How to Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP Format from WordPress Dashboard If you use WordPress for your website, you already know how important plugins and themes are. Plugins help you add new features like contact forms, SEO tools, or online stores. Themes control how your website looks its design, colors, and layout. Sometimes, you may need to download your installed plugins or themes in ZIP format from your WordPress dashboard. This can be useful for making backups, moving them to another site, or sharing them with others.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to download plugins and themes in ZIP format directly from your WordPress dashboard using simple methods.
Why You May Want to Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP Format
Here are a few common reasons:
- Backup – Keep a copy of your favorite plugins or themes for safety.
- Transfer – Move the same plugin or theme to another WordPress site without searching again.
- Offline Storage – Store it on your computer for future use.
- Customization – Download and modify it, then re-upload it later.
By Default, WordPress Doesn’t Offer ZIP Download
One problem is that WordPress does not allow you to directly download installed plugins or themes in ZIP format from the dashboard. But don’t worry you can still do it with the help of some easy tools and plugins.
Method 1: Use a Plugin to Download
One of the easiest ways is to install a helper plugin that lets you download ZIP files of other plugins and themes.
Steps:
- Login to Your WordPress Dashboard
- Go to yoursite.com/wp-admin and log in with your username and password.
- Go to yoursite.com/wp-admin and log in with your username and password.
- Install a Plugin for Downloading
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for “Download Plugins and Themes from Dashboard” or “WP File Manager.”
- Install and activate it.
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- Download Your Plugin/Theme
- After activation, you will find a new menu option.
- Open the plugin list or theme list and click Download as ZIP.
- Save it to your computer.
- After activation, you will find a new menu option.
Method 2: Using WP File Manager
WP File Manager works like a file explorer inside your WordPress.
- Install WP File Manager Plugin
- Go to Plugins → Add New and search for “WP File Manager.”
- Install and activate it.
- Go to Plugins → Add New and search for “WP File Manager.”
- Find the Plugin or Theme Folder
- Open WP File Manager from the dashboard menu.
- Go to wp-content/plugins for plugins or wp-content/themes for themes.
- Open WP File Manager from the dashboard menu.
- Create a ZIP File
- Right-click the folder you want to download.
- Select Compress or Create ZIP.
- Download the ZIP file to your computer.
- Right-click the folder you want to download.
Method 3: Without Any Extra Plugin (Using Hosting File Manager)
If you don’t want to install another plugin, you can use your hosting’s File Manager (like cPanel or Plesk).
- Login to Hosting Panel
- Go to your hosting provider’s control panel.
- Go to your hosting provider’s control panel.
- Open File Manager
- Navigate to public_html/wp-content/plugins or wp-content/themes.
- Navigate to public_html/wp-content/plugins or wp-content/themes.
- Compress and Download
- Select the folder of the plugin or theme you want.
- Compress it to a ZIP file.
- Download it.
- Select the folder of the plugin or theme you want.
Tips for Safe Downloading
- Do not download premium plugins/themes from unknown sources — they can contain malware.
- Always backup your site before making changes.
- Check licenses before sharing premium plugins/themes with others.
Advantages of Having Plugins/Themes in ZIP
| Advantage | Details |
| Easy Backup | Store them on your computer in case your website crashes. |
| Fast Installation | Upload the ZIP file to any new site without searching again. |
| Offline Editing | Edit the code on your computer and re-upload. |
| Sharing | Share with your team for testing (if allowed by license). |
Final Words
Downloading plugins and themes in ZIP format from your WordPress dashboard is easy when you know the right steps. While WordPress itself doesn’t offer this feature directly, you can use helper plugins like Download Plugins and Themes from Dashboard or WP File Manager. If you prefer, you can also use your hosting’s File Manager to do the same thing without installing extra tools.
This small skill can save you time, protect your website data, and make it easier to move designs or features between sites. So, the next time you need a backup or want to transfer something, you’ll know exactly how to do it.
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