{"id":65998,"date":"2022-08-26T08:51:04","date_gmt":"2022-08-26T14:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scalahosting.com\/blog\/?p=65998"},"modified":"2025-11-24T03:03:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T09:03:31","slug":"how-can-you-switch-your-website-from-wordpress-to-joomla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scalahosting.com\/blog\/how-can-you-switch-your-website-from-wordpress-to-joomla\/","title":{"rendered":"Migrate WordPress to Joomla: Full Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Migrating a website from WordPress to Joomla<\/strong> is a challenging task, but with the right add-ons for the CMS, you can make it easier. Most solutions depend on your budget and level of skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The JConverter, CMS2CMS, <\/strong>and CMigrator <\/strong>extensions are recommended for Joomla users who need to migrate website content, categories, comments, users, and passwords together <\/em>without loss of data or compatibility. These add-ons are the most popular for the Joomla CMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you can try MySQL<\/strong><\/a> table export to CSV files <\/strong>or a manual data transfer<\/strong>. These methods are generally suitable for smaller site migrations but don\u2019t transfer the user data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will discuss five different methods of migrating CMS content from WordPress to Joomla<\/strong> with the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most popular free migration solution for WordPress<\/strong><\/a> to Joomla transfers is JConverter<\/strong>. The service will support Joomla 3.x conversions<\/strong>. The other free options are MySQL table export and conversion to CSV <\/strong>or a manual transfer of site content. The benefits of free vs. paid migration solutions<\/strong> for Joomla depend on your budget for third-party software subscriptions and add-ons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ufeff\ufeff1. Joomla 3.x: JConverter Extension (Free)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

JConverter is the most complete free migration solution<\/strong> from WordPress for CMS content, users, and passwords. The script functions by querying the WP database<\/strong><\/a> for information and then converting it into a Joomla-readable format<\/strong> that is imported into the CMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to use the JConverter extension:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Install Joomla 3.x on your web server.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Download the JConverter extension from the official website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Install the JConverter extension in the Joomla CMS.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Navigate to Extensions > JConverter > Configuration.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Enter the hostname, user, and password for the WordPress database.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Choose which files and data to import from the WordPress website.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Click \u201cStart Conversion\u201d and wait for the data to transfer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Manually test if all data was properly transferred.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The JConverter extension will connect to the WordPress database directly<\/strong> and import the information you selected<\/strong> in the configuration window. You will then receive a confirmation report<\/strong> with the total amount of files transferred in the Joomla administration section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is important to manually compare the data<\/strong> between the WordPress source and the Joomla imports to ensure the transfer was successful. You will then need to install a new Joomla template<\/strong> and begin rebuilding your website to replicate the theme of the WordPress pages. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    JConverter:<\/strong> JoomlaShack recommends installing the <\/em>MD5 Password Hashes<\/em><\/a> plugin for WordPress before the transfer to ensure that all user data migrates correctly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can find the database information for your WordPress site in SPanel<\/strong><\/a>, cPanel, <\/strong>or by accessing the wp-config.php file<\/strong> in the CMS installation directory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Joomla 3.x: CMS2CMS Extension (Paid)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Another way to safely transfer a WordPress site to Joomla is by using the CMS2CMS extension<\/a>. This solution has a much wider feature set than JConverter<\/strong>. However, the costs to transfer the website are based on the total number of files and users, which can be expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CMS2CMS<\/strong> will migrate tags, content, categories, users, menus, images, comments, attachments, metadata, galleries<\/em>, and links from WordPress to Joomla<\/strong>. There are no version incompatibilities with the software, making it one of the best solutions for CMS migration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In order to use the CMS2CMS extension for Joomla:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Install a new Joomla 3.x website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Download and install the CMS2CMS extension<\/a> in Joomla admin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. In the Components section, choose \u2018CMS2CMS: WordPress to Joomla Automated Migration\u2019.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Sign up for an account with the publisher.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Enter the WordPress URL<\/strong> in the Connector Bridge<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Input the FTP host<\/strong><\/a>, username, and password for file transfers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Click \u201cProceed\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. View the settings on the CMS2CMS page with the estimated cost of migration<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. Pay the required fees and complete the migration.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      For many users, the CMS2CMS extension<\/em> is the best solution for WordPress to Joomla migrations due to the extensive support for content<\/strong> and data compatibility<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The price of the CNS2CMS service<\/em> can make it limiting for big website transfers unless you are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for the switch. You can do a demo migration<\/strong> to test the service before committing to payment. The one-time cost is worth it to complete major projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      CMS2CMS<\/strong><\/a>: <\/strong>Supports conversion from Blogger, Drupal, Joomla, TYPO3, vBulletin, WordPress, SMF, Weebly, and Wix with automated data transfers between platforms for site migrations.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Joomla 3.x: CMigrator Extension (Paid)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Another go-to option for transferring a WordPress website <\/strong>to Joomla 3.x is the CMigrator extension<\/strong><\/a>. CMigrator<\/strong> is more affordable than CMS2CMS with a single-year subscription at \u20ac59 and a two-year subscription of \u20ac99. You can install the plugin on unlimited websites and use it to transfer both WordPress and Drupal data<\/strong> to the Joomla CMS for republishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      CMigrator<\/strong> will import content, tags, meta keywords, comments, users, and passwords<\/em> to Joomla without the need for any extra WordPress plugins. Still, you will need to install the CComment extension<\/strong> in Joomla 3.x for comment compatibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      CMigrator specializes in big database transfers and offers<\/strong> full customer support with the subscription. Users find the service reliable as an affordable upgrade over JConverter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In order to use the CMigrator extension:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Install a new Joomla 3.x website with a MySQL-compatible database<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Download the CMigrator extension<\/a> from the official website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Install the CMigrator extension in the Joomla admin section<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Confirm or update to the latest version as prompted by the script.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Navigate to the CMigrator Control Panel.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Create a Migration Configuration to import the types of content required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      7. Enter the database prefix for the WordPress website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      8. Login to phpMyAdmin and export the tables<\/a> of the WordPress website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      9. Import the tables into Joomla using phpMyAdmin<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      10. Click on \u201cMigrate\u201d in the Control Panel to complete the conversion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      11. Manually verify the transfer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        CMigrator<\/strong> will automatically parse content to build ultimate compatibility for all displays. If you have a WordPress theme to transfer to Joomla, you will need to rebuild it through CSS conversion<\/strong>. Otherwise, use a new Joomla template to redesign your website content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        CMigrator: <\/strong>The Control Panel of CMigrator works in Joomla admin to allow for custom configuration settings in <\/em>content migration from WordPress<\/em><\/strong> with parsing options for content.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        4. Other Methods: MySQL Table Export<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Another method for WordPress to Joomla conversion is by using phpMyAdmin for manual database export<\/strong> without any plugins. This is an alternative option for small sites and users on a budget who do not want to invest hundreds of dollars into an extension subscription or website transfer when migrating sites. However, it requires more developer skills than other methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The Community Builder User Import<\/strong><\/a> plugin for Joomla will allow you to import data from Excel or CSV files<\/strong>. If you log onto your WordPress website and access phpMyAdmin<\/strong>, you can export content tables for transfer using this method. The JomSocial User Import<\/a> extension from the same development team can also manage this functionality to import WP data securely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The process of MySQL table export and conversion to CSV files<\/strong> is too complex and unreliable for complete site transfers with tags, menus, categories, users, and passwords. Since the JomSocial and Community Builder User Import extensions<\/strong> both cost \u20ac39.99 to license, it is recommended to use the JConverter<\/strong> option if you cannot afford the additional investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        5. Other Methods: Manual Data Transfer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        If you have less than 100 pages of content<\/strong> and no<\/strong> registered WordPress users<\/strong> other than the admin account – you can try out a manual data transfer between sites. For information sites with a menu, contact form, ecommerce catalog, and promotional content <\/em>– you can just rebuild the WP site in Joomla with stock extensions and transfer the content manually<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Using this method, you will not need to use any premium plugins, database exports, or subscription plans, but it will not be efficient for large sites with a lot of content or many user accounts. Most publishers can save time and money by using JConverter<\/strong> instead. Consider conducting a manual data transfer as a last resort but rely on it to verify your migrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \ufeff6. Common Problems & Solutions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        The most common problem with WP conversions<\/strong> is managing the settings for Joomla database parameters<\/strong> through phpMyAdmin. Plugin solutions allow you to transfer users, passwords, and hashes, which can be difficult if you just rely on phpMyAdmin database table exports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Other issues involve preserving the site URLs and ensuring they would be properly converted. The use of JConverter, CMS2CMS, and CMigrator <\/strong>include options that will keep this information when converting WP sites to Joomla. They also assist with tag and menu migration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions for converting WordPress themes to Joomla<\/strong>. You will need to port the relevant CSS code from the original theme to the Joomla template manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Keep in mind, a new WordPress site also includes more options for plugins and themes<\/strong> than Joomla. If you need to make such a conversion, it is always recommended to hire an experienced front-end developer<\/strong> to rebuild the theme and replicate the original WP site design in Joomla. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        7. Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        CMS2CMS<\/strong> is the most professional solution for WordPress to Joomla migrations but can be expensive for some projects. The extension has a user base that is larger than one CMS or site builder platform. CMS2CMS<\/strong> supports the most features for data preservation in transfers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Compared to that, the JConverter extension<\/strong> is simple, powerful, and free, but does not cover the full range of data settings. Still, the database connection for transfers offered by JConverter<\/strong> is efficient for the needs of most website conversions without a subscription fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        CMigrator<\/strong> is a middle-range option that is cheaper than CMS2CMS<\/strong> but less extensive and more complex to use. The requirements to access phpMyAdmin <\/strong>for the export of WordPress database tables and reimporting them on another host for Joomla can be daunting for users. <\/p>\n\n\n

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