> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.digitalfyre.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Staging

Every WP Cloud instance supports a staging environment — a separate copy of your site where you can test changes, updates, or redesigns without affecting your live site.

## Creating a Staging Environment

**1. Open Your Instance**

From **My Instances**, click on the instance you want to stage.

**2. Click Staging**

Click the **Staging** button in the top action bar.

**3. Create the Staging Site**

PanelAlpha creates a full copy of your live instance as a staging environment with one click. No additional configuration is needed.

> [!NOTE]
>
> The staging site is a fully independent copy of your live site. Changes made to staging do not affect the live site until you push them.

## Switching Between Live and Staging

Once a staging environment exists, you will see tabs at the top of the instance — **live** and **staging** — allowing you to switch between the two environments and manage them independently.

## Pushing Staging to Production

When you are satisfied with changes on staging, you can push them to your live site:

**1. Open the Staging Environment**

Click the **staging** tab at the top of the instance.

**2. Push to Production**

Use the available push option to select what to push — files, database, or both.

**3. Confirm**

Review and confirm. The live site is updated immediately.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Pushing the database from staging to production overwrites your live database. Create a backup of your live site before pushing if you need to preserve recent changes.

## Common Uses

* Testing WordPress core, plugin, or theme updates before applying them live
* Developing a redesign without taking the live site offline
* Verifying configuration changes before they affect visitors


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