SandyWP / changelog

What’s new at SandyWP.

New features, thoughtful improvements, and WordPress releases worth testing—freshest update first.

  1. SandyWP / July 2026

    Install wordpress.org plugins from Slack

    # Latest

    Name wordpress.org plugin slugs in Slack to preinstall them on a new sandbox or add several directly to a ready site. Typos come back as suggestions instead of quietly missing plugins.

    • Feature
      Preinstall wordpress.org plugins by name #

      List plugin slugs after install or with in your mention, for example: @SandyWP create a site name: plugin-test, install this, and publishpress-authors, post-expirator. Up to 10 slugs are installed and activated on the new sandbox, and they work alongside a plugin ZIP attached to the same message.

    • Feature
      Typo check before anything is created #

      A slug that is not on wordpress.org now stops the create and comes back with a suggestion: I could not find publishpress-author, did you mean publishpress-authors? Nothing is provisioned until you fix it, so you never end up with a sandbox missing the plugin you wanted to test.

    • Feature
      Point at an existing sandbox with to #

      Because a bare slug after install now reads as a plugin name, deploying a ZIP to a sandbox you already have takes install this to my-demo.

    • Feature
      Install wordpress.org plugins on an existing sandbox #

      Say @SandyWP install publishpress-authors, post-expirator on my-demo to install and activate several plugins without rebuilding the sandbox. Separate up to 10 slugs with commas or and; omit the site to use the existing-site picker.

      See Slack commands
  2. SandyWP / July 2026

    WordPress 7.0.2 and 7.1 Beta 2

    #

    The latest stable sandbox now installs WordPress 7.0.2, and the preview option moves up to 7.1 Beta 2.

    • Feature
      WordPress 7.0.2 is now the latest stable version #

      New sandboxes created with the latest option now install WordPress 7.0.2. The warm pool follows it too, so a 7.0.2 sandbox is still ready in seconds, and 7.0 and 6.9 remain selectable as the two previous stable release lines.

    • Feature
      WordPress 7.1 Beta 2 replaces Beta 1 #

      The preview release in the create dialog is now 7.1 Beta 2, so you can retest your plugins and themes against the newest 7.1 build before the stable release arrives. Preview releases are always built fresh on demand rather than served from the warm pool, so they take a little longer to launch.

  3. SandyWP / July 2026

    Deploy a git tag or release

    #

    Ship a specific tagged release into your sandbox with a one-off deploy that leaves your configured branch and auto-deploy untouched.

    • Feature
      Deploy a tag or release #

      The Deploy menu can now target any tag from your repository, not just a branch. Pick a tag from the new Branches/Tags picker and SandyWP clones exactly that release into your site as a one-off it does not change the branch you deploy on push.

    • Feature
      Tag-aware deployment history #

      The deployment history and the last-deployed line now show a distinct chip for tag deploys, so you can tell at a glance whether a run shipped a branch or a tagged release.

  4. SandyWP / July 2026

    SandyWP speaks agent

    #

    Point any AI assistant at sandywp.com and it can set up a sandbox for you — powered by a new llms.txt quickstart.

    • Feature
      llms.txt for AI agents #

      sandywp.com/llms.txt gives AI agents a directly actionable quickstart: create sandboxes via the CLI, connect over MCP, deploy plugins, and use instant plugin/theme launchers — no docs digging.

    • Feature
      One prompt to onboard your assistant #

      The homepage now has a copy-paste prompt for Claude, Cursor, Codex, and other assistants — paste it and your agent hands you a live WordPress sandbox URL.

  5. SandyWP / July 2026

    Smoother plugin deploys from AI assistants and the CLI

    #

    Deploy a local plugin ZIP straight from the terminal — and AI assistants connected over MCP now take that faster path automatically.

    • Feature
      CLI deploy accepts site IDs #

      sandywp deploy (and every other CLI command that targets a sandbox) now accepts the site ID as well as the slug, so tools that only know the ID can deploy directly. Available in @sandywp/cli 0.4.1.

    • Feature
      AI assistants deploy local plugins the fast way #

      When an assistant connected over MCP tries to deploy a plugin ZIP from your machine, SandyWP now points it to the CLI upload path instead of inlining the file as base64 — faster, cheaper, and no size squeeze.

  6. SandyWP / July 2026

    July 2026 updates

    #

    Faster WordPress testing, clearer product communication, and a permanent home for everything new in SandyWP.

    • Feature
      WordPress 7.1 Beta 1 is ready to test #

      Launch a disposable beta sandbox and check your plugins and themes before the stable release arrives.

    • Feature
      WordPress 7.0.1 is now the latest stable version #

      New sandboxes and the warm pool now follow 7.0.1, with 7.0 and 6.9 kept ready as the two previous stable versions.

    • Feature
      Managed product notifications #

      Admins can publish targeted, scheduled announcements with optional images, videos, and calls to action.

    • Feature
      Dedicated release notes #

      Release notes now have their own multi-update changelog and CRM workflow, separate from temporary product notifications.

    • Feature
      Sign in directly from the homepage #

      Signed-out visitors can now reach SandyWP login directly from the public navigation.

  7. SandyWP / July 2026

    Smoother signup and a home for Cloner

    #

    Polished interactions, clearer consent controls, and a dedicated SandyWP Cloner page.

    • Feature
      Smoother interactions #

      Homepage, dashboard, action menus, and progress modals now use more deliberate motion and feedback.

    • Feature
      Clear terms and marketing consent #

      Email signup includes required terms acceptance and an optional marketing choice, while Google signup shows its terms notice directly beside the action.

    • Feature
      Dedicated SandyWP Cloner page #

      A new public page explains the WordPress cloning workflow and provides a focused path to get started.

  8. SandyWP / July 2026

    A refreshed SandyWP experience

    #

    A new sandcastle-inspired design alongside more capable Git deployments.

    • Feature
      A new sandcastle homepage #

      The public site now uses SandyWP's sandcastle-beach visual direction with a clearer product story.

    • Feature
      Redesigned login and signup #

      Authentication pages use a focused split-screen layout with a continuous SandyWP beach scene.

    • Feature
      Illustrated seaside footer #

      The public footer now closes the experience with SandyWP artwork and a clearer email call to action.

    • Feature
      Edit configuration and deploy branches #

      Update deployment settings inline, choose repository branches, and run one-off branch deployments from the site page.

    • Feature
      More reliable local mounts #

      CLI mount behavior is optimized for faster directory access and more dependable startup on macOS.

  9. SandyWP / July 2026

    Clearer WordPress debug logs

    #

    Troubleshooting output is easier to scan and narrow down.

    • Fix
      Severity colors and filters #

      Debug-log entries display clear severity badges and can be filtered to the messages that matter.

  10. SandyWP / July 2026

    Debug and reset sites with one click

    #

    New per-site tools make troubleshooting and starting over faster.

    • Fix
      Per-site WordPress debug controls #

      Toggle WP_DEBUG options for an existing sandbox and inspect or clear debug.log from its site page.

    • Feature
      Reset to a clean WordPress site #

      Return a sandbox to a clean installation with one confirmed action while keeping its SandyWP identity.

  11. SandyWP / July 2026

    SSH and mount from the SandyWP CLI

    #

    Zero-friction terminal access for working inside or mounting a sandbox.

    • Feature
      sandywp ssh #

      Open an authenticated shell in a ready sandbox without manually assembling SSH credentials.

    • Feature
      sandywp mount #

      Mount a sandbox as a local filesystem for editing with desktop tools and IDEs.

  12. SandyWP / July 2026

    Mountable sandboxes over SFTP

    #

    Sandbox files are now available through the secure SSH gateway's SFTP subsystem.

    • Feature
      SFTP through the SSH gateway #

      Use compatible SFTP clients and filesystem tools to work directly with an opted-in sandbox's files.

  13. SandyWP / July 2026

    Manage SandyWP from Claude

    #

    A secure remote MCP connection brings SandyWP site management into Claude.

    • Feature
      Remote MCP server for Claude #

      Connect SandyWP through OAuth and create, inspect, configure, and retire sandboxes from Claude.

  14. SandyWP / July 2026

    Faster preconfigured sandboxes

    #

    Plugin and theme test sites now benefit from prepared capacity and clearer progress.

    • Improvement
      Plugin and theme launches use the warm pool #

      Preinstalled plugin or theme requests no longer require a full cold WordPress installation.

    • Improvement
      Reusable WP-CLI download cache #

      Workers cache downloaded plugin and theme packages, making repeat installations faster.

    • Feature
      Step-aware progress #

      The progress bar advances with plugin and theme installation steps and uses clearer setup language.

  15. SandyWP / July 2026

    Visible clone progress

    #

    Follow a site's restore from upload through database and file completion.

    • Feature
      Live restore progress #

      Cloner displays a real progress bar and live messages while SandyWP restores the database and files.

  16. SandyWP / July 2026

    Restore, connect, and configure

    #

    Restore expired sandboxes, connect Cloner in one click, and choose plugins while creating a site.

    • Feature
      Restore an expired sandbox #

      Suspended sandboxes can be restored while their retained data is still available.

    • Feature
      Right-click dashboard actions #

      Sandbox rows now have a context menu for quick access to common site operations.

    • Feature
      Faster multi-selection #

      Shift-click selects or deselects a range of sandbox rows for bulk actions.

    • Feature
      Consistent action feedback #

      Dashboard, account, import, and template workflows report success and errors through shared toast notifications.

    • Feature
      One-click Cloner connection #

      Connect Cloner through secure browser authorization instead of manually copying an API token.

    • Feature
      Redesigned cloning experience #

      Cloner adds size and time estimates, configurable exclusions, upload progress, failure guidance, and recent clone history.

    • Feature
      Choose plugins before creating a site #

      Search WordPress.org and preinstall up to ten plugins directly from the create-site modal.

    • Feature
      Live plugin installation progress #

      Creation status names each plugin as it installs and shows its position in the queue.

    • Feature
      Support form in account settings #

      Contact SandyWP support without leaving the account page.

  17. SandyWP / July 2026

    One-click plugin and theme sandboxes

    #

    Evergreen URLs can launch WordPress with a selected WordPress.org plugin or theme already installed.

    • Feature
      Plugin launcher URLs #

      Visiting /plugins/<slug> creates a branded sandbox with that WordPress.org plugin installed and activated.

    • Feature
      Theme launcher URLs #

      /themes/<slug> provides the same one-click flow for WordPress.org themes.

    • Feature
      Launchers work for guests and signed-in users #

      Preinstalled plugin and theme selections carry through both account and guest creation paths.

  18. SandyWP / July 2026

    A clearer way to explore SandyWP

    #

    Richer product demonstrations and clearer plan availability.

    • Feature
      Interactive product demonstrations #

      The homepage demonstrates permanent sites, file editing, Git deployment, templates, cloning, CLI, and Slack workflows.

    • Feature
      Expanded plan comparison #

      Pricing explains which advanced tools and longer sandbox lifespans are included with paid plans.

    • Feature
      Public template links as a paid feature #

      Saving and restoring templates remains available to everyone; publishing a reusable public launch link requires a paid plan.

  19. SandyWP / July 2026

    SandyWP comes to Slack and your terminal

    #

    Manage sandboxes from Slack, deploy plugin work from conversations, and synchronize local WordPress sites with the CLI.

    • Feature
      Connect SandyWP to Slack #

      Install the SandyWP app and securely link individual SandyWP accounts from Slack or account settings.

    • Feature
      Deploy plugins from a conversation #

      Mention SandyWP alongside a ZIP file and choose a new or existing sandbox for deployment.

    • Feature
      Deploy Git branches from Slack #

      Use @SandyWP deploy with a branch name to deploy repository work to a sandbox.

    • Feature
      Manage sites by mention #

      Slack commands can create, list, and delete SandyWP sites with in-thread confirmation.

    • Feature
      Push a local WordPress site to SandyWP #

      sandywp push packages a local installation and synchronizes it into a SandyWP sandbox.

    • Feature
      Clickable login links #

      CLI-created sites now return a terminal-clickable automatic-login URL.

    • Feature
      CLI version commands #

      Version information is available through --version, -v, or the version command.

    • Feature
      Clear paid-feature access #

      Locked developer tools now explain paid-plan availability before interaction.

    • Feature
      Branded account emails #

      Verification and password-reset messages now use a consistent SandyWP design.

  20. SandyWP / July 2026

    Multisite and easier sandbox tools

    #

    WordPress Multisite support and improved access to files, databases, and account settings.

    • Feature
      Create WordPress Multisite sandboxes #

      New sandboxes and Cloner imports can run WordPress Multisite in subdirectory mode.

    • Feature
      Cleaner custom sandbox URLs #

      User-entered sandbox names keep a clean, suffix-free address when that slug is available.

    • Feature
      Right-click file actions #

      Open, download, rename, and delete files from the File Manager context menu.

    • Feature
      A SandyWP-styled database manager #

      Adminer now uses SandyWP branding and a purpose-built visual theme.

    • Feature
      Dedicated account settings #

      Profile, security, API, billing, and integration settings now live on a focused account page.

  21. SandyWP / June 2026

    Friendlier, more private sandbox names

    #

    Generated site names are easier to recognize without exposing account details.

    • Feature
      More private default hostnames #

      Automatically generated sandbox addresses no longer expose account emails and include an unguessable suffix.

    • Feature
      Friendly names for unnamed sandboxes #

      Sandboxes created without a supplied name receive a memorable random name instead of a generic default.

  22. SandyWP / June 2026

    Faster launches and verified accounts

    #

    Warm sandboxes feel more immediate, while new accounts receive a more secure first-login experience.

    • Feature
      Warm sandboxes appear sooner #

      Successful warm-pool claims are revealed immediately and show the server-measured creation time without stopwatch flicker.

    • Feature
      Better mobile launch results #

      Long sandbox URLs no longer cause horizontal overflow on smaller screens.

    • Feature
      Email verification for new accounts #

      New users confirm their email address before their first login through a dedicated verification flow.

    • Feature
      More reliable cloning and plugin support #

      Database exports tolerate stricter SQL modes, and sandboxes include PDO MySQL support required by many plugins.

  23. SandyWP / June 2026

    A smoother sandbox dashboard

    #

    SandyWP remembers common choices and makes everyday site management more direct.

    • Feature
      Creation preferences are remembered #

      SandyWP remembers the last-used region, duration, mode, and advanced-settings state. Site-detail tabs also survive refreshes.

    • Feature
      Site names now open their details #

      Sandbox names in the dashboard are direct links to the full site-management view.

    • Feature
      Clear confirmations for important actions #

      Delete, copy, permanence, template, and SSH operations now provide consistent toast feedback.

  24. SandyWP / June 2026

    Secure SSH access for sandboxes

    #

    Connect directly to an individual sandbox with scoped, opt-in SSH access.

    • Feature
      Sandbox-scoped shell access #

      Enable SSH for a ready sandbox and connect only to that sandbox's isolated container.

    • Feature
      Manage your SSH keys #

      Add and revoke account public keys from the site dashboard, with common RSA and modern key types supported.

    • Feature
      One-click connection setup #

      Copy a ready-to-run connection script from the redesigned SSH panel.

  25. SandyWP / June 2026

    Faster cloning for large WordPress sites

    #

    A new streaming pipeline makes large transfers faster, more observable, and easier to stop safely.

    • Feature
      Streaming site transfers #

      Database and wp-content data stream directly in parts instead of requiring one large local archive first.

    • Feature
      Real-time progress #

      Follow actual upload and restore progress in the Cloner until the new sandbox is ready.

    • Feature
      Faster database exports #

      Batched exports and parallel multipart uploads substantially improve large-site clone speed.

    • Feature
      End-to-end cancellation #

      Canceling from the plugin stops both the transfer and SandyWP restore job.

    • Feature
      Yearly billing #

      Compare monthly and yearly pricing on the homepage and choose annual billing at checkout.

  26. SandyWP / June 2026

    Cloning diagnostics and recovery

    #

    New Cloner tools make difficult WordPress environments easier to understand and migrate.

    • Feature
      Pre-clone diagnostics #

      Review environment checks and an activity log before and during a clone.

    • Feature
      Alternative clone mode #

      If the standard workflow is blocked by a site's configuration, retry with an alternative cloning path.

  27. SandyWP / June 2026

    Flexible sandbox lifespans

    #

    Choose how long a sandbox should remain available when you create it.

    • Feature
      Custom expiration #

      Select a lifespan from one hour through seven days, with permanent sandboxes available to eligible paid accounts.

  28. SandyWP / June 2026

    A more capable File Manager

    #

    Common file operations and editing feedback are now built into the sandbox dashboard.

    • Feature
      Create, upload, copy, and paste #

      Upload into the selected folder, create files, and copy or paste files without leaving SandyWP.

    • Feature
      Clearer file workflows #

      See upload progress, keep expanded folders, scroll large trees, and confirm deletions in-app.

    • Feature
      Improved code editing #

      Faster loading, better scrolling, theme-aware syntax highlighting, save confirmations, and clearer read-only states.

    • Feature
      Clear save feedback #

      PHP settings explain the brief sandbox restart and confirm completed changes with an in-app notification.

  29. SandyWP / June 2026

    A complete sandbox toolkit

    #

    Deploy code, work with files and databases, configure PHP, and run smoother site clones from one dashboard.

    • Feature
      Git deployments #

      Connect a repository, deploy manually or on push, review history, and use generated deploy keys for private repositories.

    • Feature
      File Manager and Database #

      Browse and edit sandbox files in the dashboard and open the database tool with automatic login.

    • Feature
      Switch PHP versions #

      Change the PHP runtime for an existing sandbox from its PHP configuration panel.

    • Feature
      Faster site access #

      Open a sandbox URL or jump straight into WordPress admin from the site detail header.

    • Feature
      SandyWP Cloner #

      The cloning plugin received its new name and a redesigned WordPress admin experience.

    • Feature
      More control over exports #

      Exclude uploads, revisions, unwanted comments, inactive themes, or inactive plugins to make a clone smaller and faster.

    • Feature
      Cancel and manage clones #

      Stop an in-progress clone, retry it, delete old import records, and open the resulting sandbox directly.

  30. SandyWP / June 2026

    SandyWP CLI and site cloning

    #

    Manage sandboxes from the terminal and clone an existing WordPress site into SandyWP.

    • Feature
      SandyWP CLI #

      Authenticate, create and list sandboxes, open WordPress admin, follow provisioning, and delete sites from the terminal.

    • Feature
      Personal API keys #

      Create and revoke API keys from the Account modal for CLI and API integrations.

    • Feature
      Clone an existing WordPress site #

      Install the SandyWP connector on a WordPress site and send a complete copy into a fresh SandyWP sandbox.

    • Feature
      Large-site transfer support #

      Resilient chunked object-storage transfers restore large sites under their new SandyWP URL.

  31. SandyWP / June 2026

    Choose where your sandbox runs

    #

    New regional controls and more reliable one-click WordPress access.

    • Feature
      Southeast Asia region #

      Create sandboxes on the new Southeast Asia server, or let SandyWP choose an available region automatically.

    • Feature
      Reusable Auto Login #

      Generate a fresh one-click WordPress admin login whenever you need it, including after an older link has been used.

  32. SandyWP / June 2026

    Reusable templates and shareable demos

    #

    Turn a configured sandbox into a reusable template, then share it as an on-demand product demo.

    • Feature
      Save a sandbox as a template #

      Snapshot a ready site's database and files, then launch fresh sandboxes from that saved configuration.

    • Feature
      Create from a template #

      Restore a saved template into a new disposable WordPress site without rebuilding the setup by hand.

    • Feature
      Public template launch links #

      Give anyone a link that creates a temporary copy of a template, with no SandyWP account required.

    • Feature
      Choose who funds a launch #

      Configure a share link to use either the visitor's allowance or the template owner's plan quota.

    • Feature
      Optional email capture #

      Require an email before demo creation and review collected leads from the template's Share panel.

    • Feature
      Custom demo landing pages #

      Brand a launch page with a logo, colors, background, headline, supporting copy, CTA text, and optional white-label presentation.

    • Feature
      Bulk-delete sandboxes #

      Select multiple sites in the dashboard and remove them in one action.

    • Feature
      Larger WordPress uploads #

      Upload plugins, themes, and media files without the old PHP default size limit getting in the way.

  33. SandyWP / June 2026

    Simpler upgrades and subscription management

    #

    A smoother path from plan selection through account billing.

    • Feature
      Choose a plan before checkout #

      Compare and select an upgrade plan in SandyWP, then continue to secure checkout.

    • Feature
      Manage billing from your account #

      Open the Polar customer portal to manage subscriptions, invoices, and payment methods.

    • Feature
      Plan access updates after checkout #

      SandyWP refreshes subscription entitlements when users return from checkout, including through login or signup redirects.

    • Feature
      Selected lifetimes now apply correctly #

      New sites receive the lifetime chosen in the creation form.

  34. SandyWP / June 2026

    More control over versions and expiration

    #

    Reliable version pinning and clearer sandbox lifetime controls.

    • Feature
      Reliable pinned versions #

      Version-specific sandboxes verify that installed WordPress core matches the requested release.

    • Feature
      Stack selectors for signed-in creation #

      Signed-in users can choose WordPress and PHP versions directly from the homepage creation flow.

    • Feature
      Mark paid sandboxes as permanent #

      Paid-plan users can turn an active temporary sandbox into a permanent one, or return it to temporary status later.

    • Feature
      Seven-hour guest sandboxes #

      Guest sites now expire after seven hours, while account-owned sites use their selected lifetime.

  35. SandyWP / June 2026

    Personalize and secure your account

    #

    New account controls for credentials and profile identity.

    • Feature
      Password management #

      Set a password for a Google-created account or change an existing password from SandyWP account settings.

    • Feature
      Custom profile avatar #

      Choose and save an avatar preset for your SandyWP profile.

  36. SandyWP / June 2026

    Site lifetimes and storage usage

    #

    More control and visibility for account-owned sandboxes.

    • Feature
      Choose a site lifetime #

      Select how long a signed-in sandbox should remain available, from one hour through one month.

    • Feature
      WordPress 7.0 and 6.9 #

      WordPress 7.0 and 6.9 join the selectable version list.

    • Feature
      Pinned WordPress environments #

      Automatic core updates are disabled so version-specific test sites stay on the selected release.

    • Feature
      Storage usage in the dashboard #

      See each sandbox's calculated storage size directly in the site list.

    • Feature
      Plan storage limits #

      Storage allowances are enforced by plan, with a clear upgrade path when more space is needed.

  37. SandyWP / May 2026

    Faster sandboxes, debugging, and paid plans

    #

    Major improvements to creation speed, developer controls, authentication, and subscriptions.

    • Feature
      Fast warm-pool launches #

      Prepared WordPress sites can be claimed almost immediately, with credentials generated ahead of time.

    • Feature
      Developer debugging preset #

      Create a debugging-ready site with WP_DEBUG options and optional Query Monitor installation.

    • Feature
      Choose a region #

      Select an available SandyWP worker region when creating a site.

    • Feature
      Sign in with Google #

      Create or access an account using Google alongside email and password.

    • Feature
      Password recovery #

      Request a secure reset link when an email and password account needs a new password.

    • Feature
      Plus, Pro, and Max plans #

      Paid subscriptions are available through secure Polar checkout, with plan limits applied to SandyWP accounts.

    • Feature
      Checkout from pricing #

      Start an upgrade directly from the public pricing experience and return to SandyWP after purchase.

  38. SandyWP / May 2026

    A clearer SandyWP experience

    #

    A redesigned creation flow and dedicated public product pages.

    • Feature
      Streamlined site creation #

      A redesigned create-site and progress experience keeps stack settings, provisioning status, and the next action easy to follow.

    • Feature
      Faster site actions #

      Open, sign in to, and clean up sandboxes from one accessible action menu.

    • Feature
      New Features, Pricing, and About pages #

      Explore SandyWP's capabilities and plan options before creating a site.

  39. SandyWP / May 2026

    SandyWP launches

    #

    Disposable WordPress sites, ready in a browser without a hosting setup.

    • Feature
      Disposable WordPress sandboxes #

      Create a temporary WordPress site as a guest or from an account, with a public URL and automatic expiration.

    • Feature
      Choose your stack #

      Launch the latest WordPress or a pinned version on PHP 8.3, 8.2, or 8.1.

    • Feature
      One-click wp-admin access #

      Open a ready site's WordPress dashboard through a secure automatic-login link.

    • Feature
      Your sandbox dashboard #

      Signed-in users can see their sites, provisioning status, expiration, and remove sites when finished.