinished copy.
Playground is not a typical host. Some plugins and outside services may behave differently, so test on your real hosting setup too.
Handle the copy with care
Authorizing the key lets Playground read your site, so only do it when you mean to clone. The copy can contain private content, user data, and plugin credentials. Remove that information before you share an export. For larger sites, Reprint can also copy to a local machine or another server using a terminal.
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