Is Studio by WordPress the Best Local Development Tool?

In WordPress development, having a smooth local development workflow is crucial for testing, debugging, and customizing sites before going live. Until recently, tools like Local WP, MAMP, and XAMPP dominated the landscape. But, Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, launched a new contender: Studio by WordPress.

This free and open-source desktop application promises to change how developers and beginners approach local WordPress development. But is it the fastest and most straightforward way to build WordPress sites locally?

Let’s explore Studio by WordPress in detail, what it is, what it offers, and whether it’s the right tool for your development workflow.

What is Studio by WordPress?

Automattic, the company behind influential WordPress products like WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and Akismet, developed Studio by WordPress as a free, open-source desktop application.

Studio by WordPress is designed to revolutionize how developers and content creators interact with local WordPress development environments, including the innovative WordPress playground.

At its core, Studio by WordPress provides a streamlined, modern, and intuitive way to build WordPress sites locally without the traditional burdens of setting up servers, configuring databases, or handling complex terminal commands.

Whether using WordPress for the first time or managing dozens of client sites as an experienced developer, Studio by WordPress puts your needs first and offers new features tailored specifically for you.

A Launch Built for the Future of WordPress

Studio by WordPress is a flagship product to simplify WordPress development workflows.

As the WordPress ecosystem continues to evolve, with new features like Full Site Editing, Block Themes, and Playground-based experiments, Studio by WordPress fits perfectly into a growing demand for faster, more integrated local tools and ongoing enhancements.

Available for macOS (both Intel and Apple Silicon chips) and Windows 10+, Studio by WordPress has already started gaining traction among developers, freelancers, designers, and educators.

While Linux support is unavailable at launch, the development team has clarified that it’s on the roadmap, and its inclusion will likely depend on developer feedback and community demand via GitHub.

Purpose and Vision: A New Philosophy in Local Development

Studio by WordPress emphasizes speed, simplicity, and developer happiness, unlike other tools prioritizing configuration and control over ease of use.

Automattic’s goal with Studio by WordPress is to democratize the WordPress development experience, aligning it with how intuitive, fast, and modern software development is in other ecosystems. This sends a clear message to all developers.

Designed for Everyone, Not Just Developers

One of Studio’s core purposes is to remove technical entry barriers for anyone interested in building a WordPress site locally. Many traditional local development tools rely on background knowledge of web servers, databases, terminal commands, and container orchestration tools like Docker. These can be intimidating or entirely inaccessible for non-technical users.

Studio by WordPress removes those hurdles entirely. No more worrying about setting up Apache, managing MySQL credentials, or figuring out how to expose ports through your router.

Instead, you open the app and click to create a new website. Within seconds, you’re editing your WordPress dashboard, all locally, securely, and without needing to sign in.

Vision: Editing WordPress Should Be as Easy as Using Google Docs

The design philosophy behind Studio by WordPress is bold: building and editing WordPress sites locally should feel as effortless as using a cloud-based document editor like Google Docs.

You shouldn’t need to memorize terminal commands or troubleshoot log errors just to preview a plugin or tweak a theme, which raises the question of how other tools compare.

By focusing on this “zero-setup” philosophy, Studio empowers creators and developers alike to test, design, and build faster. It uses a stack that runs entirely on your local machine while still offering powerful integrations (like one-click previews or AI-assisted development).

Core Technologies Behind Studio

Under the hood, Studio by WordPress leverages cutting-edge web technologies that power a new wave of instant, browser-based development environments.

Automattic built the tool around WordPress Playground, a project that brings PHP and WordPress into the browser using WebAssembly (WASM).

What is WebAssembly (WASM) and Why Does It Matter?

WebAssembly enables the browser to run code written in languages like C, C++, and PHP directly at near-native speed. Studio enables the execution of PHP-based WordPress code without installing traditional server software like Apache, NGINX, or MySQL.

This technology compiles and runs WordPress directly in a virtual environment powered by the browser or app runtime. For the end user, it means:

• No external server stack installation
• No virtual machines or Docker containers
• Lightning-fast setup times
• Minimal memory and CPU usage
• Consistent performance across devices

SQLite as the Default Local Database

Studio by WordPress runs your site on a local SQLite database instead of MySQL, the traditional WordPress database. SQLite uses a lightweight, file-based engine that eliminates the need for a server process. This setup simplifies data management and boosts performance in local environments.

The use of SQLite is a deliberate move to streamline the setup process and reduce technical complexity. You don’t need to manage database credentials, user privileges, or remote connections. Everything stays on your machine, neatly contained within your site folder.

Studio by WordPress Doesn’t Use Docker, Apache, or MySQL, Here’s Why That’s Revolutionary

One of Studio’s standout benefits is what it doesn’t require. Most local development tools use virtualization layers like Docker or VirtualBox, which are powerful but often slow, clunky, or hard to configure, especially on Windows machines.

In contrast:

• Skip Docker: Forget about pulling container images or dealing with pesky port conflicts.
• Built-in Server: No need for Apache or Nginx, Studio’s Playground takes care of local site serving.
• Lightweight Database: It uses SQLite out of the box, is fast, stable, and perfect for local development.

These decisions make Studio by WordPress significantly lighter and faster than tools like Local WP, MAMP, DevKinsta, or XAMPP. You can install the app, spin up your first site in under 30 seconds, and start building with minimal system resource consumption.

Who Benefits from These Technologies?

Because of this innovative approach, Studio isn’t just for full-time WordPress developers. It opens the door for a broader range of users, including:

• Bloggers and content creators who want to draft or test site content offline
• Designers building custom themes or exploring Full Site Editing features
• Freelancers offering previews to clients before deployment
• Educators using Studio to teach WordPress in coding bootcamps or schools
• Plugin developers testing updates or compatibility in a safe environment
• Agencies managing multiple projects across client accounts

Studio by WordPress also makes managing multiple websites for different clients or projects easy, streamlining workflows for anyone handling several WordPress websites simultaneously.

The app’s core tech stack makes it as easy to run a local site as it is to open a spreadsheet, removing all the friction that traditionally accompanies WordPress local development.

The Developer Angle: Still Powerful, Still Customizable

Even though Studio by WordPress is friendly for beginners, it hasn’t forgotten about developers.

Advanced users will appreciate that Studio by WordPress includes:

• Terminal access: Run WP-CLI commands, deploy scripts, or manage code via the command line
• Editor integration: Open project folders in VS Code, PHPStorm, Sublime, or your editor of choice
• Custom environment settings: Choose PHP versions, WordPress versions, and enable HTTPS or domain mapping
• Studio Sync: Push changes to production (WordPress.com or self-hosted) with ease

The combination of WebAssembly, Playground, and SQLite forms a robust foundation for developers who want control without the overhead.

Why Studio by WordPress Matters?

Studio by WordPress is gaining momentum in the WordPress community, and for good reason. It’s not just another local development tool but a shift toward a more modern, accessible, and efficient development experience.

• Beginner-friendly: No command line, server setup, or complex configuration. Anyone can launch a site in seconds, whether you’re a developer, designer, or blogger.

• Fast and lightweight: Studio runs lean and quickly because it uses WebAssembly and SQLite, eliminating the need for Docker or virtual machines.

• Modern development workflows: Easily integrates with code editors like VS Code, includes terminal access, and features a built-in AI assistant to help with tasks like plugin suggestions or WP-CLI commands.

• Free and open source: Studio is 100% free, available for download today, and actively maintained on GitHub, with community contributions welcomed.

For many users, Studio by WordPress might be the fastest and simplest way to start building a local WordPress site, whether for testing, prototyping, or full-scale development.

Learn More: How to Set Up WordPress GitHub Integration

Key Features of Studio by WordPress

Let’s examine the core features that make Studio by WordPress stand out in the increasingly competitive field of local WordPress development tools.

One-Click Site Creation and Access

Creating a local WordPress site is as easy as clicking a button. You automatically log into the WP Admin and the Site Editor without needing any configuration or credentials.

If you need to pause your work, you can easily continue working on your site after an interruption or initial setup, picking up right where you left off.

Instant access lets users prototype effortlessly and rapidly, drastically cutting down the time needed to get started, a massive win for beginners and professionals.

Demo and Preview Site Sharing

Need to gather client feedback or perform remote QA? Studio lets users generate a temporary live preview URL hosted on WordPress, valid for 7 days, so they can easily download and share their progress. Stakeholders can leave a comment to share their ideas, report issues, or provide feedback on the shared site.

During the development phase, there is no need to deploy externally or pay for hosting. It’s a seamless solution for freelancers, agencies, and remote teams to share progress and iterate quickly.

Integrated Code Editor and Terminal Access

Studio by WordPress integrates cleanly with popular code editors like VS Code, PHPStorm, and Cursor. You can open your project folder directly from the app, launch a terminal window, and execute WP-CLI commands or custom scripts instantly.

Studio by WordPress also supports GitHub deployments, enabling automatic deployment of code changes from GitHub repositories to WordPress.com-hosted sites.

Everything is handled natively, from managing themes and plugins to running migrations. Default editors and terminals can also be customized in the app settings, giving developers the flexibility they expect from a modern tool.

Also Read: Should You Build Your Website with Code, No-Code, or a Website Builder

Lightweight Setup via WebAssembly

Studio by WordPress ditches bulky setups like Docker, Apache, or MySQL using WebAssembly (WASM) to run PHP directly in-browser. Your local sites are powered by a bundled SQLite database, which keeps everything self-contained and fast.

There’s no need for virtual machines, and system resources stay light, making Studio by WordPress ideal for low-spec devices or those working on the go. Compared to more complex or resource-heavy alternatives, Studio offers a pleasant, user-friendly experience.

AI-Powered Studio Assistant

This built-in AI assistant is designed to streamline your entire WordPress development workflow. It can:

• Recommend and install plugins based on your site’s needs
• Write custom PHP or JavaScript code snippets
• Run WP-CLI commands for site management
• Draft content, including blog posts, product descriptions, or custom post types

Whether new to WordPress or managing complex builds, this tool enhances productivity while reducing dependence on external resources like documentation or forums.

Studio Sync

One of Studio’s most powerful features is its ability to sync local changes directly to WordPress or self-hosted installations. You can deploy:

• Theme updates
• Plugin changes
• Full content, media, and database configurations

This feature supports real-world deployment workflows, making it ideal for agencies and developers managing multiple environments. There are no SFTP or manual export/import steps; just click and sync.

Import/Export Tools

Studio by WordPress offers robust import/export capabilities that support SQL dumps, WXR files, and Jetpack backups. You can easily bring in an existing project or move your site to another environment.

Everything is handled with ease and compatibility in mind, whether restoring a backup, cloning a site, or collaborating with a teammate.

Free and Open Source

Studio by WordPress is 100% free, with no hidden costs or premium tiers. Developed and maintained by Automattic, it’s fully open source and hosted on GitHub, encouraging developer feedback, contributions, and transparency.

You don’t need a Creator Plan or a paid WordPress subscription to get started, making it fully accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike.

Getting Started with Studio by WordPress

One of the standout advantages of Studio by WordPress is how easy it is to get up and running, even for users with zero experience in setting up a local development environment.

Unlike traditional tools that require manual installations, database setup, or configuring server stacks, Studio streamlines the entire process into just a few simple steps.

The official Studio by WordPress documentation and resources provide more information on setup, contributions, and deployment processes.

Step 1: Download the App

To begin, head over to developer.wordpress.com/studio, the official download hub for the app. Studio by WordPress is a free, open-source desktop application available for:

• macOS (Intel-based and Apple Silicon/M1/M2 chipsets)
• Windows 10 and above

Linux support is not officially available, but it’s one of the most requested features by the developer community. There’s active discussion and roadmap planning on GitHub, where users are encouraged to participate and contribute to the open-source project.

The installation process is straightforward. There are no third-party dependencies or configuration files, and no need for Docker or MAMP. Download the installer, run it, and launch Studio like any other desktop app.

Read Further: How to Set Up and Launch Your WordPress Site

Step 2: Set Up Your First Local WordPress Site

Remember how setting up a local WordPress site was complex and time-consuming? Studio by WordPress simplifies everything, making it much more accessible.

Once the app is installed, setting up your first local WordPress site takes less than a minute. Studio provides an intuitive GUI that walks you through each step:

• Name Your Site: Give your local site a recognizable name. This helps keep things organized, especially if you manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Choose PHP Version: Studio allows you to select your preferred PHP version from a dropdown menu. This is useful if you want to test your site’s compatibility across different PHP versions, which is a common need for plugin and theme developers.

• Select WordPress Version. You can choose from the latest stable WordPress core releases or roll back to earlier versions for legacy testing. This flexibility is great for debugging or compatibility checks with older client builds.

• Enable HTTPS (Optional): Toggle on HTTPS support if you want your local environment to simulate a secure connection. This is important if you’re testing features that rely on SSL, such as OAuth integrations or Stripe payments.

• Assign a Custom Local Domain (Optional): You can customize the URL used for your local site (e.g., my site.local). This is useful for branding, demo purposes, and working with cookies or authentication protocols that rely on domain specificity.

• Import Existing Backups (Optional): Studio supports importing Jetpack backups, WXR files, or SQL database dumps. This feature lets you start quickly without manual file transfers, whether migrating a site or resuming a paused project.

All these configurations are managed in a user-friendly interface; there is no need to edit config files, set up database users, or deal with file permissions.

Read More: HTTP vs HTTPS: Why Having an SSL is Important

Step 3: Launch and Access Your Local Site

Once your configurations are set, hit “Launch,” and your local WordPress Playground-powered site will live within seconds.

• You’re automatically logged in as the site admin, no login screen, no password fields.
• You can jump straight into the WordPress Site Editor, install or test plugins, activate themes, or begin content creation.
• All project files, including the wp-content folder, themes, and plugins, are stored locally in a dedicated Studio directory on your machine. This makes them easy to access, back up, or version-control using Git.

The simplicity of this workflow is what sets Studio by WordPress apart. Traditional tools often require separate configurations for Apache, MySQL, and PHP, sometimes involving firewall or port conflicts.

In contrast, Studio uses WebAssembly and SQLite, which allows it to remain isolated, efficient, and fast, making it one of the fastest and simplest ways to run WordPress locally.

Further Reading: WordPress Website Launch Checklist

Live Demonstration of Features

Studio by WordPress excels in hands-on local development scenarios, delivering real-time efficiency across various workflows, whether building from scratch or maintaining client projects.

Creating and Managing Multiple Sites

Studio allows you to create and run multiple WordPress sites locally, each with its own fully isolated environment, folder structure, PHP version, and SQLite database. Switching between sites is seamless, making it perfect for agencies juggling many clients or developers maintaining plugin/theme versions across projects.

Editing Themes and Plugins

You get direct access to the wp-content folder, letting you:

• Build or refine custom themes
• Develop and debug third-party plugins
• Edit template files and functions.php in real time

Studio by WordPress integrates with your preferred code editor (like VS Code, PHPStorm, or Cursor) for a smooth development workflow, without manually mapping folders.

Installing and Testing Themes/Plugins

Testing themes like Twenty Twenty-Five or frameworks like Astra is frictionless. Studio by WordPress lets you simulate real-world scenarios, troubleshoot plugin conflicts, or test compatibility with complex setups like WooCommerce, all in a safe local environment.

Also Read: How Many WordPress Plugins Should You Install

Sharing Work with Teams and Clients

To share your work with stakeholders, you can generate a temporary WordPress-hosted preview URL, valid for 7 days. This is a massive time-saver for freelancers and agencies seeking fast feedback without deploying to a staging server.

Studio Sync and AI Assistant in Action

With Studio Sync, you can update a live site from your local build; no SFTP, ZIP files, or deployment pipelines are required. Need to write a shortcode, queue a script, or bulk install plugins? Just ask the AI-powered Studio Assistant. It automates routine development tasks without terminal access, helping beginners and power users stay focused.

Observations and Community Feedback

As a relatively new entrant in the local development space, Studio by WordPress has been rapidly adopted and tested by developers, freelancers, and educators alike.

Many users express their love for Studio and its open-source community, highlighting the enthusiasm and appreciation surrounding the project. Real-world use cases and community reactions offer valuable insights into its practical strengths and areas for growth.

Default vs Custom Themes

Many users have observed a difference in behavior when using default themes like Twenty Twenty-Four versus custom-developed themes.

While default themes tend to render smoothly in Studio’s browser-based preview, custom themes that depend on specific server configurations, database structures, or third-party plugins may require adjustments.

Developers are advised to test under multiple conditions if deploying complex or legacy themes.

Performance and Scalability

Studio consistently impresses with its lightning-fast performance. Since it relies on WebAssembly and a SQLite backend, local sites boot up in seconds, even on lower-spec machines. This scalability makes it ideal for developers managing multiple projects or frequently spinning test environments.

Site teardown is also nearly instantaneous, allowing users to iterate quickly without worrying about server lag or resource conflicts.

Developer Controls

Though it caters well to beginners, Studio doesn’t sacrifice control for ease of use. Developers can integrate external code editors like VS Code, open site folders directly, or use the built-in terminal for WP-CLI commands.

This blend of beginner simplicity and advanced power makes Studio suitable for a broad spectrum of users, from hobbyists to WordPress core contributors.

Import/Export Compatibility

One of Studio’s practical advantages is its strong support for import/export formats widely used in the WordPress development ecosystem.

Users can export SQL database dumps, full themes such as ZIP archives, and WXR files, all compatible with traditional WordPress installations or hosting environments. You can start a site locally and move it seamlessly to live servers without breaking compatibility.

Know About the Best WordPress Import Plugins

Community Sentiment

The sentiment is largely positive across Reddit, GitHub, and WordPress forums. Some users are skeptical of the tool’s strong integration with WordPress, suggesting it may indirectly encourage users to adopt Automattic’s hosting services.

However, most view Studio as a breakthrough tool, especially for beginners, educators, and solo freelancers. It’s a free and open-source license, combined with Automattic’s active maintenance, that adds further credibility.

Ideal for Teaching and Onboarding

Educators and agencies have pointed out that Studio is an excellent tool for teaching WordPress development. Its one-click setup and zero-configuration environment eliminate the common barriers students face when trying to get started.

No server installation, terminal commands, or login credentials are required, making it a perfect fit for workshops, courses, and boot camps.

Bug Reports and Feature Requests on GitHub

Since its launch in April 2024, Studio has seen a steady flow of feature requests and bug reports on GitHub, a healthy sign of active community engagement.

Users have requested everything from Linux support to more advanced syncing options. Automattic’s development team has responded regularly, indicating that Studio’s roadmap is being shaped collaboratively with community input.

Studio by WordPress: Pros and Cons

Studio by WordPress strikes a unique balance between simplicity and functionality. It’s designed to serve beginners and developers, but it comes with trade-offs like any tool. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Extremely easy to set up and use	Some advanced features, like multisite and custom server configurations, are not supported
Perfect for beginners, freelancers, and agencies	Still in early development, users may encounter bugs or missing functionality
Built-in AI assistant streamlines development and content creation	No Linux support at launch; limited to macOS and Windows
WebAssembly-powered for lightweight, fast performance	Strong integration with WordPress.com, which some self-hosted users prefer to avoid
No need for Docker, Apache, or MySQL, runs on lightweight SQLite	Lacks advanced debugging tools found in platforms like Local or DevKinsta
100% free and open source, maintained by Automattic	Limited customization of PHP/WordPress environment (e.g., no NGINX, MariaDB, etc.)
One-click site sharing and syncing features	Currently lacks support for container-based environments or parallel test setups.
Works with any code editor; seamless developer tooling integrations	Some themes or plugins with deep server dependencies may not work out of the box

Future Outlook for Studio by WordPress

Studio is under active, open-source development by Automattic, and the roadmap looks promising.

Here’s what users and developers can look forward to in upcoming updates:

• Linux support to expand compatibility across all major operating systems
• Granular sync controls for selective content deployment and rollback features
• Streamlined plugin and theme development workflows, including better hooks for testing and staging
• Custom environment configurations, like PHP extensions or alternative database support
• Integrated error logging and performance profiling tools for developers
• Increased community involvement, including GitHub contributions, more tutorials, and expanded documentation

As it matures, Studio by WordPress is poised to become a go-to platform not just for beginners, but also for professional WordPress developers. Its lightweight nature and growing feature set make it a compelling alternative to heavier tools like Local, DevKinsta, Lando, and MAMP.

Tutorial creators and educators will soon find Studio an ideal subject for YouTube walkthroughs, online courses, and blog-based comparison guides.

Final Thoughts on Studio by WordPress

Studio by WordPress is more than just a local development tool; it reimagines how WordPress development can and should work in 2025. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned dev, it offers a refreshing, powerful alternative to traditional tools.

Its AI-powered features, one-click setup, and live previews set a new bar for local WordPress development. While it’s still in its early days, Studio shows tremendous potential and is completely free today.

FAQs About Studio by WordPress