What is a Joomla extension?
Joomla is a free tool for building websites. An extension is an add-on. It is like a new app on a phone. It gives your site a new power, such as a contact form or a photo gallery.
Extensions come as a single ZIP file. A ZIP file is a folder squeezed into one small file.
Before you start
Take a backup of your website first. A bad extension can break a site. Do not unzip the file. Joomla needs it as a ZIP.
Steps: install from a ZIP file
- Download the extension ZIP file to your computer. Use the developer's own site or the official Joomla extensions directory.
- Log in to your Joomla admin area. The address is usually your site name followed by
/administrator. - In the left menu, click System.
- Under Install, click Extensions.
- Open the Upload Package File tab.
- Drag the ZIP file into the box, or click to browse and choose it.
- Wait for the green message that says the installation was successful.
Steps: install from a web address
- Go to System, then Install, then Extensions.
- Open the Install from URL tab.
- Paste the web address of the ZIP file.
- Click Check and Install.
Turn the extension on
Some extensions start working at once. Others need you to switch them on.
- Go to System, then Manage, then Extensions.
- Type the extension name in the search box.
- If the status shows a red mark, click it to enable the extension.
Tip: Menu names are a little different in old Joomla 3. There you click Extensions, then Manage, then Install. Newer versions work in a similar way.
If the upload fails
A big file may be too large for your server limit. Try the URL method. You can also ask Hostvento support to raise the limit. Open a support ticket if you need help.
Quick recap
- An extension adds a new feature to Joomla.
- Back up your site first.
- Go to System, Install, Extensions, and upload the ZIP.
- Enable the extension if it is not active.