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Move a Joomla site to WordPress by first backing up its files and database, then importing content into a separate WordPress destination, checking what transferred, and mapping old URLs to their new locations. An importer can move supported data, but it does not automatically recreate your Joomla theme, every extension, or the full behavior of your site. The right method depends on your Joomla version, content, extensions, hosting setup, and URL structure.
What moves—and what may need rebuilding
Think of migration as moving and remapping data, not cloning a finished site. Articles, categories, tags, and media may be supported by an importer; other items can require a paid feature, a separate extension-specific tool, manual recreation, or a replacement WordPress plugin.
Before choosing a method, inventory what your site contains and assign each item an outcome: migrate, rebuild, replace, or retire. Include:
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- Users, roles, access rules, menus, custom fields, languages, and media paths.
- Active extensions, especially commerce, forums, galleries, events, downloads, and membership features.
- Current URL patterns, important landing pages, and any search metadata you need to preserve.
This inventory matters because general importers do not necessarily cover extension-specific data. Joomla’s migration documentation notes that tools differ in the data they support: Joomla migration documentation.
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Back up Joomla before making changes
Make a recoverable copy of both the Joomla site files and its database before importing or changing the live site. WordPress’s migration guidance specifically calls out the website directory, images, plugins, other site files, and database: WordPress migration guidance. Store the copy somewhere you can access if the migration goes wrong, and verify that it can be restored. Keep it until the WordPress site has been checked.
Prepare a separate WordPress destination
Build WordPress on a staging site or another isolated destination while Joomla remains available. Choose the theme, WordPress content structure, permalink approach, and replacement plugins before launch. This lets you inspect the imported site without disrupting visitors or overwriting the Joomla installation. Hosting setups differ, so use the staging and database procedures supported by your host.
Choose a migration method that matches your inventory
WordPress says import procedures differ by publishing system and directs users to system-specific procedures and plugins: WordPress: Importing Content. Compare candidate tools against the data you actually need, rather than assuming that a tool described as a Joomla importer handles every part of a site.
| Method or listing | Capabilities described by the listing | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| FG Joomla to WordPress | The listing describes migration of Joomla sections and categories, posts, images and media, tags, and internal links. It identifies user and menu migration and several SEO-related functions as premium features, and lists add-ons for some Joomla extensions. | Check current Joomla and WordPress compatibility, which features are included in the version you plan to use, and whether your extensions need a separate add-on. FG Joomla to WordPress listing. |
| J2W Migration | The listing describes article and user migration, media import, and selected VirtueMart and HikaShop product, review, and order data. | Confirm that the specific extension data and versions on your site are supported, and review current scope and terms. J2W Migration listing. |
| Manual recreation | You control how content and structure are recreated; no automated coverage is established by the cited listings. | Assess whether the site is small and straightforward enough to rebuild reliably, and plan how to preserve important URLs and content. |
The listed features are vendor or directory claims, not independent comparative testing. Confirm current compatibility, pricing, and scope in the tool’s documentation before relying on a feature. For a small site with straightforward pages and articles, manual recreation may be practical; a large or extension-heavy site may justify comparing tools or hiring qualified migration help.
Run a test import and inspect the results
Import into the separate WordPress destination and review representative records before repeating the process or doing a final import. Check items that affect both readers and site operation:
- Articles, pages, categories and category nesting, formatting, and publication status.
- Images, media paths, captions, and whether files were copied or still depend on Joomla.
- Internal links, menus, and links to content generated by extensions.
- Users, roles, and access behavior, if these are part of the migration.
- Products, orders, reviews, or other extension data that your inventory marked for migration.
If an import fails, inspect the WordPress destination before trying again. WordPress warns that a failed import can leave partial content behind and that retrying may create duplicates: WordPress: Importing Content. Identify and clean up any partial records as appropriate, or restore a clean destination, before retrying.
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Map old URLs and configure redirects
Make a list of important Joomla URLs and their intended WordPress destinations. Preserve the existing URL pattern where it is practical and supported by the new setup; for URLs that must change, configure redirects so visitors and search engines reach the relevant new page. WordPress’s migration guidance covers URL and rewrite configuration, while Joomla’s migration documentation recommends recording changed URLs to prepare redirects. The Joomla page is an older Joomla-to-Joomla guide, so it supports the general mapping principle, not current WordPress setup instructions.
- Record key old URLs. Include high-value pages, categories, and URLs generated by extensions; note query-string routes where they are used.
- Set the WordPress URL and permalink approach. Configure the destination’s address and rewrite behavior for the URL structure you intend to use.
- Create redirects for changed paths. Map each changed old URL to its relevant new page rather than sending every URL to the homepage.
- Test old URLs directly. Check that each reaches the intended destination and that query-string or extension-generated routes behave as expected.
Launch only after the destination checks out
Before switching traffic, confirm that the WordPress destination loads correctly, key pages and assets work, forms and commerce behave as intended, and redirects lead to the right places. Keep the Joomla installation and backup until those checks are complete. The exact cutover and rollback procedure depends on your host and site architecture, so follow the process appropriate to your setup.
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