This documentation explains the migration process from the older version of Rishi Theme to the newer version. The newer version of the Rishi Theme is built from scratch to improve performance while introducing modern enhancements.
Backup Your website #
First, back up your website, as this protects your site from data loss. Here are the steps to back up your website.
Step 1: Use a Backup Plugin #
Install a reliable WordPress backup plugin such as UpdraftPlus, Everest Backup, BackupBuddy, or Duplicator. Activate the plugin after installation to use it.
Step 2: Configure Settings #
Configure the backup settings of the plugin. The settings include how often you want your website backed up and where to store it either in a local server or cloud storage.
Step 3: Create Backup #
You can initiate a manual backup or wait for the plugin to start a scheduled backup. While performing backup, ensure both the database and files are included in the process.
Step 4: Download Backup Files #
Download the copy of the backup files to your local computer if the plugin allows it. This process ensures safety against data loss and provides an extra security layer.
Migrating Through a Staging Environment #
Step 1: Setup Staging Environment #
You can use a staging environment provided by your hosting platform. Create a subdomain or a subdirectory on your existing server and duplicate your website.
Some hosting providers offer tools to clone your website to the staging environment directly; you can use those tools. If that option is unavailable, you need to copy the files and database to the staging location manually.
If you have a problem setting up a staging environment, you can check this article by Hostinger web hosting platform: 3 Ways to Set up a WordPress Staging Environment.
Step 2: Update Staging Environment #
Update your URLs and paths to ensure links and media works correctly in the staging environment.
You need to disable search engine indexing to prevent search engines from indexing your staging site so that your website’s SEO is not affected. You can do this by using a plugin or adding a “noindex” tag.
Step 3: Test Your Changes #
Now, you install a newer version of Rishi Theme and plugins (Free and Pro version) to make the changes you want to test. The significant changes on the newer version are:
- Header Builder
- Footer Builder
- Post Meta
- Post Elements
- Typography
- Extensions Enable
Note: ensure that every part of the website works properly and make necessary adjustments to match your live website.
Step 4: Deploy Changes or Roll Back #
Once you are comfortable with the changes done on the staging environment, you can push it to the live website.
If any issues occur during testing, you can troubleshoot and fix them in the staging environment.
Migrating From Old Setup #
Follow the below steps to migrate your website from the old setup of the Rishi Theme to the new enhanced Rishi Theme.
For Free Users #
Free users here refer to those who use the Rishi Theme and Rishi Companion Plugin on their website. Here are the steps for migrating your website from the old Rishi Theme and Rishi Companion to the newer version.
Step 1: Install the Migration Plugin #
To install the plugin, navigate to Dashboard > Plugins and click Add New Plugin. Then, click the Upload Plugin button to upload the Migration plugin’s Zip file and click on Install Now. After installation, click on Activate Plugin.
Step 2: Start the Migration Process #
- Click on the Rishi Migration Tool from the admin panel’s sidebar. It will show your current version of the Rishi Theme and Rishi Companion Plugin. Click on the Start Migration button.
- A dialogue box will open, recommending that you back up your website. There, you have a button titled Proced with Migration. Click on that, and the migration process will start.
Caution: Do not close or reload your browser during the process.
- Once the migration process is completed, you will receive a success message and a link to the Customizer Page.
- After the migration process, your Rishi Theme and Rishi Companion Plugin will be updated with the latest version.
The process of using the migration plugin is shown in the video below.
Note: Once the process is completed, if any problem occurs and you need to roll back to the old setup, you can do so by clicking the Restore button under the Rishi Migration Tool.
For Pro Users #
Pro users here refer to those who use Rishi Theme, Rishi Companion Plugin and Rishi Pro Plugin on their website. The steps to migrate your website to the new Rishi Theme and Rishi Companion plugin are below.
Step 1: Install the Migration Plugin #
In your WordPress Dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New Plugin. Then click on the Upload Plugin button to upload a Zip file of the Migration Plugin and click on Install Now. After installation, Click on the Activate Plugin button.
Step 2: Start the Migration Process #
This step is similar to the steps used for migrating for free users. Follow the same step mentioned above in the Start Migration Process under the For Free Users heading.
This process updates your Rishi Theme and Rishi Companion Plugin to the latest version, except for your Rishi Pro plugin.
See the following video for the migration process.
Note: Once the process is completed, if any problem occurs and you need to roll back to the old setup, you can do so by clicking the Restore button under the Rishi Migration Tool.
Step 3: Update the Rishi Pro Plugin #
To update your old Rishi Pro Plugin with the new plugin. Follow this process.
Navigate to Dashboard > Plugins > Add New Plugin. Upload a Zip file of the Rishi Pro plugin by clicking on the Upload Plugin button. Next, hit the Install Now button and after installation, click on the Activate Plugin button to activate the plugin.
With that, you have successfully migrated your Rishi Theme into the newer version.
You can download the Migration Plugin Zip File from here: Migration Plugin
Conclusion #
Migrating a website is a complex task. So, if you find it difficult or if any issues occur during the migration process, feel free to contact our support team.
Note: Some settings may not be migrated. The lists are as follows;
- Transparent and Sticky Headers settings
- Custom Fonts
- Custom Builder Settings
- Post Meta Settings
To resolve this issue, you can contact our dedicated support team.