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SPECIFICTION
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Local

localwp.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.8 #22 of 50 in Development Environment Managers

What it is

Local is a free desktop application for developing WordPress sites on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It installs WordPress with one click and includes SSL for each site. Development features include root SSH access, WP-CLI, and hot-swappable PHP environments. Local provides native PHP, MySQL, NGINX, and Apache services, with switching between NGINX and Apache. Sites can be imported or exported with their files, databases, and configuration files. Local Connect pushes and pulls sites to Flywheel and WP Engine; Connect is free, while hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan. Cloud Backups connects Dropbox or Google Drive for project files, directories, and databases, but backups must be started through its interface. Live Links creates secure persistent URLs for client and coworker review. Image Optimizer compresses local image files offline. An HTTP/HTTPS tunnel exposes a site to other devices and supports testing Stripe WebHooks, PayPal IPN, and REST APIs. Downloads include macOS Intel, macOS Apple Silicon, Windows, Debian-based Linux, and RPM-based Linux. Support resources include forums, documentation, and release notes. WP Engine says it collects service telemetry.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Local is a desktop application for developing WordPress sites locally.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Privacy
WP Engine says it collects service telemetry, including event data about service usage and success or failure rates, with software version and configuration information.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Support
Local lists community forums, help documentation, and release notes as support resources.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Available desktop platforms
Local's download form offers macOS Intel, macOS Apple Silicon, Windows, Debian-based Linux, and RPM-based Linux downloads.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Backup limitation
Cloud Backups does not automatically back up sites; users start backups through its interface.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Cloud backups
Cloud Backups connects to Dropbox or Google Drive and stores project files, directories, and databases.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Connect pricing
Local Connect is free to use, while hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Development tools
Local offers root SSH access, WP-CLI, and the ability to hot-swap PHP environments.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Host integrations
Local Connect pushes and pulls sites to and from Flywheel and WP Engine.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Image Optimizer
The Image Optimizer compresses local image files offline without cloud-based services.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Live Links
Live Links creates secure, persistent URLs so clients and coworkers can review local sites.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Site migration
Local can import and export sites with their files, databases, and configuration files.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Site setup
Local installs WordPress with one click and includes SSL for the site.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Testing
Local's HTTP/HTTPS tunnel can expose a site to other devices and supports testing Stripe WebHooks, PayPal IPN, and REST APIs.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com
Web server options
Local includes native PHP, MySQL, NGINX, and Apache services, and supports switching between NGINX and Apache.Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com

Plans and prices

Local Free Free and always will be Read 9 Oct 2026 · localwp.com

Every Local plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • One-click WordPress installation
  • Includes SSL for local sites
  • Switchable PHP, NGINX, and Apache
  • Import and export complete sites
  • Free desktop application

Limits

  • Cloud backups are not automatic
  • Hosting costs depend on the selected plan
  • Telemetry collection is described by WP Engine

Who it suits

It suits WordPress developers who want local site creation, environment controls, migration, and sharing tools. It also fits teams connecting local work with Flywheel or WP Engine hosting.

Verdict

Local provides a broad local WordPress workflow with server choices, migration, sharing, and host connections. Its free software does not make connected hosting free, and cloud backups require manual initiation.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to LocalAll alternatives →