PrestaShop 1.x to PrestaShop 8
A PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 migration transfers your store's products, customers, orders, and content from PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8—preserving data integrity, SEO rankings, and customer access. This guide covers data mapping, migration tools, cost, and step-by-step execution.
Upgrading from PrestaShop 1.x to PrestaShop 8 is a necessary move from legacy PHP/Smarty architecture to a modern, Symfony-backed e-commerce solution. In 2025, with PrestaShop 1.6/1.7 end-of-life approaching, limited module support, and no native headless, and PrestaShop 8's improved performance, Web Service API, and active development, the case for upgrade has never been more urgent.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 Migration: Quick Facts
- Average cost: $69–$400 (automated) vs $2,500+ (custom)
- Typical duration: 2–4 hours (automated) vs weeks (manual)
- Recommended method: Automated cloud migration (Cart2Cart, LitExtension)
- Password migration: Supported with migration tool
- SEO preservation: 301 redirects required—automated tools create them
Why Migrate from PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8? Key Benefits
PrestaShop has served its purpose, but limitations hold you back. Moving to PrestaShop 8 opens specific opportunities:
💰 Hosted Infrastructure
The PrestaShop Pain: Legacy architecture. Limited module support. End-of-life approaching.
The PrestaShop 8 Gain: Hosted or managed. Reduced server management. Focus on selling.
🚀 App Ecosystem
The PrestaShop Pain: PrestaShop Addons. Module conflicts. Limited integrations.
The PrestaShop 8 Gain: Broader app ecosystem. One-click integrations. More third-party options.
🛠 Ease of Use
The PrestaShop Pain: Back Office learning curve. Smarty templates.
The PrestaShop 8 Gain: User-friendly admin. Modern UX. Non-technical users can manage stores.
⚡ Quick Launch
The PrestaShop Pain: Self-hosting. Updates. Security patches.
The PrestaShop 8 Gain: Launch fast. Focus on selling, not infrastructure.
Who Should Migrate from PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8?
PrestaShop 1.x to PrestaShop 8 upgrade is essential for stores on 1.6 or 1.7—security patches end, module support dwindles. PrestaShop 8 brings Symfony components, Web Service API, improved performance, and active development.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8: Platform-Specific Considerations
Every migration path has unique nuances. For PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8, pay attention to:
- PrestaShop 1.x Smarty templates differ from 8—theme migration requires adaptation or rebuild.
- Module compatibility: many 1.x modules lack 8.x versions—audit addons before upgrading.
- Database schema changes—use official migration path or third-party tools; in-place upgrade not supported.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 Pre-Migration Checklist
Before migrating from PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8, audit your PrestaShop data and prepare your PrestaShop 8 environment. PrestaShop and PrestaShop 8 use different data structures—mapping them correctly prevents data loss.
Understanding the Platform Disconnect
PrestaShop uses MySQL with ps_ prefix and Web Service API. PrestaShop 8 uses its own data structure.
- PrestaShop Version: 1.6 or 1.7? Table structure may differ.
- Database: MySQL with ps_ prefix. Direct DB or migration tool.
- PrestaShop 8 Setup: Fresh install. Use migration module or third-party.
- Product Structure: Combinations map directly.
- Images: img/p/ directory. Copy to PrestaShop 8 img/p/.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 Data Mapping: Products, Customers, Orders
Accurate data mapping from PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 preserves product combinations, customer history, and order relationships. Below are the field mappings developers need.
🛍 Product Data Mapping
| PrestaShop Field (Source) | PrestaShop 8 Field (Target) | Notes & Logic |
|---|---|---|
ps_product.id_product |
ps_product.id_product |
PrestaShop 8 uses new structure. Map by reference. |
ps_product_lang.name |
ps_product_lang.name |
Direct string transfer. |
ps_product.reference |
ps_product.reference |
Direct mapping. |
ps_product.price |
ps_product.price |
Direct price transfer. |
ps_product_lang.description |
ps_product_lang.description |
HTML content. Images need path updates. |
ps_category_product |
ps_category_product |
Category structure similar. |
ps_product_attribute |
ps_product_attribute |
Product combinations structure similar. |
👥 Customer Data Mapping
| PrestaShop Field | PrestaShop 8 Field | Critical Logic |
|---|---|---|
ps_customer.email |
ps_customer.email |
Unique identifier. |
ps_customer.passwd |
ps_customer.passwd |
PrestaShop 1.x and 8 use compatible hashing. |
ps_address |
ps_address |
Address structure similar. |
📦 Order Data Mapping
| PrestaShop Field | PrestaShop 8 Field | Mapping Logic |
|---|---|---|
ps_orders.id_order |
ps_orders.id_order |
Preserve order numbers. |
ps_order_state |
ps_order_state |
Map PrestaShop 1.x states to PrestaShop 8. |
ps_orders.total_paid |
ps_orders.total_paid |
Direct mapping. |
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 Migration Tools
Choose your PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 migration method: automated cloud migration (recommended), CSV import, or custom development. Compare PrestaShop migration tools for features and pricing.
Option A: Automated Cloud Migration (Recommended)
Tools: Cart2Cart, LitExtension
Specialized tools that connect via PrestaShop Web Service API or database and PrestaShop 8 API.
- ✅ Pros: Handles structure complexity, preserves relationships, formats data for PrestaShop 8 automatically.
- ❌ Cons: Cost scales with data ($200–$400).
Option B: CSV Import
Tools: PrestaShop Export + PrestaShop 8 Import
Export from PrestaShop Back Office, format for PrestaShop 8, and import manually.
- ✅ Pros: Lower cost, direct control.
- ❌ Cons: Manual work required. Limited to products and categories.
Option C: Custom Development
Tools: PrestaShop Web Service API + PrestaShop 8 API
Build a custom script using PrestaShop Web Service API and PrestaShop 8 API.
- ✅ Pros: Complete control, reusable.
- ❌ Cons: Expensive ($2,500+), time-consuming.
How to Migrate from PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8: Step-by-Step
Follow this PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 migration process using automated cloud migration. See the full PrestaShop migration guide for detailed planning.
Phase 1: Environment Preparation
1.1. Prepare Target (PrestaShop 8):
Create your PrestaShop 8 store. Complete setup. Configure API access. Use subdomain for testing.
Tip: Don't point your domain yet.
1.2. Prepare Source (PrestaShop):
Ensure Web Service API or database access. Keep your PrestaShop store live during migration.
Phase 2: Connection Setup
2.1. PrestaShop Access:
Enable Web Service API in PrestaShop Back Office. Or install migration module if using automated tools.
2.2. PrestaShop 8 Access:
Provide API credentials. Migration tool connects to PrestaShop 8.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
Select what to move. Critical settings:
- Create 301 Redirects: Essential for SEO. Redirects from PrestaShop URLs to PrestaShop 8 URLs.
- Migrate Product Combinations: PrestaShop combinations map to PrestaShop 8 variants.
- Migrate Images: Images from PrestaShop img/p/ uploaded to PrestaShop 8 media system.
- Password Migration: Supported with migration tool. Customer passwords converted.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
Verify products, images, prices, combinations. Notify customers. Choose a PrestaShop 8 theme.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 Migration Cost (2025)
For a medium-sized store (2,000 products, 10,000 orders, 5,000 customers):
Custom Script
Developer Time
Automated Cloud
Average Cost
Agency Service
Starting Cost
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8: Troubleshooting & SEO
Common Challenges
- Combination Mapping: PrestaShop combinations map to PrestaShop 8 variants. Check variant limits (e.g., Shopify 100/product).
- Database/API Structure: PrestaShop ps_ tables differ from PrestaShop 8. Migration tools handle translation.
- Image Migration: PrestaShop img/p/ images need re-uploading to PrestaShop 8 media system.
- Password Migration: Supported with migration tool.
301 Redirects: Preserve SEO
PrestaShop URLs differ from PrestaShop 8 URLs. Create 301 redirects to preserve search rankings. Automated tools create redirects—verify in target admin.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about migrating from PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8—cost, duration, password migration, and SEO preservation.
Can I upgrade PrestaShop 1.7 to 8 in place?
No. PrestaShop 1.x to 8 is a migration. Install PrestaShop 8 fresh and migrate data. In-place upgrade is not supported.
Do PrestaShop 1.x passwords work in PrestaShop 8?
Yes. Password hashing is compatible. Customers retain login access.
Ready to Migrate from PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8?
A PrestaShop to PrestaShop 8 migration unlocks hosted infrastructure, broader app ecosystem, and reduced server management. Run a free demo to verify your data maps correctly.