# How to install a Joomla template

The content management system [Joomla](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/hosting/cms/joomla-the-basics-about-this-open-source-cms/) lets users easily **customize the design of their website** with templates. Whether you choose to place the files directly in your Joomla directory structure or opt for the more convenient option of installing the template in the backend, all the methods for installing templates in Joomla are straightforward.

## What are the different methods for installing a Joomla template?

[Joomla templates](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/hosting/cms/best-free-joomla-templates/) give users the possibility to customize the design and layout of their Joomla-powered websites. There is a wide range of templates available and once you decide on a template, all you need to do is install it. When it comes to installing templates, there are various methods to choose from:

### Method 1: Install a template from the web

With [Joomla extensions](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/hosting/cms/joomla-extensions/), you can expand the functionality and design of your website. These are not necessarily always templates in the traditional sense of the word. Often, they are **tools that make it easier for you to create a custom website**.

To install an extension from the web, navigate to **System** > **Extensions** > **Install** in the navigation bar and select the option **Install from Web**. In the window that opens, you can search for an extension that you would like to use. Once you have found one, click on the green **Install** button.

[![Image: Joomla backend: Extensions available via the web](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/7/6/csm_joomla-install-extensions-web_9957da27ea.webp "Joomla backend: Extensions available via the web")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/joomla-install-extensions-web.png) In the Joomla web catalog, you can find different tools to help you create a unique website. Once the installation is complete, the extension is ready to use. You can find the extension you have just installed under **Components**.

### Method 2: Upload a template as a package file

Another way to add compressed templates to a Joomla website is to **upload the templates as a package file**. To do this, navigate to **System** > **Extensions** > **Install** and select the option for uploading the package file from the navigation bar. To upload the template, simply drag and drop it into the designated area. Alternatively, you can click the green button and choose a file from your directory structure.

[![Image: Joomla backend: Upload Package File](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/a/0/csm_joomla-install-extensions-upload-file_e44b73f0f9.webp "Joomla backend: Upload Package File")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/joomla-install-extensions-upload-file.png) You can upload the template using the drag-and-drop feature or by choosing a file from your directory structure. After installing the template, you can check whether the installation was successful by clicking on **Manage Extensions**. Using the filtering options from the menu that opens, you can filter the list so that only templates are displayed. The template you just installed should appear in the list.

### Method 3: Install a template from a folder

The process for installing a template from a folder is similar to the previous method. First, you need to **unpack the template you want to use and place it on your web server**. After you’ve done this, enter the path for the template in the installation wizard. You can find this by going to **System** > **Extensions** > **Install**.

[![Image: Joomla backend: Option to install from a folder](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/2/2/csm_joomla-install-extensions-from-folder_481d23ead4.webp "Joomla backend: Option to install from a folder")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/joomla-install-extensions-from-folder.png) If the template is already located on your web server, you can enter the corresponding folder to install it. ### Method 4: Install a template from a URL

Installing a Joomla template directly from the URL is probably the easiest way to install templates. Just like with the first three methods, you’ll want to start by going to **System** > **Extensions** > **Install**. Once here, all you need to do is enter the URL for the template package that you want to upload. The CMS will take care of everything else after you click on **Check and Install**.

[![Image: Joomla backend: Option to install template from URL](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/7/a/csm_joomla-install-extensions-url_bdcf41678b.webp "Joomla backend: Option to install template from URL")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/joomla-install-extensions-url.png) If you choose the URL option, all you have to do is provide the URL for your template and the CMS will take care of the rest. ### Method 5: Upload an unpacked template file to the Joomla directory structure

You can also install templates by **adding them to your Joomla directory structure**. This option is particularly useful if you are **[creating Joomla templates](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/hosting/cms/create-a-joomla-template/)** as you’ll be writing the files you need yourself. To install the template, create a folder and give it the same name as your template (in our example, we’ve named the folder “test”). This folder should contain all the files you need for your template. Once you’ve created the file, place it in the Joomla template directory.

[![Image: View of Joomla file structure](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/a/5/csm_ionos-folder-structure_7313651bd9.webp "View of Joomla file structure")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/ionos-folder-structure.png) Another way to install a template is by creating a custom folder for the template. After you’ve created the folder for your template, navigate to **System** > **Install** > **Discover** in the Joomla backend. Here you’ll find files that have been recently added. This is where the template should be located. You can start the installation process by clicking on the box located to the left of the template name.

[![Image: Joomla backend: Install and Check options in the Extensions menu](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/3/csm_joomla-install-custom-template_9636556712.webp "Joomla backend: Install and Check options in the Extensions menu")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/joomla-install-custom-template.png) In the Joomla backend, you can install the template that you added to the directory structure. ## How to activate Joomla templates

Just because you have installed a Joomla template doesn’t mean that the appearance of your website will change automatically. Every template needs to be **activated following the installation.** Activating the template however only requires a few clicks in the Joomla backend. Navigate to **System** > **Templates** > **Templates: Styles (Site)** and select the template you want to activate by clicking on the star button located to the right of the template name.

Tip Still looking for a hosting provider for your Joomla website? Try [Joomla hosting from IONOS](https://www.ionos.ca/hosting/joomla-hosting "Joomla Hosting – IONOS"). You can also [register a domain](https://www.ionos.ca/domains/domain-names "Register a domain with IONOS") for your Joomla site with IONOS.


This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/hosting/cms/install-a-joomla-template/](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/hosting/cms/install-a-joomla-template/) for AI/LLM consumption.