Backing up your Wix website is an important task to ensure your data is safe and retrievable in case of accidental changes or issues. Although Wix does not offer a direct, manual “download” or “export” backup option for the entire site (due to its closed ecosystem), there are several ways to effectively back up your content and design. Here’s how to do it:
1. Use Wix Site History
Wix automatically saves versions of your site, allowing you to restore previous versions if needed. This serves as a form of backup.
Steps:
- Log in to Wix.
- Go to the Dashboard of the website you want to back up.
- Open the Editor.
- In the Editor, click on Site at the top left of the screen.
- Select Site History from the dropdown menu.
- Browse the list of saved versions. Click on any version to preview and restore it.
💡 Tip: Make regular changes and save them explicitly to create version points for your site.
2. Duplicate Your Site
Wix allows you to create a duplicate of your website. This is a great way to create a backup that can be edited or restored separately.
Steps:
- Go to your Wix Dashboard.
- Click on Site Actions (three dots next to the website in the dashboard).
- Select Duplicate Site.
- The duplicated site will appear in your dashboard as a new, separate website.
3. Download and Save Content
While you can’t download the full site as a single file, you can manually save important parts of your website:
Text and Images:
- Text: Copy and paste any written content into a document (e.g., Word or Google Docs).
- Images: Download images from your Wix Media Manager or save them directly from the website.
Steps to Download Media:
- Open the Editor and go to the Media Manager.
- Select an image or video.
- Click the Download button.
💡 Tip: Save all assets in organized folders on your computer for easy access.
4. Use Third-Party Tools or Services
Some third-party tools and services can help you create a static HTML version of your site. While this won’t preserve interactive functionality, it can serve as a reference or partial backup.
- Examples of Tools: HTTrack, SiteSucker (Mac).
Steps:
- Install the chosen tool.
- Enter your Wix site URL.
- Follow the tool’s instructions to download the site content.
💡 Warning: These tools may not capture all dynamic elements like forms or e-commerce features.
5. Back Up Your Blog Content
If your Wix site has a blog, you can export your blog posts.
Steps:
- In the Dashboard, go to the Blog section.
- Click Manage Blog.
- Use the export options to save blog posts as a CSV file or similar format.
6. Maintain a Local Record of Custom Code
If you’ve added custom code via Wix’s Velo, ensure you save these scripts in a document.
Steps:
- Open the Velo Editor (Developer Mode).
- Copy all custom code scripts and paste them into a local file for safekeeping.
7. Take Screenshots
As a last resort, you can take screenshots of your website’s key pages. While this isn’t a functional backup, it provides a visual reference for future rebuilding.
Final Thoughts
While Wix’s ecosystem limits traditional backup methods, these strategies ensure your content and designs are secure and restorable. For enhanced security, consider combining several of these methods, such as duplicating your site and saving text/images locally. Always check Wix’s support or updates for any new features that might make this process even easier.