Step-by-Step Migration to OpenCart 3.0 with ExcelPort
A little time has passed since the official release of OpenCart 3.0. The latest stable version (at the current time) is 3.0.2.0.
In case you have an E-Commerce site that’s running on one of the previous OpenCart versions (1.5.x, 2.x, etc), you will find this post quite useful.
Today, we want to show you how to migrate your store data to a fresh installation of OpenCart 3.0.
For this purpose, we will use the brand new ExcelPort 3.0.0!
The first thing you will need to do is to setup your new OpenCart 3.0 installation. When you’re done, you will be ready to begin the export / import process.
Let’s assume that your new store is installed and ready for importing new data.
Now it’s time to install ExcelPort.
Important! Install ExcelPort both in your older OpenCart store, as well as in the new 3.0 installation. The extension must be present in both setups.
In case you’re not sure how to install ExcelPort, it’s actually quite easy. We’ve explained the process of installing the extension in OpenCart here.
Time to enter the ExcelPort admin panel and begin configuring the settings for the export.
Time to Export
This is an overview of the Export section, which is running on OpenCart 2.x. This will be the store that we will export data from.
In the following screen we showcase ExcelPort, which lets you select the type of data you want to export to your new store.
What kind of data do you wish to export?
When exporting your data for a new OpenCart installation, there is no specific order in which you need to export the types of data.
ExcelPort lets you export all of the data from your OpenCart store structured in separate entities:
- Products
- Categories
- Options
- Attributes and Attribute Groups
- Customers
- Customer Groups
- Orders
- Manufacturers
- Coupons
- Gift Vouchers
The particular order of exporting data does not matter.
It only matters during the importing later. We will explain it in the next section.
Which store do you wish to export?
If you’re running a multi-store setup, you can use this option to select which store you want to export the data from.
Which language do you wish to export?
If you’re running a multilingual site, you can choose a specific language for the data that you wish to export from your current store.
How do you want to structure the exported products?
Bulk export is the recommended option to use when migrating your data to a new store.
You’re ready to begin your export now.
This progress bar will appear after you begin. When it’s complete, click the Finish button and your export will be ready!
When the download with your exported data is complete, this is how the file will look like on your computer:
Time to Import
Now it’s time to head over to your OpenCart 3.0 setup and begin the import.
Make sure you download the ExcelPort 3.0.0 version so you can run the extension on your shiny new OpenCart 3.x setup.
We will go straight to the importing steps without examining the entire Admin panel.
The more basic entities must be migrated first. It will be a mistake if you migrate Orders first, and leave the Customers for the end. You MUST do it the other way around.
Important! The recommended migration sequence is:
1) Categories
2) Attributes and Attribute Groups
3) Options
4) Manufacturers
5) Products
6) Customer Groups and Customers
7) Coupons
8) Gift Vouchers
9) Orders
Orders must always be at the end, because they contain all of the information from the entities above.
Hit the Import tab and select the type of data you want to import. In our case, the Products.
In case of an actual migration, you will have to transfer all data, not just the products.
Select the languages you want to import (English in our case) and click Choose file to upload the .zip file you just exported from your older OpenCart store.
Depending on the products you are importing, choose whether you’re deleting all the current entries in your new store, or you’re replacing the existing ones.
When you’re done, hit the Import Data button.
Your import is now complete and you have successfully migrated your store data to OpenCart 3.0!
You can go to Catalog > Products to view your freshly imported products.
You’re Done!
Repeat the same export and import process for the rest of your store data entries you want to move to your new store. This is all for now, let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!
