Install WordPress Locally with “Local” by FlyWheel

Learning how to install WordPress locally is a handy skill for anyone who wants to test, develop, or troubleshoot a WordPress site before taking it live. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to set up a local WordPress environment using Local by FlyWheel, a powerful local development tool.

Prerequisites

Please make sure you have the following installed and activated:

• Local by FlyWheel
• A computer running macOS, Windows, or Linux

Download and Install Local by FlyWheel

Step 1: Download the Installer

1. Navigate to the Local website.
2. Click on Download for Free.
3. Fill out the form with your operating system and email address.

Step 2: Install the Software

1. Open the downloaded installer.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Setting Up Your First Local Website

Step 1: Launch Local by FlyWheel

1. Open Local by FlyWheel.
2. Agree to the terms of service.

Step 2: Create a New Site

1. Click on the + symbol to create a new site.
2. Enter the name of your site under “Local website testing” or any name you prefer.
3. Click on Continue.

Step 3: Configure Environment and WordPress Settings

1. Choose your environment settings. If you’re unsure, stick with the default settings.
2. Enter your WordPress username, password, and email address.
3. Click on Add Site.

Tip: If you’re planning to migrate this local site to a specific hosting provider, make sure to match the PHP version, web server, and database with your hosting environment.

Accessing Your Local Site

1. Click on WP Admin to access your WordPress dashboard.
2. Log in using the username and password you set earlier.

Note: Your local site’s URL will end with .local. This ensures that you don’t confuse it with a live site.

Using Live Links for Client Reviews

1. Log in to your Local by FlyWheel account.
2. Click on Enable under Live Links.
3. Copy the generated link and share it with your client for review.

Tip: Make sure to coordinate the time with your client as sleep mode may prevent them from viewing the live links.

Saving as a Blueprint

1. Navigate to the three dots beside your website.
2. Click on Save as Blueprint.
3. Name your blueprint and click Save.

Note: Updating your site does not automatically update the blueprint. You’ll need to save it as a new blueprint.

Install WordPress Locally with Local – Conclusion

Local by FlyWheel offers a robust environment for developing WordPress sites locally. From creating new sites to sharing them with clients via live links, it streamlines the entire development process. So, go ahead and install WordPress locally to make your development process smoother and more efficient.