WooCommerce to OpenCart Migration

Why You Should Switch from WooCommerce to OpenCart

Here are the key reasons why many merchants consider switching from WooCommerce to OpenCart, a trend we also see among our LitExtension customers:

WooCommerce Popularity vs. OpenCart Efficiency:

• WooCommerce powers over 5.9 million active websites, accounting for nearly 29% of global eCommerce stores. Its popularity shows flexibility, but it also brings challenges: performance slowdowns and heavy maintenance.
• OpenCart, with around 226,000 active stores, offers a leaner, faster, and more efficient platform. Its lightweight architecture avoids the database-heavy structure that often slows down WooCommerce back ends.

Cost Efficiency and Built-In Features:

• Running a WooCommerce store often involves stacking multiple paid plugins to cover key functions like advanced shipping, reporting, or multi-store setups. This adds up over time.
• OpenCart, by contrast, includes many features (multi-store, product management, and built-in reports) right out of the box. That said, WooCommerce still benefits from a broader free plugin base, which can offset costs if managed carefully.

Multi-Store and Global Expansion:

• WooCommerce can absolutely handle international selling, but scaling usually requires plugins for multilingual sites or managing multiple storefronts.
• OpenCart natively supports multi-store management and can be a simpler option for merchants expanding into new regions. Still, WooCommerce offers more advanced marketing and SEO tools, which global brands may prefer.

Extension Ecosystem: Too Much vs. Just Enough:

• WooCommerce boasts 59,000+ plugins and 1,500+ themes, which can overwhelm smaller businesses and introduce compatibility issues.
• OpenCart’s more focused ecosystem of 13,000+ extensions and 500+ themes gives you exactly what you need for an eCommerce platform without unnecessary bloat.

Neither WooCommerce nor OpenCart is objectively “better” — it depends on your store’s size, complexity, and long-term goals. Many merchants start with WooCommerce for its familiarity and community, but later move to OpenCart when they need leaner performance and built-in multi-store management.

WooCommerce to OpenCart Migration: Step-by-Step

To start the WooCommerce to OpenCart migration, register or log in to LitExtension. Click Free Demo, then Sign Up with your details or via Facebook/Google. If you already have an account, just Login with your email and password. Use Remember Me for faster access next time.

Step 1: Set Up Source & Target Carts

On the Migration Page screen, select Create New Migration.

Set Up Source Cart

In Source Cart Setup section, select WooCommerce as your Source Cart Type from the drop-down menu and enter your Source Cart URL.

Each cart type requires different information, which will be shown once you select your Source Cart. There are three ways to connect your store:

• Install Connector for open-source carts.
• Provide API Keys for hosted carts.
• Import CSV Files if your store has crashed, you have security concerns, face technical issues, or use a cloud server.

Detailed instructions will appear on the right side of your screen at each step to guide you through the process.

Setup Target Cart

In Target Cart Setup section, select OpenCart as your Target Cart Type from the drop-down menu and enter your Target Cart URL. Follow the same process in the Source Cart Setup section to connect LitExtension to your OpenCart store using a Connector, API, or CSV file.

Step 2: Configure WooCommerce to OpenCart Migration

After setting up the Source and Target Carts, the next step in the WooCommerce to OpenCart migration is to configure the data you want to transfer (entities selection). You can also enable additional options to enhance performance and SEO for your OpenCart store.

Entities Selection

In Entities To Migrate section, select the entities you want to migrate, or click Select All to transfer everything. The available entities vary by shopping cart, but Customers, Products, and Orders are always included.

This step is crucial, choose carefully to maintain data integrity on your OpenCart store. For data you want to migrate that is not listed here, please contact LitExtension experts so we can assist and advise on alternative solutions.

Additional Options

After selecting your data, configure the Additional Options section. These vary by Hosted (like Shopify) or Open-source (like WooCommerce) carts, but common choices include:

• Clear target cart data before migration.
• Preserve IDs for products, customers, and orders.
• Create 301 Redirects from source to target cart.

If you need help, you can always reach out to LitExtension experts.

Step 3: Perform WooCommerce to OpenCart Migration

After selecting your data and configuring additional options, continue with the Full Migration. Simply tick Skip Demo Migration and click Start Full Migration to begin.

The migration process may take a few minutes or longer depending on the number of entities being transferred. Since LitExtension runs on a cloud-based system, you don’t need to keep your browser or internet connection active during the migration.

Before starting, you’ll be asked to complete the payment. LitExtension supports multiple payment methods, including PayPal, Skrill, Western Union, Bank Transfer, and Cryptocurrencies. For detailed instructions, you can refer to the Payment Guide. Don’t forget to apply a coupon code if you have one to reduce the cost.

Once the WooCommerce to OpenCart migration is complete, check your OpenCart store carefully. Some data may require adjustment due to cart-specific configurations, so verifying the results helps ensure everything is displayed properly. If you encounter any issues, LitExtension’s support team is always available to help you resolve them quickly and ensure a smooth transition.