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Local

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

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Local's own site

What Local is

Local is a desktop application for developing WordPress sites on your computer. It installs WordPress with one click and includes SSL for the site. Development tools include root SSH access, WP-CLI, and the option to switch PHP environments. Local includes native PHP, MySQL, NGINX, and Apache services, and supports switching between NGINX and Apache. You can import and export sites with their files, databases, and configuration files. Local Connect pushes and pulls sites to and from Flywheel and WP Engine; Connect is free, while hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan. Cloud Backups connects to Dropbox or Google Drive to store project files, directories, and databases, but users must start backups through the interface. Live Links creates secure, persistent URLs for client and coworker reviews. Image Optimizer compresses local images offline. Its HTTP/HTTPS tunnel can expose a site to other devices and supports testing Stripe WebHooks, PayPal IPN, and REST APIs. Local is free, with downloads for Windows, macOS, and Debian-based Linux.

Who it suits

Local suits people who develop WordPress sites locally and need tools for site setup, migration, or review links. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Debian-based Linux.

What it does well

  • Installs WordPress with one click and includes SSL
  • Offers root SSH access and WP-CLI
  • Imports and exports sites with configuration files
  • Compresses images offline

What to know first

  • Cloud backups must be started through its interface
  • Hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan

Limits

The free Local plan costs nothing. Cloud Backups stores files through Dropbox or Google Drive, but each backup must be started in the interface; hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan.

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
LocalFree and always will beFree

As localwp.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Download Local for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  2. Install and open the desktop application.
  3. Create a WordPress site with the one-click setup.
  4. Use the included development tools and services to work on the site.
  5. Connect to Flywheel or WP Engine if you want to push or pull a site.

Verdict

Local combines local WordPress setup with development, migration, and review tools at no charge. Note that its cloud backup feature is not automatic.

Questions

How much does Local cost?

The Local plan is free and is described as free and always will be. Local Connect is free to use; hosting costs depend on the hosting plan.

Which desktop platforms does Local support?

Downloads are offered for Windows, macOS Intel, macOS Apple Silicon, Debian-based Linux, and RPM-based Linux.

Can Local move a site to a host?

Local Connect pushes and pulls sites to and from Flywheel and WP Engine. Connect itself is free to use.

Does Local back up sites automatically?

No. Cloud Backups connects to Dropbox or Google Drive, and users start backups through its interface.

What support resources does Local provide?

Local lists community forums, help documentation, and release notes.

Facts from Local's own pages

Available desktop platforms
Local's download form offers macOS Intel, macOS Apple Silicon, Windows, Debian-based Linux, and RPM-based Linux downloads. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Backup limitation
Cloud Backups does not automatically back up sites; users start backups through its interface. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Cloud backups
Cloud Backups connects to Dropbox or Google Drive and stores project files, directories, and databases. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Connect pricing
Local Connect is free to use, while hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Development tools
Local offers root SSH access, WP-CLI, and the ability to hot-swap PHP environments. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Host integrations
Local Connect pushes and pulls sites to and from Flywheel and WP Engine. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Image Optimizer
The Image Optimizer compresses local image files offline without cloud-based services. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Live Links
Live Links creates secure, persistent URLs so clients and coworkers can review local sites. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Privacy
WP Engine says it collects service telemetry, including event data about service usage and success or failure rates, with software version and configuration information. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Purpose
Local is a desktop application for developing WordPress sites locally. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Site migration
Local can import and export sites with their files, databases, and configuration files. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Site setup
Local installs WordPress with one click and includes SSL for the site. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Support
Local lists community forums, help documentation, and release notes as support resources. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Testing
Local's HTTP/HTTPS tunnel can expose a site to other devices and supports testing Stripe WebHooks, PayPal IPN, and REST APIs. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Web server options
Local includes native PHP, MySQL, NGINX, and Apache services, and supports switching between NGINX and Apache. · localwp.com, 9 Oct 2026

Where Local stands on Freedom251

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