Platform
›
WordPress
CMS
WordPress
WordPress is open-source web software you install on your own server to publish a website, blog, community or network. It is a full content management system, free to download. Hosting and domain are paid separately to a provider you choose.
Checked on 2026-11-01. Always confirm on the official website.
QUICK ANSWER
Free CMS for self-hosted sites; you arrange and pay for hosting, and data location is up to your host.
From
Software is free; hosting and domain cost extra from third parties.
Moving in or out
Easy
Take your site with you
Move site files and database to another server; content exports as XML.
Best for
People who want to run their own website, blog or community on a server they choose and control.
Not a fit if
People who do not want to arrange hosting and a domain themselves, or who need a vendor-hosted service with a DPA from the vendor.
02
Facts
Platform at a glance
Price
From
Software is free; hosting and domain cost extra from third parties.
Features
CMS
Full content management system for websites, networks and communities.
Online store
No built-in store; selling products is added with plugins.
AI
Built into core from version 7.0: content generation, alt text, editorial tools.
Moving in or out
Migration difficulty
Easy
Can you take your site with you
Move site files and database to another server; content exports as XML.
Checked on 2026-11-01. Always confirm on the official website.
parnii take
WordPress is software, not a service. You install it on a server you choose, and the software itself is free to download and use. It is a full content management system for websites, blogs, communities and networks. If you want control over your own installation, that is a real strength.
The cost sits elsewhere. Hosting and domain are separate and priced by the third-party provider you pick. Where your data lives depends entirely on that host. WordPress.org does not host your site and does not provide a DPA, so privacy paperwork is something you arrange with your host.
Recent versions add AI to the core. From version 7.0 you can generate content, create alt text and use editorial tools to refine, summarize and classify text. Selling products is possible too, but store features come through plugins you add yourself.
Lock-in is low. You can copy the site files and database to another server, or export content as XML. Redirects are supported. Consider leaving if you would rather not arrange hosting yourself, or if you want one hosted service for site, domain and data.
04
Migration
Moving to or from WordPress
You can take the site files and database to another server, or export content as an XML file. 301 redirects are possible via code, .htaccess or plugins. Content imports through the built-in Import tool or WP-CLI.
Want to leave WordPress? parnii moves your site to Wix Studio and handles content, design and 301 redirects.
05
Migration
WordPress:
common questions
Is WordPress free to use?
Yes, the WordPress.org software is free to download and use. Hosting and domain costs are separate and set by the third-party provider you choose.
Is WordPress a CMS?
Yes. WordPress started as a blogging tool and has evolved into a full-fledged content management system. It can power websites, networks and communities.
Does WordPress have built-in AI?
Yes, from version 7.0. With the canonical AI plugin, AI is built into core. You can generate content, create alt text, and refine, summarize and classify content.
Where is my WordPress data stored?
On the web server you choose. WordPress.org provides software, not hosting, so data location depends on your host. WordPress.org does not provide a DPA.
Can I move my site away from WordPress?
Yes. Back up your files and database to move servers, or export content as XML. 301 redirects can be set with wp_redirect, .htaccess or plugins. Another WordPress install imports the XML.
06
Magazine
Web Design Articles
Not sure yet?