How do you install a module in PrestaShop?

What is a module in PrestaShop?

At idnovate we recommend that, before you start to install modules in PrestaShop like crazy, you find out exactly what they are and what they are used for.

That is, a module in PrestaShop is something that tailors your online store, or makes it easier to carry out any action in your store that you want to give more importance to. To give you a clear idea, a contact form or the Google Analytics integration on your website are PrestaShop modules.

In short, installing a PrestaShop addon allows you to personalize each online store, to give it a unique appearance and functionality. The aim is to meet all the needs of your project without the need for custom development.

Types of PrestaShop modules

Talking about types of modules in PrestaShop is almost impossible, since there are as many PrestaShop modules as there are needs within a store. However, if we group them by functionality, we can see some clear categories.

You should know that there are PrestaShop modules for almost anything you can think of. In addition, there are free PrestaShop modules, developed on a non-profit basis, and paid PrestaShop modules. In general, we recommend using the latter for critical problems or needs.

Where to download PrestaShop modules?

Now that you know everything about PrestaShop modules, you can start downloading them. At idnovate, we advise you to always download PrestaShop modules through official sources like ours or from PrestaShop's own website. You can also download them from other sites on the internet, but nobody can guarantee that this content will be safe for your website.

Install a module in PrestaShop

If you have used WordPress before, the process of installing a module in PrestaShop will feel familiar. And if that's not the case and you are totally new to the world of installing modules in PrestaShop, don't worry, because by the time you finish reading this post, you will be an expert.

Install a module in PrestaShop automatically

The first way to install a module in PrestaShop is to do it through the system itself, that is, through the PrestaShop back office.

First of all, you will have to do a search in the marketplace, and install it directly, or download a module and upload it to the auto-installer and install from there. Don't worry, because both options will be quick and very easy.

Using the search bar

1. Log in to PrestaShop with your username and password.
2. In the side menu, go to Modules - Module Catalog.
3. Find the module you want to download and click the Install button.

After following these steps, a new section will be automatically created on your website so that you can configure your new PrestaShop module to your liking.

Using the auto-installer

This option is normally used when your module is a paid one and you have downloaded it from a platform outside PrestaShop. As it will not appear in the search results, you will have to upload it to the auto-installer to be able to start enjoying it. The process is as follows:

1. Download the module you want; it will usually be in ZIP format.
2. Go to the Modules - Module Catalog section of the PrestaShop side menu, and click Upload a module.
3. Select the ZIP file you downloaded and in no time you will have it ready to configure.

After following these steps, your PrestaShop module will be ready for you to configure as you like on your website.

Install a module in PrestaShop manually

If, for whatever reason, you have to install your new module manually in PrestaShop, you should know that the process is more complicated than those explained above, especially if you still do not have much experience with the system. But don't worry because at idnovate we explain the steps you have to follow:

1. The first thing will be to download the PrestaShop module you want. Remember that the file will normally be in ZIP format.
2. Once the download is done, you will need to access your cPanel account and locate the file manager section.
3. Once here, you will have to select the PrestaShop installation you are working on and upload the unzipped module to the modules folder.
4. Go to the PrestaShop back office: your new module will be in the Modules - Module Catalog section, ready to install.