Import/Export Settings

Exporting settings

Exporting creates a JSON file containing all your current plugin settings. Use this to:

• Back up your configuration before making major changes
• Transfer settings to another site
• Share a proven configuration with team members
• Document your standard agency setup

The export file includes all settings from every tab: cache, browser cache, preload, media, file optimization, database, CDN, add-ons, and insights. License keys are not included in the export — each site must activate its own license.

Importing settings

Importing applies a previously exported JSON file to the current site. All existing settings are overwritten. The import process:

1. Validates the JSON file format
2. Checks that the file contains valid plugin settings
3. Applies each setting to the appropriate section
4. Triggers any necessary cache clears or configuration writes

Agency workflow

The recommended agency workflow:

1. Configure the plugin on a staging or development site
2. Test thoroughly with your standard theme and plugin stack
3. Export the settings as your "agency baseline"
4. On each client site, import the baseline
5. Adjust any client-specific settings (e.g., CDN CNAME, exclusions)

This ensures every client site starts from a proven, tested configuration while allowing for per-site customization.

WP-CLI

Import and export are also available via WP-CLI for scripted deployment:

# Export every setting (secrets left out) to a file
wp cachingout settings export > /path/to/settings.json

# Export one section, including API keys and credentials
wp cachingout settings export cache --sensitive > /path/to/cache.json

# Compact JSON for piping
wp cachingout settings export --format=json

# Preview what an import would change, then apply it
wp cachingout settings import /path/to/settings.json --preview
wp cachingout settings import /path/to/settings.json

export writes to standard output (there is no --file option); import takes the file path as its argument.

What's included in the export

Troubleshooting

Import fails with "Invalid file format." The file may be corrupted or not a valid plugin export. Export a fresh copy from the source site and try again.

Some settings didn't transfer. Check that the source and destination sites are running the same plugin version. Settings added in newer versions may not exist in older versions.

I imported and my site broke. Export your settings before importing as a safety net. If an import causes issues, you can restore from your backup export.