# Website cloning with Softaculous

> Clone a Softaculous installation to a new domain, subdomain or folder for testing, development or migration.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/softaculous/website-cloning-with-softaculous/

**Website cloning** allows you to create an exact copy of an existing installation managed by Softaculous. This is especially useful for testing, development, or creating staging environments without affecting your live site.

## Why Clone a Website?

- Safely test new themes, plugins, or code changes.
- Create a staging environment before pushing updates live.
- Duplicate a site for development or migration purposes.
- Reduce downtime and risk during upgrades.

## Steps to Clone a Website

1. **Log in to cPanel.**

   - Navigate to the **Softaculous Apps Installer** section.
2. **Open All Installations.\
   ![Screenshot](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/kb-images/0cdcf7b46d32.webp)**

   - Click the **All Installations** icon in the Softaculous dashboard.
3. **Locate the Application.**

   - Find the installation you want to clone (e.g., WordPress).
   - Click the **Clone** icon next to it.\
     ![Screenshot](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/kb-images/7649000b4f7c.webp)
4. **Configure Clone Settings.**

   - **Choose Protocol** → Select `https://` if SSL is installed, otherwise `http://`.
   - **Choose Domain** → Select the domain or subdomain for the clone.
   - **In Directory** → Enter the destination directory (e.g., `wp-clone`).
   - **Database Name** → Provide a new database name for the cloned site.
5. **Run the Clone.**

   - Click **Clone Installation**.
   - Softaculous will create a copy of the site.

> **Note:**
- The time required depends on the size of the source installation.
- The cloned site uses the **same username and password** as the original.
- Always back up your site before cloning.
- Cloning is different from staging, staging allows selective push to live, while cloning creates a full duplicate.