Introduction

Softaculous is a powerful auto-installer script library integrated into hosting control panels like cPanel and DirectAdmin. It supports over 450 applications, including popular ones like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, PrestaShop, and Magento. Softaculous automates the entire installation process—handling file downloads, database creation, configuration, and setup—allowing you to deploy web apps in minutes without manual FTP uploads or complex configurations.

Key features include:

• One-click installations, upgrades, and removals
• Automated and manual backups (local or remote: FTP, Dropbox, Google Drive, AWS S3, etc.)
• Cloning and staging environments for testing changes safely
• Import of existing installations
• Auto-upgrades for security and new features
• WordPress Manager for advanced WP-specific tools (plugins/themes management, security scans, etc.)
• Demos, ratings, reviews, and multilingual support

Important Notes:

• Softaculous must be enabled by your hosting provider. If unavailable, contact support.
• Always create backups before updates, clones, or major changes.
• Use strong, unique passwords for admin accounts.
• Interfaces may vary slightly by hosting provider or theme/skin.

Using Softaculous on cPanel

Accessing Softaculous

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard (usually at https://yourdomain.com/cpanel or via your hosting account).
2. In the search bar at the top, type "Softaculous" or scroll to the Software section.
3. Click Softaculous Apps Installer. This opens the main Softaculous interface with categories on the left, a search bar, top scripts, and navigation icons at the top.

Installing an Application (Detailed Example: WordPress)

1. In the Softaculous dashboard, browse categories (e.g., Blogs for WordPress) or use the top search bar.

2. Click the app icon (e.g., WordPress) to view details: overview, ratings, reviews, demo link.

3. Click Install (or Quick Install for defaults).

4. Configure the installation form thoroughly:

   • Software Setup:
     • Choose Version: Latest recommended.
     • Choose Protocol: https:// if SSL is installed; https://www. for WWW enforcement.
     • Choose Domain: Select from dropdown (addon/subdomains included).
     • In Directory: Leave blank for root (e.g., yourdomain.com); enter folder name for subdirectory (e.g., /blog for yourdomain.com/blog).
     • Database Name: Auto-generated; customizable.
   • Site Settings:
     • Site Name: Your website title.
     • Site Description: Tagline or short description.
     • Enable Multisite (WPMU): Check only if needed for network sites.
   • Admin Account:
     • Admin Username: Avoid "admin" for security; use something unique.
     • Admin Password: Use a strong one (Softaculous rates strength; click the key icon for auto-generation).
     • Admin Email: For notifications and recovery.
   • Advanced Options (click to expand):
     • Database Name/Prefix: Change prefix from default wp_ for security (e.g., wp_random_).
     • Table Prefix: Same as above.
     • Disable Update Notifications: Optional.
     • Auto Upgrade: Enable for automatic minor updates.
     • Select Theme/Plugins: Pre-install options if available.
     • Language: Choose your preferred language.
   • Email Installation Details: Enter an email to receive login info.

5. Click Install at the bottom. Progress is shown; completion takes 1-5 minutes.

6. On success: Note admin URL (e.g., yourdomain.com/wp-admin), username, and password. Use the direct login link for seamless access.

Managing Installations

• Click the All Installations icon (top bar) to list all apps.
• Per installation actions:
  • Upgrade: Manual or auto (enable in edit).
  • Backup: Create manual backups.
  • Clone: Duplicate to another directory/domain for testing.
  • Staging: Create a safe copy for experiments; push changes to live later (auto-backs up live first).
  • Edit: Modify settings, enable auto-backups/upgrades.
  • Remove: Uninstall (option to keep files/DB).
  • Login: Direct SSO to admin panel.
  • Import: Add manually installed apps to Softaculous management.

For WordPress-specific tools: Use WordPress Manager (top icon or shortcut) for plugin/theme management, security scans, user management, etc.

Backups, Restores, Cloning, and Staging

• Manual Backup: From All Installations > Backup icon > Select files/DB > Add notes > Backup.
• Automated Backups: Edit installation > Enable schedule (daily/weekly).
• Remote Backups: Configure in settings (FTP, Dropbox, etc.).
• Restore: Top menu > Backups > Select backup > Restore to original or new location.
• Cloning: All Installations > Clone icon > Choose new domain/directory/DB > Clone.
• Staging: Similar to clone, but designated as staging; use Push to Live to apply changes (backs up live automatically).