BFG Tools – Extension Zipper

by Joby Franczek

Description

The BFG Tools – Extension Zipper lets you create on-demand ZIP files of any installed WordPress plugin directly from the admin dashboard.
Perfect for backups, migrating plugins between sites, sending code to a developer, or archiving a working version before updates.

All ZIP files are generated safely using PHP’s ZipArchive and saved to /wp-content/uploads/extension-zips/.

Learn more or get support here:
https://thebaldfatguy.com/wordpress-plugins/extension-zipper/

Features

Lists every installed plugin with a “Create ZIP” button
Saves ZIPs to a safe writable directory (uploads/extension-zips)
Automatically names ZIPs using plugin name + version
Includes a download link for the latest build
Skips junk files (node_modules, .git, .DS_Store, vendor/bin, logs, etc.)
Fully WP-org guideline compatible (unique prefix, safe path handling, nonces, etc.)

Installation

Upload the plugin to /wp-content/plugins/ or install through “Add New Plugin.”
Activate it.
Go to BFG Tools Extension Zipper in WP-Admin.
Click Create ZIP for any installed plugin.

Faq

Where are ZIPs stored?

Inside /wp-content/uploads/extension-zips/.

Do I need the ZipArchive extension?

Yes. It is bundled on nearly all hosts. If missing, the plugin will warn you.

Can I ZIP must-use or preloaded plugins?

No — WordPress treats MU plugins differently, and they cannot be zipped reliably.

Reviews

Changelog

1.0.7

Updated “Tested up to” to WordPress 6.9
Added Plugin URI and Author URI headers
Improved readme formatting & wording
No functional code changes

1.0.6

Fixed incorrect root folder naming in generated ZIPs
Improved extension detection

1.0.5

Major rewrite for WordPress.org review compliance
Added full prefixing (bfgtoexz_) and safer path handling
Corrected text domain
Added hub integration and new UI cards
Enhanced ZIP filtering and stability