Staging first, then live
Workflow
Why you shouldn't start directly on production
Step-by-step plan: safely from staging to live
Set up a current staging copy
Test your compression profile on a sample
Compare the result visually and in terms of file size
Adjust the profile if needed
Roll out the setting to production
Staging and licenses: what changes
| Situation | What happens | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Staging as a separate copy (clone) | You use the same plugin on the clone; a separate media export is not needed. | Make sure the clone is representative of your current media library. |
| License or slot per environment | Staging and live typically count as separate environments on your license, depending on your plan. | Check your plan to see how many environments or sites are included. |
| After a successful test | You manually apply the tested setting to production; staging and live remain separate environments. | Schedule the production rollout intentionally, preferably outside peak hours. |
Common mistakes when moving from staging to live
- Letting the same media library process actively on both staging and live, which is confusing and creates duplicate work.
- Fine-tuning a setting on staging but forgetting to actually apply it to live.
- Leaving staging running permanently as an extra environment without your team knowing about it.
- Not clearing the cache after the final rollout to live, so visitors still see old files.
Frequently asked questions
No. You use the same plugin on the clone; a separate media export is not needed. However, you typically use a different license or a different slot, depending on your plan.
Staging typically counts as a separate environment with its own license or slot. Check your plan for exact details, as this can vary by situation.
You can run them side by side as long as you're clear about which environment uses which setting. If you mix them up, you risk doing double work or testing a setting you never actually deploy to live.
That depends on your plan; usually you'll need a separate slot or environment for this. Check your license settings or contact us if you're unsure.
Test on a staging environment that mirrors your live setup, including a comparable media library and the same hosting conditions where possible. This gives you the best chance that the results will match.
Yes, check a sample of pages and clear your cache so visitors see the new, optimized files instead of an old, cached version.