What is TYPO3?
TYPO3 is a free content management system that has been on the market since 1998. It is characterized by its flexibility, high scalability and security. Companies of all sizes worldwide - from small start-ups to large corporations - rely on the powerful CMS and benefit from the numerous advantages of TYPO3.
Instructions for TYPO3 installation: The set-up in 8 steps
Installing TYPO3 only takes a few minutes. As a TYPO3 beginner, the following eight steps will make installing the software on your web server almost child's play. The prerequisite for this is that you already have a web server and an associated database. It is best to have all the important access data and passwords for your web space ready before the installation so that you only have to follow the individual steps.
1. check system requirements
Before you start the installation process, you should make sure that your system meets the minimum requirements for TYPO3. Whether you are working with Linux, Windows or MacOS does not matter when using TYPO3. The following properties of your web server are important:
- Web server (Apache httpd, Nginx, Microsoft IIS, Caddy Server)
- PHP 8.1.0 or higher
- MySQL 8.0 or higher
- Memory of at least 256 MB
Tip: In your hosting documents or in your provider's customer portal, you will find all the details about your booked hosting package and the web server.
2. download TYPO3
To download TYPO3, visit the official website at typo3.org and click on 'Download' in the navigation bar. We recommend that you always download the latest version - for a secure and stable system. Then unzip the compressed file and have it ready for installation.
3. setting up a database
You need a database on your web server in order to use TYPO3. You create this in the control panel of your web host. How this works in detail depends on your hosting provider and may vary. Do you need help with this step? It is best to contact your provider's customer service.
Log into the control panel with your customer data and create a new database including user rights and password. You will need the access data later for the installation of TYPO3.
4. uploading TYPO3 files
The next step is to upload the files for installation to your web server. You will need an FTP client for this, such as the free FileZilla tool, or you can use your provider's control panel. Drag the unzipped TYPO3 folder into the root directory of your web server or create a new directory under which you would like to access your website later. If you store the uploaded files in the root directory of the web server, the TYPO3 installation wizard can be accessed directly under your domain.
Example of the root directory:
www.ihredomain.com/typo3/install.php
Example of a subdirectory:
www.ihredomain.com/testserver/typo3/installation.php
5. starting the installation process
To start the installation process, navigate to your TYPO3 installation directory with your web browser and call up the corresponding URL. You should now see a thank you message from TYPO3.
Place an empty file with the name "FIRST_INSTALL" in the root directory of your web server and reload the page in your browser to start the setup. The installation wizard will then open and guide you step by step through the installation of TYPO3.
6. configuration of TYPO3
During the installation process, TYPO3 first checks your system environment. Use the troubleshooting function to resolve any problems with the server settings.
In the next step, you will be asked to enter the access data for the required database. TYPO3 requires the following information for this:
- Database name
- User name for the database created
- password
- Host (usually "localhost")
- Port (usually 3306)
In the last step of the installation, you create the administrator account for your TYPO3 account. Define a user name, an e-mail address and a password for the main admin of the site. You will need this data later to access the backend of your website and manage content. Enter the title of your website under "Site Name" and complete the installation with the wizard.
7. installation of extensions
Once you have completed the installation process, you can log in to the admin area of your website. Now download TYPO3 extensions and install them after the download via the admin area of your website. In the TYPO3 Extension Repository you will find a variety of free (but also paid) extensions that are provided by different TYPO3 developers and offer practical additional functions for your website. For example, you will find extensions for search engine optimization, news, a blog or comprehensive search functions.
8. customization of the website
Choose from a variety of templates and themes or hire a web designer for a customized design - with TYPO3 you use a flexible and scalable content management system that you can optimally adapt to your individual requirements. You have full control over the design and all TYPO3 functions.
FAQs on TYPO3 installation
The installation of TYPO3 requires only a few steps:
- Check the system requirements of the hosting provider
- Download the installation package from the official TYPO3 website and unzip it
- Set up the database on the web server and set all necessary authorizations
- Upload the folder with the selected files for the installation on the web server
- Call up the file path (URL) to the installation wizard and follow the individual steps of the installation process
The current version 12 of TYPO3 requires a web server, a database (MySQL) and the PHP scripting language (at least version 8.0 recommended). You can use Apache httpd, Nginx, Microsoft IIS or Caddy Server for the web server. In addition, a RAM memory of at least 256 MB is required for the TYPO3 installation and you should ensure that sufficient free web storage space is available for your website data.
The installation of a new TYPO3 plugin is carried out via the Extension Manager. First download the plugin from the official TYPO3 website and save it locally on your computer. Then go to the extension manager in your TYPO3 backend. Click on 'Upload & Install' and select the plugin file you have downloaded. The extension will be installed automatically and is then ready for use.