What is Softaculous and how to use it

Softaculous is a one-click application installer built into cPanel. In particular, it lets you install hundreds of web applications – WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, and many more – without manual downloads or database setup. Furthermore, Softaculous handles the full lifecycle: installation, updates, backups, and cloning. JetHost includes Softaculous in all cPanel hosting plans at no extra cost.

What you get with Softaculous

Softaculous gives you access to 380+ scripts and applications. For each one you see a description, reviews, screenshots, and demos so you can try before installing. Key features include one-click installation in seconds, automatic updates to keep apps secure, backup and restore, and the ability to clone installations for testing before going live. You can install on your domain root or in a subfolder – for example, yourdomain.com or yourdomain.com/blog.

How to access Softaculous

Log into your cPanel and open the Softaculous icon under the Software section.

You will see all available scripts grouped by category – CMS, ecommerce, forums, wikis, and more.

Click the script you want, then click Install. Fill in the installation form: choose your domain, set the admin username and password, and optionally specify a subfolder in the “In Directory” field. Leave “In Directory” blank to install on the root of your domain. Click Install and wait for the process to finish. Installation time varies by script size.

Popular applications

Some of the most used apps in Softaculous include WordPress for blogs and websites, Joomla and Drupal for content management, WooCommerce and PrestaShop for online stores, phpBB and MyBB for forums, and phpMyAdmin for database management. All are kept up to date by Softaculous, so you get security patches and new features without manual work.

Included in all JetHost plans

Softaculous is included in all JetHost web hosting plans. There is no extra fee, you can install as many applications as your plan allows. For WordPress hosting or WooCommerce hosting, Softaculous makes it easy to add extra sites or test new projects. Reseller accounts also include Softaculous for all client cPanels.

Need more help?

Explore more guides in our knowledgebase. If you need help with Softaculous or your hosting account, contact our support team.