Knowledgebase

Introduction

Softaculous is an auto-installer tool integrated into various control panels, allowing users to easily install, manage, update, and back up over 350 web applications like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and more with just a few clicks. It simplifies the process by handling configurations, databases, and files automatically. This guide covers how to use Softaculous on two popular control panels: cPanel and DirectAdmin. The steps are based on end-user functionalities, which are largely consistent across panels, with minor differences in access and interface navigation.

Note: This assumes Softaculous is already installed and enabled on your hosting account. If not, contact your hosting provider. Always back up your site before making changes.

Using Softaculous on cPanel

Accessing Softaculous

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Scroll to the Software section on the main dashboard.
3. Click on the Softaculous Apps Installer icon. This opens the Softaculous interface, where you can browse categories, search for apps, or view popular scripts.

Installing an Application (e.g., WordPress)

1. In the Softaculous dashboard, use the search box at the top or browse categories on the left (e.g., Blogs for WordPress).
2. Click on the desired application (e.g., WordPress).
3. Review the overview, ratings, demos, and reviews if available.
4. Click Install Now or Install.
5. Fill in the installation details:
   • Choose the protocol (e.g., https:// for SSL).
   • Select the domain or subdomain from the dropdown.
   • Specify the directory (leave blank for root installation).
   • Enter site name, description, admin username, password, and email.
   • Optionally, select a theme, plugins, or advanced options like database name.
6. Click Install at the bottom. Softaculous will handle the setup, and you'll see a success message with login details.

For older versions or custom languages, use the advanced options during installation.

Managing Installations

1. From the Softaculous dashboard, click the All Installations icon (box-like icon) in the top navigation bar.
2. This lists all your installed apps with details like version, URL, and actions.
3. For each installation, you can:
   • Edit: Change details like site name or admin credentials.
   • Clone: Create a duplicate for testing.
   • Stage: Set up a staging environment to test changes.
   • Push to Live: Apply staging changes to the live site.
   • Remove: Uninstall the app (optionally keep files/databases).
   • Sign On: Log in directly to the app's admin panel.
   • Reset Password: Recover or change the admin password.

You can also sort installations, import manual installs, or manage WordPress-specific sets.

Backups and Restores

1. Go to All Installations and click the Backup icon next to an app.
2. Choose what to back up (files, database, or both) and add notes.
3. Click Backup Installation. Backups are stored locally or on remote locations like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Amazon S3 if configured.
4. To restore: Click the Backup and Restore icon in the top menu, select a backup, and choose the restore location (original or new).
5. For automated backups, enable them in the app's edit details or via Softaculous settings.

Updates and Other Features

• Updates: Softaculous notifies you of available updates. Go to All Installations, click Upgrade next to an app, and follow the prompts. For WordPress, enable auto-upgrades in the settings.
• Other Tools: Rate and review scripts, view demos, search for disabled scripts, customize themes, create templates for reusable setups, or unsubscribe from email notifications.