Documentation · Installation
Install SitePublisher AI safely in a few minutes.
Check the WordPress and PHP requirements, upload the official plugin package and confirm that SitePublisher AI is ready for its initial configuration.
WordPress 6.5 or later · PHP 8.2 or later · Administrator access required
Before you install
Make sure your WordPress website is ready
These are the confirmed minimum requirements for the current SitePublisher AI build. Check them before uploading the plugin package.
WordPress 6.5 or later
Check your installed WordPress version under Dashboard → Updates. Install supported WordPress updates before adding SitePublisher AI.
PHP 8.2 or later
Confirm the PHP version under Tools → Site Health → Info → Server. Ask your hosting provider before changing PHP on a live website.
Administrator permission
Your WordPress account must be allowed to upload, install and activate plugins. A lower-level editor account is not sufficient.
The official ZIP package
Upload the original SitePublisher AI ZIP file. Do not extract, rename or rebuild the package before installing it.
A working internet connection
Installation happens inside WordPress. Internet access is also required later when you send approved generation requests to OpenAI.
A current backup
Create a recoverable website and database backup before installing or replacing software on an important production website.
Install the plugin
Upload SitePublisher AI through WordPress
Free and Pro use the same standard WordPress installation route. Install only the edition supplied for your account or download.
Obtain the official package
Download SitePublisher AI Free from the official Download Free page when the public release opens, or use the protected package supplied with Pro.
Open the plugin installer
In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add Plugin and select Upload Plugin at the top of the page.
Select the ZIP file
Choose the original SitePublisher AI ZIP on your computer. Upload the ZIP itself rather than an extracted folder.
Install the package
Select Install Now and wait until WordPress confirms that the package has been unpacked and installed successfully.
Activate SitePublisher AI
Select Activate Plugin. WordPress will register the plugin and add SitePublisher AI to the administration menu.
Open the dashboard
Select SitePublisher AI in the WordPress menu. A fresh installation may show that OpenAI configuration is still required; this is expected.
Use only a package supplied through sitepublisher.ai. The Download Free page will show when the verified public installer becomes available.
Verify the installation
Confirm that the plugin is active and ready
Do these checks before entering an API key or creating content. They separate installation problems from later configuration questions.
SitePublisher AI is active
- Open Plugins → Installed Plugins
- Find SitePublisher AI in the list
- Confirm that the available action says Deactivate
- Check that WordPress shows no compatibility warning
The workspace opens normally
- Open SitePublisher AI from the left menu
- Confirm that the dashboard loads without a critical error
- Check that the displayed edition is Free or Pro as expected
- Do not enter credentials if the edition is unexpected
The setup notice is expected
- A fresh installation does not contain an OpenAI API key
- Content generation remains unavailable until OpenAI is configured
- Complete the local Website Profile before the first article
- Continue with the Initial setup guide below
Replacing an earlier build
Upgrade carefully without resetting your workflow
Official SitePublisher AI packages are designed to retain established settings and data. A current backup remains important before every software replacement.
Back up first
Create a complete database and file backup and confirm that you know how to restore it.
Upload the new official ZIP
Use Plugins → Add Plugin → Upload Plugin. When WordPress recognizes the existing plugin, review the version details carefully.
Replace the current version
Use WordPress’s replacement option only after confirming that the uploaded package is the intended SitePublisher AI edition and version.
Verify existing data
Open the dashboard, Website Profile and relevant queues or settings. Confirm the result before resuming automated work.
Do not attempt to run separate Free and Pro copies at the same time. Replace the current package with the intended official edition.
If installation does not complete
Use the message from WordPress to find the cause
Do not repeatedly upload the package after an error. Check the specific requirement or ask the hosting provider to confirm the server configuration.
WordPress rejects the ZIP
Confirm that you selected the original plugin ZIP and that the download completed. An extracted folder or incomplete file cannot be installed through Upload Plugin.
- Download only from sitepublisher.ai
- Do not unzip the package
- Check the exact WordPress error
- Do not install an unknown copy
A requirement is not met
Confirm WordPress 6.5 or later and PHP 8.2 or later. Your hosting provider can help update PHP or investigate file permissions and upload limits.
- Check Tools → Site Health → Info
- Review available disk space
- Check the upload size limit
- Restore the backup after a critical failure
Continue setup
Installation is complete. Configure the workspace next.
Follow Initial setup to review the platform settings and local Website Profile. Then connect your own OpenAI API account before generating the first article.
Installation FAQ
Before you activate the plugin
These answers cover the most common questions about packages, editions and OpenAI access.
Can I download SitePublisher AI Free now?
The public Free installer is still in preparation. The verified package will be added to the Download Free page when the final release checks are complete.
Do I need an OpenAI account before installation?
No. You can install and activate SitePublisher AI first. You need an OpenAI API account with API billing before generating articles or images.
Does a ChatGPT subscription include OpenAI API usage?
No. ChatGPT subscriptions and OpenAI API billing are separate. SitePublisher AI uses the API key and billing connected through your own OpenAI API account.
Can Free and Pro be installed together?
No. Install one SitePublisher AI edition. When changing edition or applying an official upgrade, replace the current package and verify the displayed edition afterwards.
Will an official upgrade remove my settings?
Official upgrade packages are designed to retain established SitePublisher AI settings and data. Always create a recoverable backup and verify the result before resuming important work.
Need a different route?
Return to Documentation or ask for support.
Use the documentation overview to choose another guide. If WordPress cannot install the verified package, send Support the exact non-sensitive error message.