---
title: "How to create dev sites in Nexcess Cloud"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/sites-stores/managed-woocommerce/store-management/dev-stores/"
description: "How Nexcess Cloud clients can instantly create dev sites to test changes to their website."
vertical: "Sites & Stores"
date: "2019-09-11"
last_modified: "2026-07-23"
---

# How to create dev sites in Nexcess Cloud

## Prerequisites

- Your [sites-portal.nexcess.com](https://portal.nexcess.net/) login credentials. If you cannot locate them, click [**Forgot Password?**](https://sites-portal.nexcess.com/forgot-password/) on the login page.
- An existing Nexcess Cloud account using Magento 1, Magento 2, WordPress, or WooCommerce. See [How to create Nexcess Cloud accounts](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/hosting-service/nexcess/create-cloud-hosting-account/) for more information.
- Currently, only Magento 1, Magento 2, WordPress, and WooCommerce services can create dev sites using this method. The dev site must mirror your production site; for example, if your production site uses Magento 1, then the dev site must also use the same.

## Step by step instructions

For more information about how Nexcess Cloud dev sites function and their uses, see [What are Nexcess Cloud dev sites?](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/hosting-services/nexcess/)

Encryption

To protect encrypted data, dev-site creation changes any encryption keys present in your production site, though it does not re-encrypt them.

1. Log in to [sites-portal.nexcess.com](https://sites-portal.nexcess.com/). From the home page, click **Plans**.
2. Locate your service. From the **menu toggle**, select **Add Development Environment**.
3. On the Create Dev Cloud Account page by default, the **Copy Site Data** options is **ON** and **Copy user data** options are **OFF**. Click **Next** when ready.
4. Click your desired size, then click **Next.**
5. Review your selections, then click **Create Account** when ready.
6. To access your new dev site, click **Dev Environments** from the Cloud Account page.
7. Use the **menu toggle** in the Development Environments menu to access the Account Dashboard or Control Panel, delete your dev environment, and perform other functions.