Website transfers
How to export an IONOS website or save builder content
IONOS website builders and ordinary web hosting have different export options. Check the product before choosing a download method.
A MyWebsite builder site is a rebuild route
IONOS says projects made with MyWebsite Now, MyWebsite Creator and MyWebsite cannot be used outside its infrastructure. It documents ways to save the visible content, but that is different from exporting the working builder.
For a move to Lightning, we would assess a rebuild using the material you want to retain. Some supplied image licences may not transfer, so check those before reusing the pictures.
Official instructions: IONOS: website builder export options (opens in a new tab)
Save a copy of each builder page
- Open the published page in your browser and choose Save page as from the browser’s menu.
- If available, choose the complete webpage option and save it to a folder for that page.
- Repeat for the other pages and collect your original text, pictures and documents. Treat the saved pages as references, not a replacement booking or shop system.
Official instructions: IONOS: website builder export options (opens in a new tab)
For ordinary hosting, save files and the database
If you use IONOS web hosting for WordPress or another file-based website, take the file-and-database route instead. IONOS documents downloading the webspace folders over SFTP and exporting the database separately.
Ask your developer to identify the correct site folders and database. A copy of one visible page is not a full WordPress backup.
Official instructions: IONOS: manually back up webspace and databases (opens in a new tab)
Choose the destination before changing the domain
Give Lightning the current address and the exact IONOS product name. We confirm whether the move uses an export or a rebuild, and agree any forms, shop or special features before starting.
You review a private preview first. We plan redirects and test the important journeys, then arrange the live switch. Email and domain registration are checked separately. Keep the current service until the replacement is working.
These guides cover the provider’s published export options. Menus and plan access can change. We assess your particular website before confirming a transfer or rebuild.