The key to a high-performance e-commerce site is the judicious use of modules. These extensions allow you to add additional functionalities to your PrestaShop store. Would you like to know how to install a module correctly on PrestaShop? In this article, we'll take you step-by-step through the process of installing a module on your online store.
Things to check before installing a module
The first step is to purchase the module you need from PrestaShop add-ons. Whether it's for site administration, promotional and marketing tools, product sheet enhancement or payment functionalities, the PrestaShop module catalog is vast.
Before choosing a module, check compatibility with your version of PrestaShop. It may also be useful to consult the module documentation for specific information on prerequisites.
Once you've purchased the module or downloaded it free of charge, you'll have access toa ZIP file. This is a compressed file containing all the elements required for the module to function correctly.
Finally, make sure you have access to your PrestaShop back-office by logging in with your login and password.
There are two ways to install a module on your online store, which we'll explain in detail below.
Installing a module from the administration panel
Once logged into your store's back office, access the administrator dashboard to begin the module installation process.
Look for the "Modules and Services" tab in the sidebar. Click on it to access the module management page. This is where you can install, configure and manage all the modules for your PrestaShop site.
Next, look for the option to import a module and click on it. You'll have the option of entering the url of the module archive if it's available on the Internet, or dropping the previously downloaded file onto your computer. Then click on "Download this module". PrestaShop will then extract and place the module files in the appropriate locations.
A green message appears when the module is correctly installed. However, it is not yet activated or parameterized.
Installing a module manually
If the installation method from the control panel fails, a manual installation may solve the problem.
To do this, you'll need a compression software (such as 7zip) and an FTP client, FileZilla being the most popular.
All PrestaShop modules are in Zip format. The first thing to do is toextract the archive folder using compression software. The location of the module folder may differ depending on the developer and how the archive was extracted. Upper folders can be ignored: only the folder containing the module files is required.
Once the module folder has been retrieved, you will need to connect to an FTP client (File Transfer Protocol) to upload the module file to your host. You'll need the FTP login details normally supplied by your hosting provider. Once connected to your hosting provider's server, place the extracted file in the /modules folder of your PrestaShop store.
Configuring the module
Once the module has been installed, go to "Modules" then "Module Manager". Find the newly installed module and click on "Configure". Adjust the settings to suit the needs of your online store. We advise you to take the time to make all the settings before activating the module.
Finally, click on "Activate" in the module options to make it active.
Check module operation
Once your module is configured and activated, go through several pages of your online store and make sure that the functionality added via the module is operational. Run some tests, and place a dummy order to ensure that the module has had no impact on your site, either graphically or functionally.
Conclusion
Installing a module on PrestaShop may seem complex at first, but by following these steps, you'll be able to add new features to your store.
Please consult the module documentation for specific information, and contact the developer's support team if you encounter any difficulties.
Optimizing your online store is just a click away, thanks to PrestaShop's extensive catalog of free and paid modules. If you're having trouble installing one or more modules, contact us! We can help you choose and install PrestaShop modules, or implement specific developments to offer you specific functionalities.
