Local Community

Running 2 versions of Local simultaneously in MacOS

Support
#1

Issue Summary

After the major update in Local’s Signing (v6.4.3) I decided to install the new version independently from the old one and chose a new path for the sites.

I haven’t touched the old version since, but have a bunch of sites in there that I want to work on.
Can I run both versions of Local at the same time, or even alternately without breaking Local or my sites?
I have versions 5.10.1 and 6.6.1 currently installed.

Troubleshooting Questions

  • Does this happen for all sites in Local, or just one in particular?
    not relevant

  • Are you able to create a new, plain WordPress site in Local and access it in a Browser?
    Yes, using v. 6.6.1, but haven’t tried 5.10.1

Replication

Having both versions 5.10.1 and 6.6.1 installed, wanting to run both on the same Mac (either simultaneously or separately.

System Details

  • Which version of Local is being used? 5.10.1 and 6.6.1

  • What Operating System (OS) and OS version is being used?

    • macOS Monterey 12.6

  • Attach the Local Log. See this Help Doc for instructions on how to do so:

    • not applicable

Security Reminder

#2

Hi @jpjpvr

This should technically be possible, however, we don’t recommend it. Running both of these at the same time could get problematic and cause issues with things like port conflicts, resources, etc.

If at any time you want to ditch the older version, you can simply export your sites there into zips and re-import them into the new version. Or you could back them up using Cloud and then pull them down.

#3

Thank you Nick, I assume that this means I can at least run the two versions of Local separately while installed on the same Mac.
I will then export the sites, close the old version and open the new version to import.

#4

Hi @jpjpvr

Correct! And yes if you just export the sites and store the zip files, once you get back into the updated Local app you can just drag and drop those in to re-import them.

#5

Thanks for such quick response!

And I have to say in my 10 years of playing around on local environments I’ve never had much joy, untill I found Local!

I’ve never had a single problem with Local!

1 Like
#6

Thank you @jpjpvr, we love to hear that! Happy Developing :slight_smile: