Key highlights
- Three methods to export WordPress posts: WordPress Export tool, InstaWP Migration plugin and phpMyAdmin.
- WordPress Export tool is simple and free but doesn’t include media files.
- InstaWP Migration plugin offers more control and automation for exporting content.
- Manual database export provides full data access but requires technical knowledge.
- Bluehost simplifies WordPress exports and site transfers with a free built-in migration tool.
- We also offer staging environments, automatic backups (via CodeGuard) and integrated security (SiteLock)—ideal for exporting posts with peace of mind.
Introduction
Looking to export WordPress posts without losing images, SEO data or formatting? You’re not alone! Many WordPress users struggle with messy imports, broken links and missing files, making it essential to know how to export posts from WordPress correctly.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to preserve formatting, images, categories and SEO data using a few simple ways. You can use these methods depending on your needs:
- Use the WordPress Export tool for basic post exports (text-only).
- Try the InstaWP Migration plugin if you want to include images, themes, and site settings.
- For complete control at the database level, use phpMyAdmin.
Let’s dive into each method and find the right approach for your WordPress site.
How to export posts from WordPress using the WordPress Export tool?
One of the easiest ways to get WordPress exported posts is by using the default WordPress tool. This built-in Export tool is available on the WordPress admin panel.
When you access the export screen via Tools > Export, you can choose your export template, select posts and generate an XML export post data file. After that, click the export button to download the file in XML format.
Steps to export WordPress posts using the WordPress Export tool
Here is the step-by-step method of WordPress export posts:
1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to the ‘Tool’ tab from the left-hand panel. Then, click on ‘Export’.
3. Choose ‘Posts’ if you want to export only blog posts. If necessary, you can adjust the export settings to filter posts by category, author, date range or status.
4. Click ‘Download Export File’ to generate an XML file (WordPress eXtended RSS or WXR).
5. Save the file to your computer.
Pros and cons of using the in-built WordPress Export tool
Here are the pros and cons of using the WordPress Export post tool for exporting blog posts:
| Pros | Cons |
| Beginner-friendly and comes built-in with WordPress | Doesn’t export media files (images remain on the original server) |
| Allows filtering posts by category, author or date | Limited control over the export format |
| Free and no additional plugins needed | Not ideal for large websites with thousands of posts |
The built-in WordPress Export tool is fast and simple—but doesn’t export images. So, this method is best for small-to-media-sized blogging websites. You can also use it when you quickly want to export a limited number of WordPress posts.
How to export posts from WordPress using the InstaWP Migration tool?
As of April 2025, InstaWP Migration is trusted by over 100,000 WordPress users for post, media and full-site exports—making it one of the most comprehensive export plugins on the market.
It offers a user-friendly interface and doesn’t require technical knowledge. InstaWP Migration plugin also helps you migrate your entire website and set up a staging environment.
Steps to export WordPress posts using the InstaWP Migration tool
Follow these steps to export your WordPress content using InstaWP Migration:
- Log into your WordPress dashboard to install and activate the plugin.
2. Once activated, a new ‘Migration’ tab will appear on the top dashboard menu. To access it, go to ‘Tools’ and then ‘Database Manager’.
3. Click on ‘Export’ to view available content types you can include in the export.
4. Then, scroll down the window and select the data you want to export, such as posts, media files, themes and plugins.
5. Choose your preferred file format (ZIP recommended), then click ‘Export’ to generate the archive.
6. the export is complete, download the ZIP file to your local system or save it directly to cloud storage.
The plugin generates a bundle file that may contain multiple images, post content, themes and plugin data. As a third-party plugin, InstaWP may require a license key for premium features like cloud backups or large-scale migrations.
Pros and cons of using the InstaWP Migration tool
Here are the pros and cons of using the InstaWP Migration plugin:
| Pros | Cons |
| Includes media files, themes, plugins and database. | Large ZIP files may exceed server limits, especially on shared hosting. |
| Supports one-click restoration or import on InstaWP. | The plugin must be installed on both the source and destination sites. |
| Great for staging and full-site migrations. | May require cloud storage if local download isn’t feasible. |
How to manually export WordPress posts using phpMyAdmin?
phpMyAdmin is widely supported across cPanel-based hosts, including Bluehost. According to enlyft, cPanel has a market share of 4.5%, making phpMyAdmin a preferred export method.
If you need more control over the exported data, then using a database to export WordPress posts will suit you. Usually, developers prefer this method when dealing with large websites. It’s also ideal for custom post types or database migrations that need precise extraction of data.
Steps to manually export WordPress posts using phpMyAdmin
Here is a step-by-step method for exporting WordPress posts using phpMyAdmin:
- Log in to your web hosting account. For this method, we are using the Bluehost account manager.
- Go to ‘Hosting’ from the left-side menu and click on ‘cPanel’ under ‘Quick Links’.
3. Under ‘Databases’, click on ‘phpMyAdmin’.
4. Now, locate your relevant tables:
- _posts table contains all post content.
- _postmeta table stores metadata related to posts (such as SEO settings, custom fields, etc.).
- The terms, term-relationships and term_taxonomy tables store categories and tags.
5. If you want to export these tables, check all the posts and go to the ‘Export’ tab.
6. Choose the ‘Quick Export’ option for a simple WordPress backup or ‘Custom Export’ for advanced filtering.
7. Select the recommended SQL format. You can choose a CSV file if you need a spreadsheet file.
8. Click ‘Export’ to download the exported file.
Note: When exporting WordPress data through phpMyAdmin, ensure you access the correct database associated with your site’s root folder. You may also download the exported file using your FTP account or the file manager provided by your host. If you choose CSV format, you can open it using a spreadsheet program like Excel or Google Sheets to view and verify export columns.
If you choose CSV format, you can open it using a spreadsheet program like Excel or Google Sheets to view and verify export columns.
Pros and cons of manually exporting WordPress posts
Here are the pros and cons of exporting WordPress posts using phpMyAdmin (WordPress database):
| Pros | Cons |
| Full control over exported data. | Requires database knowledge (risk of errors if mishandled). |
| Ideal for large websites or custom post types. | Media files are not included. |
| Faster for advanced users. | Not ideal for non-technical users. |
Note: Media files are not included in the export using phpMyAdmin. But you can manually transfer the wp-content/uploads folder via FTP or your host’s file manager to retain all images.
This method is more suited for developers or website administrators who need customized data export. It’s also useful when performing manual WordPress migrations.
Also read: How to Manage a Database Using PhpMyAdmin
How to export WordPress posts with images to PDFs?
Exporting your WordPress posts in PDF format allows you to export image files along with text-based content. So, you don’t have to download them separately. It also helps repurpose your WordPress blog content for email newsletters or downloadable guides.
Steps to export WordPress posts with images to PDFs
Here’s how to export WordPress posts with images using the Print My Blog plugin:
- Log into your WordPress dashboard and install the ‘Print My Blog’ plugin.
2. Navigate to the ‘Print My Blog’ tab and click on ‘Settings’.
3. Select ‘Posts’ under the ‘Show print buttons on’ section, then click ‘Save Settings’.
4. Open any blog post and click the new ‘PDF’ button at the top.
5. Click on ‘Print to PDF’.
6. Now, set the destination to ‘Save as PDF’ and click on the ‘Save’ button.
How to import your exported posts to a new site?
Once you’ve exported your WordPress posts, the next step is to import them into your new website. WordPress makes this process simple with its built-in Import tool. Whether you’re moving to a new domain or restoring posts from a backup, the process only takes a few steps.
Steps to import WordPress posts to a new site:
1. Log into your new WordPress dashboard where you want to import the posts.
2. Navigate to ‘Tools’ > ‘Import’ from the left-hand menu.
3. Under the list of available import options, locate ‘WordPress Content’ and click ‘Install Now’ if it’s not already installed.
4. Once installed, click ‘Run Importer’.
5. Choose your export file (XML or WXR format) from your computer. This is the same file you downloaded during export. Click ‘Upload file and import’ to start the process.
If your exported file includes only text content and no media, the process will be completed quickly. Depending on server speed, it can take a few minutes for larger files or full-site imports.
What are the best practices for exporting WordPress posts?
Exporting your WordPress posts isn’t just about clicking the export button and downloading a file. To avoid data loss and ensure a seamless transfer, follow these best practices before exporting WordPress posts:
- Test in a staging environment.
- Review and validate exported data.
- Double-check SEO settings.
- Schedule regular backups.
- Secure your export files.
Let’s look at each of these best practices in more detail:
1. Test in a staging environment
Before importing your exported posts into a live site, test the process in a staging environment. This prevents formatting issues, broken links and missing images from affecting your actual WordPress website. Here is how to set up the staging site:
- If you’re a Bluehost user, you can create a staging WordPress site directly from your account manager dashboard. To access it, go to Hosting > site’s Settings > Staging.
- Alternatively, you can install plugins like WP Staging from your admin dashboard and create a temporary duplicate of your site.
2. Review and validate exported data
Once you’ve exported your WordPress posts, open XML, CSV or SQL file to verify if:
- The right number of posts is included.
- Categories, tags and metadata, such as SEO descriptions, are intact.
- Post formatting, such as headings, bullet points and hyperlinks, is preserved.
For CSV exports, you can use Excel or Google Sheets to review the data.
3. Double-check SEO settings
If you’re migrating posts to a new site, ensure that your SEO settings, URL and meta descriptions transfer correctly. Here’s the checklist for preserving SEO during export:
- Export SEO metadata: Use plugins like Yoast SEO to transfer titles, descriptions and custom fields.
- Set up 301 redirects: Redirect old URLs to new ones to prevent broken links and maintain traffic.
- Verify canonical URLs: Avoid duplicate content issues by ensuring proper canonical tags.
4. Schedule regular backups
Before making any major changes, focus on creating backups of your site. This guarantees that if something goes wrong—missing media, broken formatting or a failed import—you can roll back your site instantly with a single click.
Also, when reviewing exported files like CSV or XML, make sure you’re exporting only what is needed. You can easily open a CSV as an Excel file for verification. CodeGuard and Jetpack are the best backup plugins.
5. Secure your export files
Exported files, especially those containing sensitive content or private data, should be stored securely. Here are some best practices for security:
- Avoid storing XML, CSV or SQL files on public servers.
- Use password-protected cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
- Delete export files from your hosting account after completing the import.
How can Bluehost help with WordPress migration?
Migrating WordPress content — whether to a new website, a different platform or a backup — can be stressful if not done correctly. Bluehost makes exporting and migrating your WordPress posts easier with staging, backups and built-in tools.
Bluehost WordPress hosting features
Bluehost is one of the most trusted web hosting providers. Officially recommended by WordPress.org, we offer different hosting plans that are both affordable and come packed with advanced features.
With Bluehost’s AI website builder, auto-plugin setup, pre-installed Yoast SEO and staging functionality, exporting and re-importing content becomes smoother—even for beginners. All tools are unified under one hosting dashboard.
Here are some major features of Bluehost WordPress hosting:
- One-click WordPress installation to set up a new site effortlessly.
- Automatic backup so you never lose your data when exporting WordPress blog posts.
- WordPress staging site to test exported/imported posts before making them live
- Free domain for 1 year with all Bluehost web hosting plans.
- Free AI website builder helps onboard quickly with AI and offers a custom, ready-to-go site.
- Free WordPress site migration tool to easily migrate your site to Bluehost.
- Latest generation hardware includes NVMe storage, AMD EPYC chips and DDR5 RAM.
- Managed WordPress updates keep your site up-to-date and running smoothly.
- Free Yoast SEO and Creative Mail to optimize your site for search engines and streamline email marketing.
- 24/7 expert WordPress support to assist you with migration or technical issues whenever you need.
- Enhanced security with SSL certificate, malware scanning and firewall protection.
Bluehost WordPress migration service
If you want to migrate your WordPress site to a new host, the Bluehost migration tool is simple to use. Our expert WordPress team handles every detail, from initial backup to final DNS configuration. This ensures a secure, fast and seamless transition with minimal downtime. Here are some major features of our migration service:
- Simple and automated migration tool to transfer your site effortlessly.
- Expert migration assistance to handle every step of your site’s transfer.
- Comprehensive data transfer, including files, themes, plugins and databases.
- Zero downtime assurance so your site remains accessible during migration.
- Free migration for eligible hosting plans makes the transition cost-effective.
- Enhanced security measures to protect your site data throughout the export
- process.
- Performance optimization ensures your site runs efficiently on Bluehost servers.
- Post-migration support to assist with setup, troubleshooting and fine-tuning.
Final thoughts
Exporting your WordPress blog posts the right way helps keep content safe and intact. You can start with the built-in WordPress Export tool or use InstaWP Migration for advanced options. For full control, phpMyAdmin is best suited for developers.
These methods work across different WordPress themes and give you flexibility even if you manage multiple WordPress sites.
A smooth export also depends on your hosting. That’s why choosing a reliable provider matter. Bluehost offers a free WordPress migration tool, expert support and performance-driven hosting plans. This makes your migration process much easier even when you’re moving a single post or your entire website.
Want a stress-free WordPress migration? Get started with Bluehost WordPress migration today!
FAQs
To move WordPress posts to another platform like Blogger or Medium:
1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to ‘Tools’ > ‘Export’ and download an XML file.
3. Convert it to a supported format (CSV or Markdown) if needed.
Some CMS platforms offer built-in import tools for streamlined migration.
To copy posts within WordPress, you can use a Duplicate Post plugin. Alternatively, you can copy-paste and export content manually. But if you want to export posts to another WordPress site:
1. Go to WordPress dashboard > Tools > Export.
2. Select ‘Posts’ and apply filters (optional).
3. Click ‘Download Export File’ to get the XML file.
4. Import it into another WordPress site via Tools > Import.
The WordPress Export tool doesn’t include actual images but their URLs. For a complete image transfer, use the exporting plugin or manually move the uploads folder via FTP.
To export WordPress posts as an Excel-compatible file:
1. Use the InstaWP Migration plugin and select CSV format.
2. Download the file and open it in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for further editing.
Yes, the WordPress Export tool allows you to filter posts by category, author, date range or post status before exporting. For more advanced filtering and customizable export options, use the InstaWP Migration plugin.
To download all posts at once:
1. Go to ‘Tools’ in the WordPress dashboard and click ‘Posts’ to get an XML file.
2. Or use the InstaWP Migration plugin to download your posts in CSV or JSON formats.
3. For database-level backup, export the ‘_posts’ table from phpMyAdmin.
Yes, you can export both pages and posts from WordPress. When using the WordPress Export tool, simply choose the ‘Pages’ option instead of ‘Posts’. You can also use the InstaWP Migration plugin and its export setting for custom fields, templates or metadata for more control.
The WordPress Export tool includes post metadata like titles, slugs and custom fields, which can preserve SEO settings to some extent. However, permalinks may not stay the same on the new site unless you match your URL structure. To retain SEO benefits:
1. Use plugins like Yoast SEO to export/import SEO titles and descriptions.
2. Set up 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones.
3. Double-check canonical tags and metadata after import.
Yes, you can export only draft posts using a plugin like InstaWP Migration. It allows you to apply filters before exporting, such as post status (Draft, Published, Pending). This way, you can export only draft posts without touching published content.
Use the InstaWP Migration plugin or export posts to PDF using the Print My Blog plugin. These methods bundle media with content and maintain formatting—ideal for newsletters, backups, or printable content.
