Making customizations to a live WordPress blog is not recommended. When you need to test new codes or CSS into your WordPress blog/ a theme, you might want to consider creating a WordPress staging environment. There are so many WordPress hosting companies like WP Engine, Cloudways are allowing users to create a test environment.
Well, if you are not using those managed WordPress hosting companies and need to create a staging environment, feel free to check out this guide. Because in this post, we are going to show you how you can create a free WordPress staging site in just 2 minutes!
Oh, and by the way, this method doesn’t need your credit card information, though.
How To Create a Free WordPress Staging Site
The very first thing you need to do is go to WPSandBox.
WPSandBox is a free website that will help you to create free test WordPress installs. One good thing is, you don’t even need to create an account on the platform! Plus, you will get full control of the admin section.
The only limitation is, your WordPress install will get deleted after 24 hours.
However, for testing codes, 24 hours is enough.
Now, let’s see how we can create a dummy WordPress site by using the WPSandBox website.
Once you have opened the site, they will ask you to
- Choose a WordPress Version.
- Multisite Configuration.
- Debugging Method.
- Tools.
- Emailing Username and Password to Your Personal Email.
- Plugin You Needed.
- Theme You Needed.
If you are planning to create a basic installation, you don’t need to fill that information. All you need to do is, click on the Click Test Site button.
And the system will generate a random website for you and redirect you to the WordPress admin section. Anyway, if you need to test a specific plugin or theme on your site, paste their WordPress repository URLs in the appropriate fields, click on the create site button.
In our case, we are going to install the GeneratePress WordPress theme and WPForms plugin through this method.
So, enter their URLs, click on the create test site button.
After some time, you will be redirected to the WP-Admin page. And if you check the active theme, it’s GeneratePress!
Plus, the WPForms plugin is also installed on our site!
Pretty cool, right?
So instead of making changes to your live WordPress blog, you might want to consider moving to a staging environment. This way, you are totally safe to test out new codes.
So this is how you can create a free WordPress staging site using WPSandBox. As you can see, the method is pretty simple and straightforward. Even a beginner will be able to create test environments by following our guide.
For more WordPress theme reviews, plugin reviews, and tutorials, feel free to check out our blog. Also, we will share some limited-time coupons in our deals section.
Plus, feel free to share this tutorial with your fellow bloggers and friends on social media. It will help them to create a test environment.
I’d love to know which font are you using.
Hi, Ammu.
I’m using Proxima Nova.
Most services will ask for credit card.
You don’t need credit card here, Sreelal!
Thanks, dear.
I have created a demo website.
Glad to hear that, Rahul!
Hello.
Which theme and font are you using on this site?
Hello James,
Right now, I am using the GeneratePress WordPress theme with Proxima Nova font.
Have you tried their premium plans?
No, Jayan.
I haven’t purchased their premium plan.
Hi. Thanks for this information