![\"\"](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/eBook_-Build-website-in-9-steps_in-text-banner-1.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>
Understanding Joomla<\/h2>
Joomla provides every tool that users need to manage, update, and publish content. Additionally, the platform allows you to build any website, be it for a personal or business project.<\/p>
From site management to core enhancement, Joomla also helps extend your site’s functionality with the vast amount of extensions available. They fall under these types:<\/p>
- \n
- Components<\/strong> – core extensions that you can modify from the back-end and view on the front-end of your site. Some examples are com_content<\/strong>, com_newsfeeds<\/strong>, and com_weblinks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Modules<\/strong> – lightweight extensions or widgets that display certain content types, such as recent articles, article categories, or search boxes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plugins<\/strong> – pieces of software that provide additional functions such as adding a music player or social media share buttons to enhance your website’s performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Templates<\/strong> – sets of design and layouts that control the site’s appearance. A template defines how components and Joomla modules are shown on the website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Languages<\/strong> – offers translation packs for creating a multi-language site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Libraries <\/strong>– collections of function-related code that are used in modules, components, or plugins.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
You can find them in the official Joomla! Directory<\/a> and other third-party sources, such as Joomlart<\/a> and Joomdev<\/a>.<\/p>
Because of the flexibility, many famous brands and organizations use this platform for their websites, including Harvard University, Linux.com, Guggenheim, MTV Greece, and the UNRIC.<\/p>
Of course, this platform also has a steeper learning curve compared to other CMSs. Not to worry, as there are many articles, tutorials, videos, forums<\/a>, and documentation<\/a> to help you along.<\/p>
![\"Hostinger](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/Web-hosting_in-text-banner.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>How to Install Joomla<\/h2>
There are two ways to install this platform – automatically and manually.<\/p>
Using Hostinger’s Auto Installer<\/h3>
Most Joomla hosting providers<\/a> include auto-installers to allow you to set up software from the admin panel. On Hostinger’s hPanel, users can access auto-installers under the Website<\/strong> menu.<\/p>
If you use Joomla web hosting<\/a>, the procedure will be the same.<\/p>
- \n
- Open the Auto Installer<\/strong>, find Joomla,<\/strong> and click Select. <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"hPanel's](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Joomla-with-select-highlighted.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>- \n
- Enter your website credentials and select Next<\/strong>. Specify the configuration details, like your domain<\/a>, preferred language, administrator email, password, and username. When you’re done, click Install<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"The](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/hPanel-website-autoinstaller-joomla-installhighlighted.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>- \n
- Once the installation is complete, you can log in to the control panel and start creating your Joomla website.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Pro Tip<\/h4>\n
Access the Joomla admin panel by adding \"\/administrator\"<\/strong> at the end of your URL (e.g., www.mydomainname.com\/administrator<\/strong>)<\/p>\n <\/div><\/p>
![\"Screenshot](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/joomla-login.png\")
<\/p>Installing Joomla Manually<\/h3>
Another way to set up Joomla is through manual installation. This method will require you to create a database to serve as storage for the content.<\/p>
Before you proceed to the installation, download the latest version of Joomla from its official website<\/a>. <\/p>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-download.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>Once the download is complete, access your web hosting control panel to create the database. <\/p>
- \n
- Navigate to your hPanel -> Databases <\/strong>-> Management<\/strong>. Define your database name, username, and password in the provided fields. Then click the Create<\/strong> button. <\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"hPanel's](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/databases-management-createhighlighted.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>- \n
- When your database is all set, upload the downloaded .zip<\/strong> file from your computer into your server using Hostinger File Manager<\/strong>. Choose the domain or access all files.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"hPanel's](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/hpanel-files-filemanager.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>Open your public_html <\/strong>folder and click on the Upload Files <\/strong>button in the upper right corner.<\/p>
![\"The](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/hPanel-files-filemanager-public_html-uploadhighlighted.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>Click File <\/strong>to select the installation package from your computer to begin the process. <\/p>
![\"The](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/hPanel-files-filemanager-public_html-upload-filehighlighted.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>After the file has successfully been uploaded to the folder, you should see the file name on the list. <\/p>
- \n
- Extract the file to retrieve the content by right-clicking and choosing the Extract <\/strong>option. <\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"hPanel's](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/hPanel-files-filemanager-public_html-.extracthighlighted.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>- \n
- Access your domain name through any browser. This will take you to Joomla’s Main Configuration<\/strong> page.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
Pick your preferred language, then fill out the blank fields.<\/p>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-main-configuration.jpg\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>- \n
- Input your MySQL database credentials from earlier steps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"Joomla](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-database-configuration.jpg\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>- \n
- Review the configurations and click Install<\/strong> to finish up.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-finalization.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>When the installation process is done, the page will tell you that Joomla has been successfully installed.<\/p>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-install-congratulations.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>You can now access the Joomla admin dashboard via yourdomain.com\/administrator <\/strong>and start working on your project.<\/p>
Installing Joomla on Hostinger VPS<\/h3>
If you use virtual server hosting<\/a> from Hostinger, you have another option to install Joomla with a one-click template. This OS template includes Joomla, OpenLiteSpeed, and LSCache image in the installation, which simplify your setup process.<\/p>
It makes setting up parts like PHP OPCache faster to help you optimize the web server more efficiently.<\/p>
You can find this feature by opening hPanel and clicking on your server.<\/p>
After that, look for Operating System<\/strong> on the side panel, and choose Applications under the Change Your Operating System<\/strong> section. You can find the Joomla template in the drop-down menu. Click Change OS<\/strong> to begin the installation.<\/p>
![\"The](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/06\/hpanel-vps-change-operating-system-joomla-template.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>This process will overwrite your previous OS installation if you have one, so make sure to back up your files beforehand.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/VPS-hosting-banner.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>Creating a Website With Joomla<\/h2>
The following section will help you get familiar with Joomla basics and showcase how to perform various tasks from the Control Panel<\/strong>.<\/p>
Adding Articles<\/h3>
Articles in Joomla refer to blog posts that users display on their websites. <\/p>
- \n
- To create one, access your admin panel and click Content<\/strong> -> Articles<\/strong> -> Add New Article<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-content.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>- \n
- The window will bring up the WYSIWYG<\/a> editor, where you can write and modify the article. <\/li>\n<\/ol>
When you’re done, pick one out of the three provided statuses – Published<\/strong>, Unpublished<\/strong>, or Archived<\/strong>.
![\"Screenshot](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/joomla-article-draft.png\")
<\/p>- \n
- Press the Save<\/strong> button or select Save & Close <\/strong>to be directed to the Articles<\/strong> page. Once the post is created, it’ll appear in the Latest Articles<\/strong> section of your website.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
Creating Categories<\/h3>
A category in Joomla enables users to organize their posts based on relevant topics. If you plan to create a wide variety of content, creating categories will let people find information on your site easily.<\/p>
In order to assign a category to your content, make sure to create them in advance:<\/p>
- \n
- Click Content<\/strong> -> Categories<\/strong> -> Add New Category<\/strong> on the top-bar menu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fill in the Title<\/strong>, Description<\/strong>, and Alias<\/strong> (optional).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select Save<\/strong> or Save & Close<\/strong> to create your new category.
![\"Screenshot](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/joomla-articles-editor.png\")
<\/li>\n<\/ol>In addition to assigning a category to a post, Joomla allows you to categorize other components, including banners, contacts, and web links.<\/p>
Adding Featured Articles<\/h3>
To feature an article, navigate to Content -> Articles<\/strong>. There, you’ll see the list of published posts on your website. Simply click on the Star<\/strong> icon next to the desired article to make it featured.
![\"Screenshot](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/joomla-articles-dashboard.png\")
<\/p>With this function, you can display and highlight specific posts from multiple categories on your home page. <\/p>
Creating Menus<\/h3>
Joomla menus play an important role in defining your site’s structure and improving user experience. The more straightforward your site’s menu, the easier it will be for people to navigate your website. <\/p>
You can display a featured articles page and other dedicated pages on your website by creating menus. <\/p>
- \n
- Head over to the Menus<\/strong> -> Main Menu<\/strong> and choose the Add New Menu Item<\/strong> option.
![\"Screenshot](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/joomla-menu-site-new-item.png\")
<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Type a title for your menu item, e.g., “Featured Articles” <\/strong>then define the Menu Item Type<\/strong>. For this Joomla tutorial, we’ll choose Articles -> Featured Articles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Select which Menu<\/strong> item will be displayed and press the Save<\/strong> or Save & Close<\/strong> button.
![\"Screenshot](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/joomla-menus.png\")
<\/li>\n<\/ol>Now the new menu should be accessible from your website.
![\"Example](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/hostinger-joomla-tutorial.png\")
<\/p>Aside from the Featured Articles<\/strong> menu, Joomla has other types of menu items<\/a> you can set, including:<\/p>
- \n
- Article Category Blog <\/strong>– shows categories of blog posts in a blog layout.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Single News Feed <\/strong>– highlights one RSS feed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Contact Featured <\/strong>– displays a list of featured contacts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Search Results <\/strong>– enables a search form for visitors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
Creating Components<\/h3>
Components in Joomla refer to extensions that are responsible for the site’s main elements. They consist of two main categories – administrator and site. <\/p>
The administrator side allows you to modify aspects of the components on the back-end. The site part works to render pages requested by your visitors.<\/p>
This tutorial will show you how to create Joomla’s default components, such as News Feed<\/strong>, Contact Us <\/strong>page, and Banner<\/strong>. <\/p>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-components.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>News Feeds<\/strong><\/p>
The News Feed Manager <\/strong>allows you to display news from other websites to your Joomla site.<\/p>
- \n
- To get started, navigate to Components<\/strong> -> News Feeds<\/strong> -> Feeds<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click New<\/strong>, and fill in the required details – the Title<\/strong>, Link<\/strong> of the source you want to display, and the Category<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Press the Save<\/strong> button.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-news-feeds.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>Contact Us Page<\/strong><\/p>
Another feature from Joomla that can help with user experience is the contacts<\/strong> component. It allows you to receive feedback from visitors and build engagement by creating a Contact Us<\/strong> page.<\/p>
- \n
- To create a contact page, go to Components<\/strong> -> Contacts<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Press New<\/strong>, and fill in your contact details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use the Miscellaneous Information<\/strong> tab if you want to add a description. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Save<\/strong> the page when you’re done.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-contacts.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nPro Tip<\/h4>\n
Create a Menu<\/strong> for the Contact Us<\/strong> page to make the contact form viewable and accessible from your main website. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>
Banners<\/strong><\/p>
Joomla provides a banners<\/strong> component, enabling you to create and edit ad banners as well as image sliders or carousels.<\/p>
- \n
- To create a banner, click on Components<\/strong> -> Banners<\/strong> -> Banners<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Press New<\/strong> on the top-left and enter a name for your banner. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Upload<\/strong> your image and fill in the optional details, such as the dimension, alt text, and description.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Once you are done, press the Save & Close<\/strong> button.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/04\/joomla-banners.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure>To publish a new module and display your new banner, go to Extensions<\/strong> -> Modules<\/strong>. Press the New<\/strong> button.<\/p>
A list of modules will appear – select Banners<\/strong>. Set the Title<\/strong> and Position<\/strong> for the module. Finally, Save<\/strong> your configuration.
![\"Screenshot](\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/joomla-modules-banners.png\")
<\/p>As an example, we have added a featured image banner to the footer of our “Hostinger Joomla Tutorial” project.<\/p>
![\"Example](\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/hostinger-learn-more.png\/public\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>In addition to the core components above, there are many more available on the Joomla extensions directory<\/a>. Every extension serves a specific function, from the site’s structure and navigation to style and design.<\/p>
Installing Joomla Extensions<\/h2>
A Joomla extension refers to a software package that enhances website functionality. <\/p>
You can manage your extensions through the Extensions<\/strong> -> Manage<\/strong> section.<\/p>
- Press New<\/strong> on the top-left and enter a name for your banner. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Press New<\/strong>, and fill in your contact details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click New<\/strong>, and fill in the required details – the Title<\/strong>, Link<\/strong> of the source you want to display, and the Category<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Single News Feed <\/strong>– highlights one RSS feed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type a title for your menu item, e.g., “Featured Articles” <\/strong>then define the Menu Item Type<\/strong>. For this Joomla tutorial, we’ll choose Articles -> Featured Articles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fill in the Title<\/strong>, Description<\/strong>, and Alias<\/strong> (optional).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Content<\/strong> -> Categories<\/strong> -> Add New Category<\/strong> on the top-bar menu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Press the Save<\/strong> button or select Save & Close <\/strong>to be directed to the Articles<\/strong> page. Once the post is created, it’ll appear in the Latest Articles<\/strong> section of your website.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
- The window will bring up the WYSIWYG<\/a> editor, where you can write and modify the article. <\/li>\n<\/ol>
- To create one, access your admin panel and click Content<\/strong> -> Articles<\/strong> -> Add New Article<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
- Review the configurations and click Install<\/strong> to finish up.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
- Input your MySQL database credentials from earlier steps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
- Access your domain name through any browser. This will take you to Joomla’s Main Configuration<\/strong> page.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
- Extract the file to retrieve the content by right-clicking and choosing the Extract <\/strong>option. <\/li>\n<\/ol>
- When your database is all set, upload the downloaded .zip<\/strong> file from your computer into your server using Hostinger File Manager<\/strong>. Choose the domain or access all files.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
- Navigate to your hPanel -> Databases <\/strong>-> Management<\/strong>. Define your database name, username, and password in the provided fields. Then click the Create<\/strong> button. <\/li>\n<\/ol>
- Once the installation is complete, you can log in to the control panel and start creating your Joomla website.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
- Enter your website credentials and select Next<\/strong>. Specify the configuration details, like your domain<\/a>, preferred language, administrator email, password, and username. When you’re done, click Install<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>
- Modules<\/strong> – lightweight extensions or widgets that display certain content types, such as recent articles, article categories, or search boxes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n