How to Update the Core Application

Before you begin

• Read the changelog for the new version on CodeCanyon. Pay attention to any special instructions for major updates.
• Create a full backup of your database and files. See our Backup Before Updating article.
• Make sure your server meets the requirements for the new version (check the changelog for any PHP version or extension changes).
• If you have made any CSS customizations, back up your custom CSS file so you can restore it after the update.
• If you have made any translation changes, back up your language files in the /lang/ folder so you can merge their content after the update.

Method 1: SSH upgrade (recommended)

This method is faster and more reliable. It requires SSH (terminal) access to your server.

1. Put your website under maintenance from the Admin panel → Settings → General → Maintenance Mode. Do not log out as admin.
2. Clear the website cache from the Admin panel (Clear Cache button).
3. Download the latest version from CodeCanyon (Downloads → Larapen → "Installable PHP File").
4. Copy the .zip file to the root of your server (the same folder where files were uploaded during installation).
5. Rename the zip file to larapen.zip on the server.
6. Delete the vendor directory from your server so no old unused files remain from previous versions.
7. Open a terminal and navigate to your website's root folder.
8. Run the following command:

   unzip -o larapen.zip -x ".htaccess" -x "public/.htaccess"

   The -x flags exclude .htaccess files so your existing server configuration is preserved.

9. Wait for the command to complete.
10. If you have installed any add-ons, update them to their latest version (see How to Update Add-ons).
11. Visit https://yoursite.com/upgrade in your browser and click the "Upgrade Now" button.
12. Once the upgrade is completed, your website will go live automatically (maintenance mode is disabled).

Method 2: Traditional upgrade (FTP)

Use this method if you do not have SSH access to your server.

1. Put your website under maintenance from the Admin panel → Settings → General → Maintenance Mode. Do not log out as admin.
2. Clear the website cache from the Admin panel (Clear Cache button).
3. Download the latest version from CodeCanyon.
4. Copy the .zip file to the root of your server.
5. Delete the vendor directory from your server (via FTP or File Manager).
6. Extract the .zip file into the website's root folder, overwriting old files.
7. If you have installed any add-ons, update them to their latest version.
8. Visit https://yoursite.com/upgrade in your browser and click the "Upgrade Now" button (make sure you are logged in as admin).
9. Once the upgrade is completed, your website will go live automatically.

After the upgrade

Verify the update

• Check that the version number displayed in the admin panel footer matches the new version.
• Browse your website's front-end pages to ensure everything displays correctly.
• Test key functionality: contact form, media uploads, page editing.

Clear additional caches

If you experience any display or behavior issues after the upgrade:

• Go to Settings → Cache in the admin panel and click "Clear All Caches".
• Clear your browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete / Cmd+Shift+Delete).

Data safety