WooCommerce has become one of the most popular eCommerce platforms for WordPress users, offering a wide range of features for setting up and managing an online store. Whether you are migrating your site to a new host or troubleshooting performance issues, exporting WooCommerce settings can be a critical part of the process. This complete tutorial guides users through the steps to efficiently export WooCommerce settings, helping to ensure a smooth transition or diagnostic workflow.
Why Export WooCommerce Settings?
Exporting WooCommerce settings can be useful for several reasons:
- Site Migration – When moving your WordPress website to a new domain or hosting environment.
- Backup and Restore – To restore settings in case of emergency or after testing new plugins or themes.
- Troubleshooting – To compare changes or isolate issues by importing known-good settings.
Methods to Export WooCommerce Settings
There is no built-in feature in WooCommerce to export “all settings” in a single file. However, several methods and tools can be used to achieve this:
1. Use a Plugin
One of the easiest ways to export settings is by using third-party plugins. Here are a few recommended options:
- WP All Export – Offers advanced filtering and custom exports, including WooCommerce settings, products, and orders.
- WooCommerce Settings Export/Import – A dedicated plugin for exporting and importing WooCommerce settings.
- Customizer Export/Import – Handy for exporting WordPress Customizer settings, which often include WooCommerce-related options if your theme supports it.
To use WP All Export, for example:
- Install and activate the plugin.
- Navigate to All Export > New Export.
- Select WooCommerce data types, such as Products or Orders, and click Customize Export File.
- Download the exported custom XML or CSV file.
2. Export via Database
Advanced users may opt to export settings directly from the database using phpMyAdmin or similar tools. WooCommerce settings are typically stored in the wp_options table with option names that begin with woocommerce_.
Steps:
- Log in to your hosting control panel and open phpMyAdmin.
- Select your WordPress database.
- Navigate to the
wp_optionstable. - Search for rows where option_name begins with
woocommerce_. - Export these rows as SQL or CSV format for portability.
Note: This method is technical and should be handled with caution. Always back up your database before making changes.
3. Use the Customizer Manual Copy
In some cases, WooCommerce settings are stored in the Customizer, particularly when using a WooCommerce-compatible theme. Exporting these is not straightforward but can be done using the “Customizer Export/Import” plugin.
Simply install the plugin, go to Appearance > Customize, click on Export, and save the .dat file. On the new site, use the Import function within the same interface.
Best Practices for Exporting WooCommerce Settings
- Backup everything before starting. Use a complete site backup plugin just in case.
- Use consistent tools for import/export to avoid compatibility issues.
- Test the import process on a staging site before applying changes to the live website.
- Document your export date and files for future reference or rollback.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Can I export WooCommerce plugin settings directly?
A: Most WooCommerce core settings are stored in the database and not accessible through the plugin UI. You’ll need a plugin or database access to do this. -
Q: Will exporting products also export product-specific settings?
A: Yes, exporting products via WP All Export or WooCommerce’s built-in product export will include settings like SKU, prices, and attributes. -
Q: Can I migrate from staging to live using exported WooCommerce settings?
A: Yes, make sure URLs and paths are correct before import. Using a plugin like WP Migrate DB can ease this transition. -
Q: Is it possible to export shipping zones and tax settings?
A: That data is stored in the database and can typically be migrated via full database export or with specific plugins designed to migrate WooCommerce setups.
Exporting WooCommerce settings may seem daunting, but with the right tools and preparation, it’s a manageable process that can save time and reduce stress during migrations or troubleshooting. Following this tutorial ensures a stable and consistent environment for your WooCommerce store.
