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Best WordPress importer plugins

Top 9 WordPress Importer Plugins for Any Type of Data Migration 

Written By: author image Joella Dunn
author image Joella Dunn
Joella is a writer with years of experience in WordPress. At Duplicator, she specializes in site maintenance — from basic backups to large-scale migrations. Her ultimate goal is to make sure your WordPress website is safe and ready for growth.
     Reviewed By: John Turner
reviewer image John Turner
John Turner is the President of Duplicator. He has over 20+ years of business and development experience and his plugins have been downloaded over 25 million times.

Are you looking for the best WordPress importer plugin?

A WordPress importer plugin can help you easily move all of your posts, pages, and other site content into another location. This can be useful if you’re moving to a new server or domain name.   

This post will round up our favorite WordPress importer plugins to easily migrate any type of website data!

Quick Summary of the Best WordPress Importer Plugins

Here’s a quick overview of the best WordPress importer plugins!

Importer PluginFree Version?PricingBest For
Duplicator Pro$49.50/yrMigrating an entire WordPress site, specific files, or databases to a different location
SeedProd$31.60/yrImporting and exporting theme files
Shopify to WPFreeMoving an online store from Shopify to WooCommerce
WP All Import$99Importing XML, CSV, or Excel files
Customizer Import/ExportFreeExporting and importing changes made in the WordPress Customizer
Product Import Export for WooCommerceFreeWooCommerce imports
Widget Importer & ExporterFreeMigrating custom widgets to another site
WP Ultimate CSV Importer$149Importing data from XML or CSV files
Export Media With Selected ContentFreeExtending the WordPress importer to include media files

How Does the WordPress Import Feature Work?

WordPress has a built-in import and export feature that allows you to move data without a third-party plugin. It can import content from another WordPress site or a different publishing platform like Blogger or Joomla. 

To start moving your site’s data, go to Tools » Export. You can choose to export all your content, or just pages, posts, or media files.

WordPress export feature

Then, download your content. This will give you an XML file that you can upload to another WordPress installation. 

To do this, go to Tools » Import. If you’re transferring content between two WordPress sites, hit Install Now next to the WordPress option.

Install WordPress importer

Next, click on Run Importer. Now you can simply upload the XML file you saved earlier.

WordPress importer

We’ve found that this native WordPress importer does have some limitations. Although it’s easy to use, it’s not the most effective migration tool. 

When moving your Media Library, for example, the importer will only transfer the links to your media files. Once you delete the original files on the old site, these image links will break.

Plus, it’s easy for the import to time out. To migrate a WordPress site, your compiled file will have a lot of data. Ultimately, the native import tool isn’t well-equipped to process large files over 300MB

You may also need to export widgets, plugins, or other important WordPress data. The WordPress importer won’t be able to handle this type of migration. 

What Is a WordPress Importer Plugin?

A WordPress importer plugin is a tool that helps you migrate website data from one WordPress installation to another. Depending on the plugin, you’ll be able to migrate your entire site, or just posts, pages, widgets, and other specific data. 

What to Look For In a WordPress Importer Plugin

The WordPress import feature can be useful for transferring blog posts or pages to a new site. However, you may run into problems when you try to move your entire website.

Since the exported file will be large, you could exceed your web host’s PHP memory limit. In this case, it’s time to install a WordPress migration plugin, otherwise known as an importer plugin.

Here’s what you should look for in a WordPress importer plugin:

  • Easily transfers WordPress files, plugins, themes, and database information
  • Drag-and-drop migrations
  • Customize what data is included in your migration
  • Supports large websites and WordPress Multisite networks
  • Step-by-step import installer

The best WordPress importer plugins will have a user-friendly interface that makes site migrations easy. You’ll be able to package all of your website’s data into one file and transfer it to a different location.

Personally, I never want to deal with manual migrations because they get complicated and are prone to errors. With the right importer plugin, you won’t have to deal with complicated file and database exports!

9 Best WordPress Importer Plugins

Below, you’ll find a list of my favorite WordPress importer plugins! You’ll be sure to find a tool that simplifies site migrations so you can easily move to a new domain, host, or server.

1. Duplicator Pro

Duplicator plugin

Duplicator Pro is the best WordPress importer plugin. This flexible tool can build packages of your site and smoothly move them to any location.

Rather than being limited by the native WordPress import/export feature, Duplicator can help you migrate your entire website.

Using Duplicator, you can customize exactly what data you want to transfer to the new location.

Simply expand the Archive section and select what components to include or exclude. For example, you could choose to only back up active plugins and themes to remove any unnecessary tools during the move.

Back up active plugins and themes

After you build and download the package, open your new website and find the Duplicator Import page. You can import files by dragging and dropping them here.

Import website archive

Then, Duplicator’s installation wizard will walk you through the import process! In my experience, it takes less than 5 minutes to completely import the old site into the new one.

Unlike other plugins, Duplicator is well-equipped to import large sites. You’ll be able to package a lot of data into a single zip file without overloading your server and causing time-out issues. 

On top of this, Duplicator is much more than an importer tool. Here are some other features you can look forward to:

Pricing: Duplicator is available for free on WordPress.org. If you want drag-and-drop imports and a step-by-step migration wizard, you can upgrade to Duplicator Pro starting at just $49.50 per year. 

Why We Chose Duplicator

Duplicator Pro is the best importer plugin for moving entire sites to different locations. It can help you back up your site, migrate it to a new host, set up staging sites, and much more.

To see Duplicator in action, check out our review! We’ll look at the features and pricing for this backup and migration plugin to see if it’s worth it.

2. SeedProd

SeedProd plugin

As a freelancer or designer, you may want to export your custom WordPress theme and use it on another website. Using SeedProd, you can do just that. 

SeedProd is a drag-and-drop page builder that allows you to easily design every part of your website. It comes with landing page templates, professional blocks, animations, and much more. You can even start with a theme template kit to start developing your WordPress theme without coding experience.

SeedProd custom page

When you’re ready, go to SeedProd » Import/Export and hit Export Theme Files.

Export SeedProd theme

You can then open a blank WordPress installation and install SeedProd. Visit the same Import/Export page and import the theme you just downloaded. Your theme will automatically be applied!

Additionally, you may want to just reuse small sections of your page design. With SeedProd, you can simply copy and paste sections from your old site onto a different website. 

Key features of SeedProd

  • Drag-and-drop page builder
  • Theme builder
  • 150+ landing page templates
  • 90+ full website theme kits
  • 90+ blocks
  • 45+ animations
  • Save page templates, sections, and blocks
  • Copy and paste sections across different pages or different sites

Pricing: There is a completely free version of SeedProd. To start importing and exporting theme files, it’s important to select a premium subscription. These start at $31.60 yearly. 

Why We Chose SeedProd

SeedProd is a great option for designers or agencies that need to export themes and use them on multiple websites. It can also import and export smaller parts of a web page as reusable elements.

Interested in seeing more of what SeedProd has to offer? Check out our in-depth review of this landing page builder!

3. Shopify to WP

Shopify to WP plugin

When you first start an online store, you might prefer Shopify because it is a fully hosted ecommerce platform that comes with less maintenance. However, WooCommerce is a better alternative if you want more flexibility and fewer transaction fees.  

If you’re moving your Shopify site to WooCommerce, we’d recommend using Shopify to WP. This importer tool is specifically designed for this type of migration. Plus, it avoids the need to hire an expensive migration service.

All you’ll need to do is create a WordPress website. Then, paste your website’s URL and your email into Shopify to WP. You’ll be redirected to your Shopify store, where you can start downloading your data for the migration.

When you import this file into WordPress, Shopify to WP will automatically convert your Shopify products into WooCommerce products. This can be a huge time-saver as you’re setting up your first WooCommerce store.   

Pricing: Shopify to WP is free to use. 

Why We Chose Shopify to WP

You should use Shopify to WP if you’re planning on transitioning from Shopify to WooCommerce. It instantly makes your Shopify data compatible with WordPress.

4. WP All Import

WP All Import plugin

Another powerful import plugin is WP All Import. You can use this tool to import any XML, CSV, or spreadsheet file into your WordPress site. Plus, it’ll work with large files and shared hosting plans.

With WP All Import, you can migrate WordPress posts, categories, image galleries, custom post types, and more. The plugin will automatically detect any custom fields and taxonomies. Plus, you’ll even be able to set up scheduled imports if needed. 

Key features of WP All Import

  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • XML, CSV, or Excel file formats
  • Import data into any plugin or theme
  • Import images from a server, FTP, or your computer
  • Automatically detects categories, tags, users, and products
  • Scheduled imports
  • Integrates with WooCommerce, WPML, and All-in-One SEO

Pricing: The basic plugin is free and the premium plans start at $99. You can also package WP All Import with WP All Export. Together, these plugins cost as little as $199. 

Why We Chose WP All Import

WP All Import is a popular importer plugin that makes it easy to upload XML, CSV, or Excel files to your WordPress site.

5. Customizer Import/Export

Customizer Export Import plugin

One way you can customize your WordPress theme is by making changes in the Customizer. If you plan on using the same custom theme again, you won’t want to manually redo these edits. In this case, the Customizer Import/Export plugin may be the right choice for you.

Customizer Import/Export is a free tool that does exactly what you’d expect. After you install it, you’ll see an option to export WordPress Customizer settings. This will download files for your custom theme.

On the new site, make sure you have the same theme activated. Then, open the Customizer and import your custom theme file. Customizer Import/Export will apply the same changes you added to your first website. 

Key features of Customizer Import/Export

  • Imports and exports Customizer settings
  • Exports settings saved as custom options
  • Choose whether to download and import images

Pricing: You can download Customizer Import/Export for free. 

Why We Chose Customizer Import/Export

Customizer Import/Export is best for WordPress Customizer users who want to export their custom theme changes.

6. Product Import Export for WooCommerce

Product Import Export for WooCommerce

As you’re planning the migration of your ecommerce site, you might be overwhelmed by the thought of manually exporting product information. Product Import Export for WooCommerce is a plugin that was designed to make this process easier.

With this tool, you can export your WooCommerce products as a CSV file. This can then be uploaded to another WooCommerce site, allowing you to import products in bulk. 

Key features of Product Import Export for WooCommerce

  • Export WooCommerce products into CSV file
  • Import CSV file into WooCommerce
  • Add products in bulk
  • Supports simple, grouped, and external/affiliate products
  • Export and import product reviews and ratings

Pricing: Product Import Export for WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin.

Why We Chose Product Import Export for WooCommerce

With this plugin, WooCommerce store owners will find it easy to export and import their products into another store.

7. Widget Importer & Exporter

Widget Importer & Exporter plugin

Widgets are pieces of WordPress content that can be added as a site’s sidebar or footer. Since these have custom information like social icons or calendars, you might want to transfer them to another website. If you only want to migrate widgets, Widget Importer & Exporter can be a useful tool.

Essentially, Widget Importer & Exporter allows you to back up your custom widgets and move them between WordPress sites. After you upload a file, the plugin will explain that your widgets were imported, already existed in the widget area, or weren’t supported by the current theme.

Key features of Widget Importer & Exporter

  • Exports WordPress widgets in JSON format
  • Imports uploaded widget files
  • Reports on import status

Pricing: You can download Widget Importer & Exporter for free. 

Why We Chose Widget Importer & Exporter

This plugin is best if you want to move your custom WordPress widgets to another site.

8. WP Ultimate CSV Importer

WP Ultimate CSV Importer plugin

WP Ultimate CSV Importer works by using your old database as a source of information for a new website. When you import a file, you’ll have the exact same pages, posts, and categories that existed on your original site.

Using WP Ultimate CSV Importer, you can import many different types of content from XML and CSV files. This includes blog posts, WooCommerce products, comments, media files, and more. 

Key features of WP Ultimate CSV Importer

  • Drag-and-drop data imports
  • Imports posts, pages, media, taxonomies, and custom fields
  • Upload zip files from PC, URL, or FTP/SFTP
  • Notifies front-end visitors when site is in maintenance mode

Pricing: The basic plugin is free, along with add-ons to import users and WooCommerce products. There is also a premium version that supports scheduled imports and bulk image uploads. This starts at $149. 

Why We Chose WP Ultimate CSV Importer

WP Ultimate CSV Importer extends the native functionality of the WordPress importer.

9. Export Media With Selected Content

Export Media with Selected Content plugin

You might prefer the native WordPress import, but it doesn’t automatically include media files with your exported posts. To extend this feature, you can install Export Media With Selected Content.

This plugin will export all of the media attachments in your WordPress posts or pages. Rather than including all of your Media Library, your exported file will contain featured images and other media files embedded in the content. 

Pricing: Export Media With Selected Content is a simple plugin that is 100% free. 

Why We Chose Export Media With Selected Content

You should use this plugin if you want the WordPress importer/exporter to include the files in your Media Library.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best WordPress importer plugin?

Duplicator is the best WordPress importer plugin. You can use it to export custom backups of your WordPress site. Then, simply drag and drop this backup into another location.

Do I need a WordPress importer plugin?

If you want to quickly and easily move your website, you need a WordPress importer plugin. A tool like Duplicator Pro can streamline migrations and minimize downtime. There are also specific importer plugins for moving widgets, WooCommerce products, and other data.

How do I import pages and posts into WordPress?

You can import pages and posts into WordPress using Duplicator Pro. Simply install it and create a package of your blog. Then, open the WordPress dashboard for your new site and drag and drop the archive file into it. 

How long does a WordPress import take?

A WordPress import takes only a few minutes with the right tools. Using a plugin like Duplicator Pro, you can easily package your whole site and transfer it to a new location. Ultimately, this saves you hours of work spent manually importing your WordPress website. 

How do I upload an entire website to WordPress?

You can upload an entire website to WordPress using Duplicator Pro. After installing the plugin, create a package of your site. Then, go to the new WordPress site and find Duplicator Pro » Import. Drag and drop your package here to start importing your old content. 

Conclusion

We hope this guide helped you find the best WordPress importer plugin for your goals.

While you’re here, you may also enjoy these extra WordPress tutorials and guides:

Are you ready to import your site into a different WordPress installation? Download Duplicator Pro to move your entire website in just a few minutes!

author avatar
Joella Dunn Content Writer
Joella is a writer with years of experience in WordPress. At Duplicator, she specializes in site maintenance — from basic backups to large-scale migrations. Her ultimate goal is to make sure your WordPress website is safe and ready for growth.

Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported. This means if you click on some of our links, then we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that we believe will add value to our readers.