Exporting content from Joomla is relatively easy. You can use a variety of tools to transfer your data, including plugins, scripts or manually exporting the data.

Built-in export tools in Joomla

Our first suggestion would be to try using the built-in Joomla export tool. This will allow you to export all articles in Joomla as a CSV or an XML file which could potentially be used for importing into another CMS platform such as WordPress or Drupal.

Honestly, though, we don’t see 100% success using any one method to export all Joomla content. The method that is right for your situation really depends on what you are exporting. In our experience, migrating data out of Joomla can be really challenging for those who don’t have hands-on experience with the platform.

There are a number of third-party tools that can help engineers tasked with migrating Joomla content. Remember that as the size of a Joomla site grows (think larger numbers of articles, pages, and blocks), so does the complexity of migrating it to a new platform with different architecture.

Plugins and tools to export Joomla content

If you are looking for a more automated way to transfer your data and content from Joomla to another platform, be it WordPress, or some other popular alternatives to Joomla, then there is also the option of using a third-party migration plugin.

Our engineers like the FG Joomla To WordPress plugin (which supports both single and multiple site transfers), but there are numerous options to choose from. This plugin enables users to quickly and easily migrate their existing website’s data without any additional coding required. The exported content will include pages, articles, custom fields, images and other data.

CMS2CMS is another option. It is an automated platform that migrates content from Joomla to WordPress (or other platforms) in just a few clicks. We don’t have experience with this option, but many Reddit users suggested trying it.

A note about exporting Joomla Users: the methods to export Joomla users, if your site is utilizing the Joomla users table, will be unique, and you should explore this resource that details how to export Joomla users for migration or integrations.

For those with more technical capabilities, manually exporting content as an XML or CSV file can also be done. The exact steps to do this will vary depending on the version of Joomla you are using and your individual setup, but generally speaking it involves installing a custom script that parses through each page’s data before exporting out the desired information into either an XML or CSV format.

Manual methods for exporting Joomla content

Exporting website content from Joomla can be a slightly technical process, when doing it manually.

Overall, this is what our engineers do to export content from Joomla manually:

1. Backup Joomla’s Files: The first step should always be creating a backup. All of your site files can be found in the folder where you’ve installed Joomla. You can copy these files onto your local machine using an FTP client(like FileZilla, Cyberduck) or even via the cPanel’s File Manager if your host provides one.
2. Export Database: Next, we’ll need to export the database which contains your Joomla site’s posts, comments, and links.
   • If your host uses cPanel, you can do this via PHPMyAdmin:
     • Log into your PHPMyAdmin panel.
     • On the left side, you’ll see a list of your Database(s). Click the one for your Joomla site.
     • After selecting the database, click on the “Export” tab at the top of the page.
     • Choose the “Quick” option for the export method and the format as “SQL”.
     • Click the “Go” button and PHPMyAdmin will download a .sql file to your computer.
3. Assets: Also remember to download any additional assets such as images, videos, PDF files, etc., that you might have uploaded separately onto your server space outside the Joomla’s main directory.
4. Templates and Extensions: Don’t forget about any templates or extensions you have purchased or developed. These can often be downloaded again from the provider but it’s good to keep a local copy for convenience and reference.

Please don’t attempt to work with your database directly if you do not have experience and technical capacity in this, and always backup your website before doing anything to you Joomla site’s database.

Always remember that any time you’re making significant changes to a live website, it’s wise to run tests in a controlled environment first. Consider setting up a test domain and running through these steps before attempting to migrate a live site. It’s also advisable to always keep regular backups of your site.

Once you’ve downloaded all the necessary files and the database export, you have successfully manually exported your website content from Joomla.

Hiring a migration expert to handle the Joomla export

When moving your website content from Joomla to another CMS, it can be a significant technical challenge, particularly for those with limited knowledge of databases and Joomla’s architecture. In this case, seeking assistance from a migration expert or a professional service could be the ideal solution to ensure a seamless transition.

Advantages of Hiring a Migration Expert

Reputable migration experts have working knowledge of Joomla, and have substantial practice in migrating content from Joomla. Their experience widens the range of successful migration options and reduces risk for your organization.

The whole process of content export can be time-consuming, especially if manual methods are being used. Engaging a migration expert can free up your time for other important tasks.

Our Joomla migration experts know the importance of protecting your data.

While this route may come with more expenses than a DIY approach, the benefits associated with hiring a migration expert cannot be underestimated. You’d be paying for not just the migration, but also the peace-of-mind knowing that your website data is in experienced hands.

Learn more about how your organization can migrate Joomla to WordPress with no downtime, and no stress. Explore our resources below and learn how this can work for your organization’s website move.

Next steps for your organization

While the process of Joomla content migration can appear to be simple and straightforward, it is not without its challenges. Understanding these challenges can help your organization succeed.