PrestaShop 1.x to PrestaShop 8
A PrestaShop to PrestaShop migration transfers your store's products, customers, orders, and content from PrestaShop to PrestaShop—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 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 PrestaShop migration module
- SEO preservation: 301 redirects required—automated tools create them
Why Migrate from PrestaShop to PrestaShop? Key Benefits
PrestaShop has served its purpose, but limitations hold you back. Moving to PrestaShop opens specific opportunities:
💰 Cost Control
The PrestaShop Pain: Legacy architecture. Limited module support. No native headless. End-of-life approaching.
The PrestaShop Gain: Open-source. No platform fees. PrestaShop Addons for modules. Lower hosting costs.
🚀 Full Control & Customization
The PrestaShop Pain: Limited customization. Vendor or platform constraints.
The PrestaShop Gain: PHP/Smarty templates. Web Service API. Full access to Back Office. PrestaShop Addons ecosystem.
🛠 Product Combinations
The PrestaShop Pain: Product options structure can be rigid.
The PrestaShop Gain: Flexible product combinations. Attribute groups. Streamlined catalog management in Back Office.
⚡ Back Office & Multi-Store
The PrestaShop Pain: Dated or limited admin.
The PrestaShop Gain: Intuitive PrestaShop Back Office. Multi-store. Multi-language. Built-in SEO tools.
Who Should Migrate from PrestaShop to PrestaShop?
PrestaShop 1.x to PrestaShop 8 upgrade is essential for stores on 1.6 or 1.7—security patches end, module support dwindles, and PHP 8 compatibility requires a modern codebase. PrestaShop 8 brings Symfony components, improved performance, and Web Service API for headless.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop: Platform-Specific Considerations
Every migration path has unique nuances. For PrestaShop to PrestaShop, pay attention to:
- PrestaShop 1.x Smarty templates differ from PrestaShop 8—theme migration requires adaptation.
- Module compatibility: many 1.x modules lack 8.x versions—audit addons before upgrading.
- Database schema changes between 1.x and 8—use official migration path or third-party tools.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop Pre-Migration Checklist
Before migrating from PrestaShop to PrestaShop, audit your source data and prepare your PrestaShop environment. PrestaShop and PrestaShop use different data structures—mapping them correctly prevents data loss.
Understanding the Platform Disconnect
PrestaShop uses its own data structure. PrestaShop uses MySQL with ps_ prefix and Web Service API.
- 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. Migration tools handle conversion.
- Images: img/p/ directory. Copy to PrestaShop 8 img/p/.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop Data Mapping: Products, Customers, Orders
Accurate data mapping from PrestaShop to PrestaShop preserves product variants, customer history, and order relationships. Below are the field mappings developers need.
🛍 Product Data Mapping
| PrestaShop Field (Source) | PrestaShop 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 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 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 Migration Tools
Choose your PrestaShop to PrestaShop 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 database/API and PrestaShop Web Service API or migration module.
- ✅ Pros: Handles structure complexity, preserves relationships, formats data for PrestaShop automatically.
- ❌ Cons: Cost scales with data ($200–$400). Requires PrestaShop migration module installation.
Option B: CSV Import
Tools: PrestaShop CSV Export + PrestaShop Back Office Import
Export from PrestaShop, format for PrestaShop, and import manually.
- ✅ Pros: Lower cost, direct control.
- ❌ Cons: Manual work required. Limited to products and categories.
Option C: Custom Development
Tools: PrestaShop DB/API + PrestaShop Web Service API
Build a custom script using PrestaShop database or REST API and PrestaShop Web Service API.
- ✅ Pros: Complete control, reusable.
- ❌ Cons: Expensive ($2,500+), time-consuming.
How to Migrate from PrestaShop to PrestaShop: Step-by-Step
Follow this PrestaShop to PrestaShop migration process using automated cloud migration. See the full PrestaShop migration guide for detailed planning.
Phase 1: Environment Preparation
1.1. Prepare Target (PrestaShop):
Install PrestaShop 8 on PHP hosting (PHP 8.1+, MySQL 8+). Install migration module if using automated tools. Use subdomain for testing.
Tip: Use maintenance mode to prevent public access during setup.
1.2. Prepare Source (PrestaShop):
Ensure database or API access. Keep your PrestaShop store live during migration.
Phase 2: Connection Setup
2.1. PrestaShop Access:
Install migration module on PrestaShop. This provides API endpoints for migration tools.
2.2. PrestaShop Access:
Provide database credentials or API access. Migration tool connects to PrestaShop data source.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
Select what to move. Critical settings:
- Create 301 Redirects: Essential for SEO. Redirects from PrestaShop URLs to PrestaShop URLs.
- Migrate Product Combinations: PrestaShop supports flexible combinations. PrestaShop variants map automatically.
- Migrate Images: Images downloaded from PrestaShop and uploaded to PrestaShop img/p/.
- Password Migration: Supported with migration module. Customer passwords converted to PrestaShop format.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
Verify products, images, prices, combinations. Notify customers. Choose a PrestaShop theme from PrestaShop Addons.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop 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: Troubleshooting & SEO
Common Challenges
- Combination Mapping: PrestaShop supports flexible product combinations. PrestaShop variants map automatically.
- Database/API Structure: PrestaShop structure differs from PrestaShop. Migration tools handle translation.
- Image Migration: PrestaShop images need re-uploading to PrestaShop img/p/.
- Password Migration: Supported with migration module.
- Multi-Store: PrestaShop supports multi-store natively.
301 Redirects: Preserve SEO
PrestaShop URLs differ from PrestaShop URLs. Create 301 redirects to preserve search rankings. Automated tools create redirects—verify in PrestaShop Back Office.
PrestaShop to PrestaShop: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about migrating from PrestaShop to PrestaShop—cost, duration, password migration, and SEO preservation.
Is PrestaShop 1.7 end of life?
PrestaShop 1.7 receives limited support. PrestaShop 8 is the actively developed branch. Plan migration before security support ends.
Can I upgrade PrestaShop 1.6 to 8 in place?
No. PrestaShop 1.x to 8 is a migration, not an in-place upgrade. Install PrestaShop 8 fresh and migrate data via tools or scripts.
Do PrestaShop 1.x customer passwords work in PrestaShop 8?
Yes. Password hashing is compatible. Customers keep login access after migration.
Ready to Migrate from PrestaShop to PrestaShop?
A PrestaShop to PrestaShop migration unlocks open-source control, PrestaShop Addons, and full Back Office customization. Run a free demo to verify your data maps correctly.