Test Everything. Break Nothing.
Every WPCloud plan includes one-click staging environments and a standalone sandbox for development. Test updates, redesigns, and new plugins in a safe copy of your site before anything goes live.
STAGING
One Click to Create. One Click to Push Live.
No more making changes directly on a live site. WPCloud’s staging system creates a complete copy of your production site where you can test changes, update plugins, redesign pages, or try new configurations without any risk to your live site.
How It Works
- One-click setup creates a staging copy of your live site
- Make your changes in the staging environment
- Preview and test everything before going live
- One-click deployment pushes changes to production
- Password-protect your staging site to keep it private
Database Merge, Not Overwrite
When you push staging changes to production, WPCloud’s system merges the database rather than overwriting it. This means content updates made on your live site while you were working in staging are preserved. You do not lose blog posts, form submissions, or customer orders that came in during your development period.
Selective Migration
Push your site files, database, or both. You have full control over what gets deployed. Need to push a theme change without touching the database? Done. Need to push only database changes? That works too.
SANDBOX
A True Development Environment.
In addition to staging, every WPCloud account includes a standalone sandbox environment. The sandbox is a separate development space, not a copy of your live site. It is a self-service environment for building, experimenting, and prototyping.
- Custom subdomain for your sandbox environment
- Self-service WordPress installs, cloning, backups, and removal
- Full access to cPanel file manager and phpMyAdmin
- Full access to the WPCloud backup and snapshot system
- Sandbox installs do not count towards your live site install limit
- When you are ready, our team migrates your sandbox site to production at no charge
IN PRACTICE
When You Will Use Staging and Sandbox.
Testing Plugin Updates
Before a major plugin update goes live, create a staging site, apply the update there, and verify nothing breaks. If it does, your live site is untouched. If it works, push it live with one click.
Redesigns and Theme Changes
Build a redesign in staging or sandbox without affecting your visitors. Take your time, get it right, and deploy when you are confident.
Client Previews (Agencies)
Agencies can use password-protected staging sites to show clients work in progress. The client sees real WordPress output on the actual hosting environment, not a design mockup. When approved, deployment is immediate.
Training and Learning
Use a sandbox install to train new team members on WordPress without any risk to production sites. Experiment with new plugins, try different configurations, and learn the platform in a safe environment.
Every Feature. Every Plan. No Surprises.
Everything on this page is included in every WPCloud hosting plan. See the plans, or talk to our team.