Manually Installing Plugins

It is not often that you find that you need to install a WordPress plugin because WordPress makes it so easy to install plugins through the Dashboard — however, we cover this method of installing plugins for you in this chapter so that you're familiar with the mechanics of downloading, unpacking, uploading, activating, and using a plugin in WordPress just in case you ever need to do it manually. This method isn't as easy as installing a plugin through the Dashboard, but the instructions below provide you an alternative installation method when you need it.

The first thing you need to know when manually installing a plugin is how to connect to the server where your WordPress installation is located via an FTP application. If you don't know how to do so, talk to your hosting provider. We also cover FTP extensively in Book II, Chapter 2 if you need a refresher. If you know how to connect to your server via FTP, the instructions below shouldn't be difficult:

1. Download your plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory at www.wordpress.org/extend/plugins.

   If the plugin doesn't appear in the directory, use a search engine to find the Web site where you can download the plugin. Many WordPress developers have a Web site where you can download their plugin.

2. After you download the plugin, check to see whether it's in a compressed format (often a Zip file). If so, “unzip” the file to access the uncompressed files.

   Sometimes the plugin comes in Zip format; if it does, then you can use a free Web application to unzip your plugin.

3. With the plugin saved to your local computer, connect to your server using your preferred FTP application.
4. Navigate to the wp-content folder within the WordPress installation for your Web site or blog.

   The location of your WordPress installation can differ with every hosting provider. Make sure that you know the location before you proceed. Check out Book II, Chapters 2 and 4 for information on where the WordPress installation is located on your Web server.

5. In the wp-content directory, find the plugins directory. Add your plugin to this location using your preferred FTP application (see Book II, Chapter 2).

   Congratulations! Your plugin is installed and it can now be activated through the WordPress Dashboard by clicking the Plugins menu item and then clicking the Activate link that appears underneath the title of the plugin you just installed.