# Migrate from another forum to Discourse
**URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/t/migrate-from-another-forum-to-discourse/16616
**Category:** Migrating to Discourse
**Tags:** how-to
**Created:** [6월 17, 2014, 2:34오후 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/migrate-from-another-forum-to-discourse/16616 "2014-06-17T14:34:39Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)
#### Post date: [6월 17, 2014, 2:34오후 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/migrate-from-another-forum-to-discourse/16616/1 "2014-06-17T14:34:39Z")
> 📣 This guide serves as a high level overview of the migration process.
>
> For specifics on the wide range of forum softwares to import, including Vanilla, phpBB3, SMF2, bbPress, and vBulletin, review our [dedicated tutorials](https://meta.discourse.org/tags/c/documentation/10/migrations).
>
> Not all scripts have tutorials, but an exhaustive list of available imports is available under the [script/import\_scripts](https://github.com/discourse/discourse/tree/main/script/import_scripts) folder on GitHub. For larger migrations, there is also a faster [script/bulk\_import](https://github.com/discourse/discourse/tree/main/script/bulk_import) system that writes directly to the database.
So you want to migrate your existing forum to Discourse? That’s great! Let’s get started!
### 1. Set Up a Development Environment
See the following topic to set up your environment: [Set up an environment to migrate another forum to Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/t/set-up-an-environment-to-migrate-another-forum-to-discourse/88252)
(If you are developing a new importer or planning to make significant changes to an existing importer, you may wish instead to **set up a development environment**. Refer to the [macOS](https://meta.discourse.org/t/beginners-guide-to-install-discourse-on-mac-os-x-for-development/15772), [Ubuntu](https://meta.discourse.org/t/beginners-guide-to-install-discourse-on-ubuntu-for-development/14727), or [Windows](https://meta.discourse.org/t/beginners-guide-to-install-discourse-on-windows-10-for-development/75149) installation guide for development.)
### 2. Read the Script & Modify as Needed
We highly recommend to **read the script** before performing import. You may also **need to modify the script** file before beginning.
Near the top of the scripts, a connection is made to the database containing the source data. At a minimum, these connection settings will need to be changed.
You may also want to change the SQL queries that fetch the data to import into Discourse. For example, if you want to exclude really old posts, you can add a condition to the `WHERE` clauses.
### 3. Run the Import
To run the intended import script, run the following commands:
```
cd path/to/your/discourse_folder
bundle exec ruby script/import_scripts/=import_script=.rb
```
This process will be similar for other import scripts.
Once the import is complete, verify the data is imported correctly.
### 4. Take a Backup & Restore It
If you’ve followed this guide and are running a development instance, you’ll need to take a backup of the database and restore it to the production Discourse instance.
Backup and restore via UI:
> [@Move your Discourse Instance to a Different Server](https://meta.discourse.org/t/move-your-discourse-instance-to-a-different-server/15721):
>
> bookmark This is a guide for moving your Discourse instance from one server to another, including all settings and data. This guide applies to self-hosted Discourse instances using Docker. person_raising_hand Required user level: System Administrator warning This procedure involves domain and DNS changes. Ensure you have access to both the source and destination servers. This guide walks you through the process of migrating your Discourse instance from one server to another, ensuring …
Restore via CLI:
> [@Restore a backup from the command line](https://meta.discourse.org/t/restore-a-backup-from-command-line/108034):
>
> bookmark This guide explains how to restore a Discourse backup from the command line without using the Discourse web UI. person_raising_hand Required user level: Administrator wrench Console access required Here’s how to restore a Discourse backup from the command line, without ever booting the Discourse web UI. This is handy when you’re moving servers. Prerequisites Before you start, make sure you complete the following steps: Download the latest backup file from the source Disco…
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_Last Reviewed by @sam on 2026-03-16T13:00:00Z_
> Last edited by @JammyDodger 2024-05-27T14:52:31Z
>
> > **Check document**
> >
> > Perform check on document:
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### Author:  [@tobiaseigen](https://meta.discourse.org/u/tobiaseigen)
#### Post date: [1월 4, 2025, 1:31오전 UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/migrate-from-another-forum-to-discourse/16616/37 "2025-01-04T01:31:22Z")
2개의 게시글이 새 주제 [Does Discourse cost money?](https://meta.discourse.org/t/does-discourse-cost-money/345525)로 분리되었습니다.