Title: What is WordPress Multisite? Published: 29 August 2024 Last modified: 30 September 2024 --- [Home](https://learn.wordpress.org)[Courses](https://learn.wordpress.org/courses/) [Advanced WordPress User](https://learn.wordpress.org/course/advanced-wordpress-user/) What is WordPress Multisite? [ Exit Course ](https://learn.wordpress.org/course/advanced-wordpress-user/) 1. a. [ Unlocking advanced SEO techniques: Part 1 ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/unlocking-advanced-seo-techniques-part-1-2/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/unlocking-advanced-seo-techniques-part-1-2/) b. [ Unlocking advanced SEO techniques: Part 2 ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/unlocking-advanced-seo-techniques-part-2-2/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/unlocking-advanced-seo-techniques-part-2-2/) 2. 2 lessons 3. a. [ Adding custom user roles using a WordPress plugin ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/adding-custom-user-roles-using-a-wordpress-plugin/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/adding-custom-user-roles-using-a-wordpress-plugin/) 4. 1 lesson, 1 quiz 5. a. [ Creating custom post types and taxonomies ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/creating-custom-post-types-and-taxonomies/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/creating-custom-post-types-and-taxonomies/) b. [ WordPress taxonomies ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/wordpress-taxonomies-2/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/wordpress-taxonomies-2/) 6. 2 lessons, 1 quiz 7. a. [ Understand where your files live ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/understand-where-your-files-live/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/understand-where-your-files-live/) b. [ Introduction to phpMyAdmin ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/introduction-to-phpmyadmin/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/introduction-to-phpmyadmin/) 8. 2 lessons 9. a. [ Using caching to improve website performance – W3 Total Cache plugin ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/using-caching-to-improve-website-performance-w3-total-cache-plugin/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/using-caching-to-improve-website-performance-w3-total-cache-plugin/) b. [ Using a CDN to enhance performance ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/using-a-cdn-to-enhance-performance/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/using-a-cdn-to-enhance-performance/) 10. 2 lessons, 2 quizzes 11. a. [ Why would a WordPress user need to run a local site? ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/why-would-a-wordpress-user-need-to-run-a-local-site/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/why-would-a-wordpress-user-need-to-run-a-local-site/) b. [ How to start using WordPress Playground ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/how-to-start-using-wordpress-playground/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/how-to-start-using-wordpress-playground/) 12. 2 lessons, 1 quiz 13. a. [ The building blocks of WordPress templates ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/the-building-blocks-of-wordpress-templates/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/the-building-blocks-of-wordpress-templates/) b. [ How Styles are generated ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/how-styles-are-generated/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/how-styles-are-generated/) 14. 2 lessons, 2 quizzes 15. a. [ Troubleshooting your site: Plugin and theme conflicts ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/troubleshooting-your-site-plugin-and-theme-conflicts/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/troubleshooting-your-site-plugin-and-theme-conflicts/) 16. 1 lesson 17. a. [ Use WordPress to create a one-page site ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/use-wordpress-to-create-a-one-page-site/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/use-wordpress-to-create-a-one-page-site/) b. [ Making the most of the Font Library ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/making-the-most-of-the-font-library/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/making-the-most-of-the-font-library/) c. [ How to build a responsive WordPress website ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/how-to-build-a-responsive-wordpress-website/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/how-to-build-a-responsive-wordpress-website/) d. [ Use the Create Block Theme plugin for exports, and theme variations ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/use-the-create-block-theme-plugin-for-exports-and-theme-variations/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/use-the-create-block-theme-plugin-for-exports-and-theme-variations/) 18. 4 lessons, 3 quizzes 19. a. [ What is WordPress Multisite? ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/what-is-wordpress-multisite/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/what-is-wordpress-multisite/) b. [ Managing a WordPress Multisite network ](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/managing-a-wordpress-multisite-network-2/) [Preview](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/managing-a-wordpress-multisite-network-2/) 20. 2 lessons, 1 quiz ### WordPress Multisite # What is WordPress Multisite? ## Extra resources * [Managing a WordPress Multisite network](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/managing-a-wordpress-multisite-network/) * [Setting up a WordPress Multisite network](https://learn.wordpress.org/lesson/setting-up-a-wordpress-multisite-network/) ## Transcript ### Introduction In this lesson, we will explore the world of WordPress Multisite. A powerful feature that allows you to manage multiple WordPress sites from a single installation. If you’ve ever wanted to run several sites without juggling multiple logins, this is the solution for you. The lesson outcomes are understand what Multisite is and why you might want to use it, and secondly we will also highlight the benefits and use cases. ### What is WordPress Multisite?  But what is WordPress Multisite? A WordPress Multisite network is essentially a collection of WordPress sites that all run on the same WordPress installation. This means that the network admin can manage multiple sites with one login. While each site, known as a subsite, can have its own look, feel, and content, they all share the same themes and plugins. Each subsite has separate media directory and database tables, making them independent of each other, even though they use the same core files. Please take note, Multisite might not be the best choice if you need your websites to be closely connected and share a lot of information. Each site in Multisite operates separately. ### Why Use WordPress Multisite?  A Multisite network is ideal when you have multiple related websites that must remain distinct. For example, if you run a franchise with many locations, each location might need its own website to represent its specific information. However, all these websites share similar features, such as the same design or functionality. With Multisite, you can manage all these websites from one central dashboard, making it easier to update themes, plugins and core files for all sites at once. Multisite also provides robust user management, allowing you to assign different roles and permissions across the network. In this example, I have selected one of my subsites, and as you will notice, I have already added a user named John, and below that, I can add an existing user or a new user to this subsite. Other examples of when a Multisite network is useful include running the same site in multiple languages, a media company managing regional news sites under one network, or a university providing each department with its own website. ### Types of Multisite WordPress Multisite can be set up in two ways: sub-directories and sub-domains. Sub-directories appear as part of the primary domain, and for example, follow the format yourdomain.com/support. The URL will end in the name of the sub-directory. Sub-domains are separate domains or sites that are part of the main domain. They appear as a prefix to the main domain and will be structured as in the example below. Support.yourdomain.com Sub-directories are ideal for maintaining a unified domain and a consistent user experience across different sections of a site. Sub-domains, on the other hand, are suitable for creating distinct, separate sections or entirely different websites under one primary domain. ### Super Admin vs. Site Admin Next, it is also essential to differentiate between the Super Admin and the Site Admin. The Super Admin or Network Admin manages the entire network of sites. They can activate Multisite, update network settings, and install themes and plugins. They can also grant permission to create new sites and user accounts. A Site Admin manages individual sites within the network. They can add users to their assigned sites but cannot install or manage themes and plugins. However, they can activate or deactivate existing themes and plugins depending on the permissions granted by the Super Admin. ## Conclusion In the next lesson, we will discover how to manage a Multisite network. But if you want to learn how to create or set up a Multisite network, check out the lesson “ Setting up a WordPress Multisite network” which forms part of the beginner developer learning pathway. This is a preview lesson Register or sign in to take this lesson. [ Take course ](https://learn.wordpress.org/course/advanced-wordpress-user/) [ Sign in ](https://login.wordpress.org/?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.wordpress.org%2Flesson%2Fwhat-is-wordpress-multisite%2F&locale=en_US) ## Suggestions Found a typo, grammar error or outdated screenshot? [Contact us](https://learn.wordpress.org/report-content-feedback/).