Backing up your entire WordPress media library is vital for protecting your website content, including images, videos, and other media files. This will guide you through the straightforward steps to download and save all your media using the trusted Duplicator plugin and the built-in Export tool. Whether you want to create a full backup of your site or save specific media, following these instructions will help you keep a secure copy of your website assets for easy restoration or transfer to a new server.
What is a duplicator plugin?
The Duplicator plugin is a popular WordPress tool designed to create full backups of your website. It helps migrate, copy, and clone your entire WordPress site, including files, themes, plugins, and the database. With over 1 million active installations, Duplicator allows users to easily package their website into a downloadable archive file that can be restored or moved to another location. This plugin is handy for creating backups before making significant changes to your site or moving it to a new domain or server. Using Duplicator, you can securely back up and relocate your website without technical expertise. For detailed instructions on using Duplicator, you can also see our step-by-step guide on Migrating a WordPress Site with WordPress Duplicator.
How to Add a New Plugin in WordPress
The first step in copying your WordPress website is installing a plugin. From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Plugins section on the left-hand menu. Click on Add New to open the plugin directory, where you can search for and install the plugin you need.
How to Search and Install the Duplicator Plugin in WordPress
To copy your WordPress website, you’ll need the Duplicator plugin. Access your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the plugin installer, and search for ‘Duplicator’ to get started. Look for the Duplicator—Migration & Backup Plugin with over 1+ million activations and excellent reviews. Once you find it, click Install Now to add the plugin to your site. This plugin is highly trusted for quickly making website copies.
How to Activate the Duplicator Plugin in WordPress
After the installation, the Install Now button will change to Activate. Click the Activate button to enable the Duplicator plugin on your WordPress website. This is the final step in using the plugin to copy and back up your site. It’s quick and easy to get your plugin ready for use.
Create Your First WordPress Backup with Duplicator
To secure your WordPress site, click Create Your First Backup using the Duplicator plugin. This action will start backing up your website files and database, ensuring you have a safe copy stored in case of any issues. Regular backups protect your site content and settings, especially during updates or changes.
Name Your WordPress Backup and Proceed to the Next Step
To continue with your WordPress backup using Duplicator, enter a name like “WordPress Backup” in the Name field. This label helps you identify and organize your backups easily. After naming your backup, click on the Next button at the bottom of the page. This step will take you to the scanning process, where Duplicator checks your website files and database before creating a backup.
Scanning Your WordPress Website for Backup
During the backup process in Duplicator, your WordPress site will be scanned to check the files and database for issues. This scanning step collects all the necessary data before creating the backup package. Depending on your site size, it may take a few minutes.
Website Scan Complete in Duplicator for WordPress Backup
Once the scanning process is finished, the duplicate will display a “Scan Complete” message, indicating that your WordPress site files and database are ready for backup. This confirmation screen shows detailed checks to ensure everything is in order, including file sizes, add-ons, and database integrity. Seeing this message means you can confidently create the backup package. Always review the scan results to confirm your site is in good shape before proceeding.
How to Build a Backup in Duplicator Plugin
Once you’ve reviewed the backup settings, Navigate to the bottom of the page and select the Build button. This will start creating a complete backup of your WordPress site. The Duplicator plugin will run checks and ensure everything is in order before finalizing the backup.
Monitor the Backup Progress in the Duplicator Plugin
While the backup is being created, you can see the progress on the screen. The Duplicator plugin will display a percentage showing how much the backup has been completed. Wait for the process to reach 100% before moving on to the next step.
How to Download Backup Files in Duplicator Plugin
Once the backup build is complete, click Download Both Files to get the Installer and Archive files. These files are necessary to restore or move your WordPress site. Make sure to download and save them securely for future use.
Extract Downloaded Backup Files for WordPress
After downloading your WordPress backup zip file, locate it on your computer and right-click on it. From the menu that appears, choose Extract Files to begin unpacking the contents. This step is essential to accessing and restoring your website data if needed. Extracting the backup files allows you to review the saved content and prepare everything for future updates or restoration processes.
Access the Upload Folder for Media Libraries in WordPress Backup
After extracting your WordPress backup, navigate to the uploads folder within the backup files. Here, you will find all your media libraries, including images, videos, and other uploaded files. This folder holds the important media content in your website’s WP-content directory. Accessing the uploads folder helps you verify and restore any media elements if needed, ensuring that your website maintains its original look and functionality.
View All Images in the Uploads Folder of Your WordPress Backup
Inside the uploads folder of your WordPress backup, you can find all the images and media files previously uploaded to your website. Each folder is organized by year and month, making it easy to locate specific images. This comprehensive storage of media files ensures you have a complete backup of your visual content, ready for restoration or future updates. Checking the uploads folder is essential for verifying that all your images are intact and correctly backed up.
Export Media Library from WordPress Dashboard
An alternative way to back up your entire media library in WordPress is to use the Export feature from the dashboard. To do this, go to Tools on the left-hand menu and click on Export. This method allows you to export all your media files and content into a separate backup file, which can be imported later. This approach helps you securely save visual content and transfer it to another website or storage location, ensuring your media library is always backed up.
Download Export File for WordPress Media Library
First, select Media from the options to download your WordPress media library as an export file. Next, choose your desired start and end date to specify the time range of media files you want to include. Once done, click on the Download Export File button. This process creates an export file containing your selected media, making it easy to back up, transfer, or restore your content later.
Export File Successfully Downloaded for Media Library
After completing the export process in your WordPress dashboard, the exported file is now successfully downloaded to your computer. You can find the downloaded file in your browser downloads section, which contains all the selected media files from the specified date range. This downloaded file is a backup, allowing you to safely store, transfer, or restore your website media content whenever needed.
How to Import a Backup File in WordPress Using Duplicator PRO
To import a backup file in WordPress, you’ll first need to install and activate the Duplicator PRO plugin. After activating the plugin, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and find Duplicator PRO on the left-hand menu. Please hover your mouse over it to uncover the options, then click on Import Backups. This action will take you to the import page, where you can upload your saved backup file to restore your site.
How to Upload a Backup File in WordPress Using Duplicator PRO
To upload a backup file in WordPress using Duplicator PRO, click the Select Files button in the Import Backups section. A window will open, enabling you to pick the backup file you want to import. After selecting the correct file, Duplicator PRO will begin uploading it to your site and preparing it for restoration.
How to Choose and Upload a Backup File in WordPress with Duplicator PRO
To upload a backup file in Duplicator PRO, click on ‘Select Files‘ and choose your desired backup file from the storage location on your computer. Once you find the correct file, click ‘Open‘ to initiate the upload process.
Track Backup Import Progress in Duplicator PRO
While importing the backup in Duplicator PRO, you can monitor the progress status displayed on the screen. The import shows the percentage completed and the estimated time remaining, ensuring the restoration process is transparent and easily trackable. This feature helps users maintain control during the website restoration.
Backup Imported Successfully Using Duplicator PRO Plugin in WordPress
The image displays a successful import of a backup file using the Duplicator PRO plugin in WordPress. After selecting the backup file, the system shows the imported file details, confirming the complete process. This feature in Duplicator PRO helps users securely restore their website by providing explicit visual confirmation of the import, ensuring that their website data is ready for further action.
Conclusion:
Following this simple guide, you can easily download and back up your entire media library using the Duplicator plugin and the built-in Export feature. Backing up your website regularly is smart. It protects your content and helps you prepare for unexpected changes or problems. With these methods, you can quickly restore or move your site’s files, keeping your website secure and functional.
About Author
This article was written by Haider Aftab Abbasi. If you’re looking for more insightful content or professional collaborations, feel free to connect with Haider on LinkedIn using the provided link.
