Build, Break, Repeat: WordPress Playground

Try WordPress, No Strings Attached: Welcome to the Playground

This isn't a demo. It’s a real WordPress install living inside your browser, thanks to modern tech like WebAssembly, SQLite, and ServiceWorker APIs. Think of it as WordPress unchained—perfect for testing, tinkering, or learning.

How to Use It (Spoiler: It’s Very Easy)

Go to playground.wordpress.net. That’s it. You’ll get a working WordPress site, pre-loaded with the default theme and an admin login ready to go (username: admin, password: password).

You can:

• Install themes and plugins using ZIP files
• Test content, settings, or layouts
• Play around without consequences

Since it runs entirely in your browser, privacy isn't a concern and nothing persists—unless you want it to (more on that soon).

Why Use WordPress Playground?

Sure, there are local development tools and instant WP sandboxes out there. But Playground offers something unique:

• No installation or account needed
• Runs anywhere: browsers, Node.js, even mobile apps
• Perfect for workshops, tutorials, and experimentation

Whether you're a seasoned developer or just WordPress-curious, it's a fast, frictionless space to learn, test, or build.

Dev-Friendly Power Features

Switch PHP & WordPress Versions

Need to test your plugin in PHP 5.6? Or see how your theme looks in WordPress 5.9? Easy. The built-in version switcher lets you roll back or forward with a few clicks.

Storage Options That Flex

• Temporary: Every page refresh starts fresh (great for quick demos)
• Persistent: Save your changes across sessions
• Local directory (beta): Store your site in a folder on your machine

Site Migration Support

You can export a Playground site and import it into another Playground instance. Want to move it to a hosted environment? Use a mix of XML export + theme ZIPs. It takes a few extra steps, but no command line magic required.

Try It in Style: Playground APIs

There are three:

• Query API: Add themes/plugins directly via URL (e.g., ?plugin=seo-by-rank-math&theme=go)
• JavaScript API: Embed it or integrate with dev tools
• Blueprints API: Build your own pre-configured Playground experience using a simple JSON file

Oh, and yes—you can embed Playground in any web page via <iframe>.

Ideal For...

• Plugin & theme testing
• WooCommerce mock stores
• WP workshops (especially WordCamps & KidsCamps)
• Educational tools or dev tutorials
• Fast experimentation without setup

Final Thoughts

WordPress Playground is deceptively powerful. It's developer-first but surprisingly beginner-friendly. Whether you're building something serious or just want to poke around WordPress without breaking anything, it’s a must-try. If you are looking for an almost hands-off WordPress experience, take a look at our Managed Wordpress Hosting plans.