Download plugins and themes from the dashboard
Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from Dashboard PRO extends the WordPress dashboard download workflow for developers and site administrators. It lets you create ZIP files from installed plugins and themes without relying on FTP or cPanel access. The PRO edition is designed for sites where local copies, testing files, or organized archives need to be prepared regularly.
The plugin places download controls in the WordPress administration area. From the Plugins page, you can download an individual plugin in ZIP format. From Appearance > Themes, you can download a theme or child theme. You can also download all installed plugins and themes in one combined file. These options are useful when you need to review customized files, move copies into a local development workflow, or keep a packaged version of site files.
PRO tools for recurring downloads
The main PRO addition is the ability to set periodical downloads for plugins and themes. You can configure automated downloads at intervals ranging from once a minute to every four weeks. This supports development and administration routines that require regularly refreshed local copies or recurring archive files.
For scheduled downloads, PRO can append the date and time to plugin and theme ZIP filenames. Date-based filenames help distinguish files created at different points in the workflow and can support more orderly archive folders. You can also customize the naming convention and the storage location used for periodical plugin and theme downloads.
Organize downloaded files
- Choose how scheduled plugin and theme files are named.
- Set the path where periodical downloads are stored.
- Add date and time information to scheduled ZIP filenames.
- Keep recurring downloads arranged for testing or backup purposes.
Dashboard download controls
The plugin supports ZIP downloads directly from the administration interface. You can choose whether the main plugin or theme directory is included in the ZIP file or whether the archive begins from the inner folders level. The options also allow a plugin or theme version number to be appended to its ZIP filename, which is useful for file organization and version tracking.
ZIP handling can use either the ZipArchive or PclZip library. The available selection lets you choose the library that fits your server and tools requirements.
Customize the plugin download link
PRO also lets you customize the download plugin link shown on the Plugins page. You can change its color, font weight, and displayed text. This provides a way to adapt the control to an administration workflow while keeping the download action available next to the relevant plugin.
Practical workflow
A developer can download a customized plugin or theme, use a combined download for a broader site copy, and configure recurring downloads for files that need regular review. A site administrator can use custom names, paths, version numbers, and timestamps to keep generated ZIP files easier to identify.
Installation
Install the PRO plugin in the WordPress site where you want to download plugins and themes. After installation, use its settings and dashboard controls to configure ZIP behavior, scheduled downloads, file naming, storage paths, and the appearance of the download link.
