How to Easily Download Plugins and Themes as ZIP Files from Your WordPress Dashboard
Managing a WordPress website often requires downloading plugins or themes—for backups, migration, customization, or development purposes. Traditionally, this would involve accessing your website via FTP or cPanel, which can be time-consuming or even restricted on some hosting environments.
But what if you could download any plugin or theme directly from your WordPress admin panel, without ever touching FTP or cPanel?
That’s exactly what the Download Plugins and Themes from Dashboard plugin helps you do.
Why You Might Need to Download Plugins or Themes from WordPress Dashboard
There are many use cases where you may need to download a theme or plugin from a live WordPress site:
- Migrating your site to a new host
- Debugging or modifying a plugin/theme on a local environment
- Taking manual backups before updates
- Working on a client’s site where you don’t have cPanel or FTP access
This plugin eliminates the hassle and makes the process as easy as clicking a button.
What is the “Download Plugins and Themes from Dashboard” Plugin?
This free plugin, available in the official WordPress plugin repository, allows you to:
- Download installed plugins and themes as ZIP files directly from your dashboard
- Avoid using FTP or cPanel
- Simplify manual backups or local development setups
- Speed up your workflow, especially if you’re a WordPress developer or site manager
Key Features of the Plugin
Here are some standout features that make this plugin a favorite among WordPress users:
🔹 Download with a Single Click
Download any installed plugin or theme as a ZIP file straight from the admin interface.
🔹 No FTP or Hosting Access Required
Perfect for situations where you can’t (or don’t want to) log in to cPanel or connect via FTP.
🔹 Great for Developers and Agencies
Need to quickly clone a client’s plugin or theme for customization or bug fixing? This plugin makes it a breeze.
🔹 Lightweight and Reliable
The plugin adds minimal overhead and works seamlessly with most WordPress setups.
How to Install and Use the Plugin
Follow these simple steps to install and start using the plugin:
Step 1: Install the Plugin
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for “Download Plugins and Themes from Dashboard”.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
Alternatively, you can install it directly from here.
Step 2: Access the Download Option
Once activated, go to either:
- Plugins → Installed Plugins, or
- Appearance → Themes
You’ll see a Download as ZIP link under each plugin or theme. Click it, and the download starts immediately.
Real-Life Example: Why Developers Love It
Developers like Hemant Arora, who frequently work on client websites, often need to transfer themes or plugins to a local development environment for testing. With limited access to hosting credentials, this plugin becomes an essential part of the workflow—offering a fast, secure, and convenient way to download exactly what’s needed.
Final Thoughts: Simplify Your WordPress Workflow
The Download Plugins and Themes from Dashboard plugin is a must-have tool for any WordPress developer, freelancer, or agency. Whether you’re migrating a site, backing up your work, or customizing themes/plugins for clients, this tool saves time and reduces friction.
🔧 Say goodbye to FTP headaches.
🧠 Say hello to smarter WordPress management.
💡 Bonus Tip: Pair It with Other Dev Tools
For an even smoother development experience, consider pairing this plugin with:
- WP Migrate for database transfers
- WP Staging for creating test environments
- Advanced File Manager if you still need light file browsing within WordPress
📥 Ready to Try It?
👉 Download the Plugin from WordPress.org
Take control of your workflow and eliminate the need for FTP or cPanel access—forever.