What is TYPO3 CMS? Guide for TYPO3 Beginners(2024)

Generally, the developers are not sure where to start and learn from in TYPO3. Don’t worry here I’m going to guide you with a step-by-step overview of TYPO3 CMS product, community, and available official resources.

Usually, developers are unsure where to start and how to learn TYPO3. Don't worry; I will guide you with a step-by-step overview of the TYPO3 CMS product, community, and available official resources.

To be honest, learning TYPO3 requires more time and effort than other CMS platforms because TYPO3 offers a vast array of features for developing small, medium, and large websites.

I hope this blog will guide you well as you embark on your great journey with TYPO3. I wish you all the best!

In this guide, you will learn about:

Key features of TYPO3 CMS platforms

Steps for installing TYPO3 on your local development environment or web server
Working with extensions to tailor TYPO3’s functionality
Leveraging multilingual capabilities to effectively reach global audiences
Finding partnership opportunities within the TYPO3 ecosystem

Fall in love to TYPO3

Always Great To Start with History

Source: TYPO3 CMS

It’s always good to start anything by knowing and learning the history of a particular thing. And, I’m sure, you will have general TYPO3 related questions in your mind like;

Where did the name of TYPO3 come from?
What is the story of TYPO3?
Who was the founder of TYPO3?
and so on.

TYPO3 - by the people, for the people!

TYPO3 have a great history like how Kasper (the founder) started TYPO3 at 1997, How TYPO3 Association begun, etc.

I recommend reading detailed history TYPO3 CMS Project history to feel the power of OpenSource, Enthesuism, Passionate - the People and Product.

What all big names prefer TYPO3?

To feel the power of TYPO3, Take a quick look the big name who uses the TYPO3 CMS for their great sites at

By d way, One of our successful project Paysafe is there also won the TYPO3 award by our agency NITSAN.

TYPO3 Success in Statistics

What is TYPO3 CMS?

TYPO3 CMS is a powerful, open-source content management system (CMS) that is highly flexible and scalable. It is designed to build and manage various websites, from small personal blogs to large enterprise-level portals.

Key features and benefits of TYPO3 CMS:

Open Source: TYPO3 is an open-source CMS, meaning it is free to use, and its source code is publicly available. This encourages community contributions and ensures ongoing development and improvement.

Flexibility: TYPO3 is known for its flexibility, allowing developers to create customized solutions tailored to specific needs. Its modular architecture enables the addition of extensions and integrations to enhance functionality.

Scalability: TYPO3 can handle websites of any size, from small sites to complex, multi-lingual, and multi-domain enterprise websites. It is designed to grow with your business, offering scalability to match your requirements.

User-Friendly Interface: TYPO3 provides a user-friendly backend interface, making it easier for content editors and administrators to manage and update website content without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

Security: Security is a top priority for TYPO3. The platform is regularly updated with security patches, and its robust architecture ensures that your website is protected against common vulnerabilities.

Extensive Features: TYPO3 comes with a comprehensive set of features out of the box, including content versioning, multi-language support, workflows, and more. This makes it a versatile choice for various types of websites.

Community Support: The TYPO3 community is active and supportive, providing a wealth of resources, including documentation, forums, and tutorials. This helps developers and users alike to find solutions and learn best practices.

Getting Started with TYPO3

Installing TYPO3 can be accomplished through various methods, catering to both local development environments and web servers. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you through the TYPO3 installation process.

System requirement

Before starting, ensure your server meets these minimum requirements:

Web Server: Apache, Nginx, or IIS
PHP: Version 7.2 or higher
Database: MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL

TYPO3 CMS Installation Steps

Download TYPO3:

Visit the TYPO3 website and download the latest version of TYPO3.

Upload Files:

Use an FTP client to upload the downloaded files to your desired directory on your web server.

Create Database:

Access your database management tool (like phpMyAdmin) and create a new database for TYPO3.

Run the Install Tool:

Open your web browser and navigate to the directory where TYPO3 is uploaded.

Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Install Tool to configure your database.
Connection and set up administrative credentials.

Complete Installation:

After setup is complete, you will be directed to the TYPO3 backend interface, where you can start customizing your site.

These steps provide a structured approach to successfully install TYPO3. The process is user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers.

TYPO3 CMS Installation Steps

Download TYPO3:

Visit the TYPO3 website and download the latest version of TYPO3.

Upload Files:

Use an FTP client to upload the downloaded files to your desired directory on your web server.

Create Database:

Access your database management tool (like phpMyAdmin) and create a new database for TYPO3.

Run the Install Tool:

Open your web browser and navigate to the directory where TYPO3 is uploaded.

Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Install Tool to configure your database.
Connection and set up administrative credentials.

Complete Installation:

After setup is complete, you will be directed to the TYPO3 backend interface, where you can start customizing your site.

These steps provide a structured approach to successfully install TYPO3. The process is user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers.

Step-by-Step Guide to TYPO3 CMS

Quick Installation Guide for TYPO3

Step 1: Download TYPO3

Visit get.typo3.org and select the latest version, like TYPO3 v13 LTS
Direct link: TYPO3 v13

Step 2: Check Server Compatibility

Ensure your server meets TYPO3's system requirements.

Step 3: Download the Zip Package

TYPO3 can be installed via Git, Composer, etc. For simplicity, download the zip package.
Direct link: TYPO3 v13 Zip Package

Step 4: Install TYPO3

Upload the code to your server and run the easy installation wizard.

Pre-made TYPO3 Themes

Avoid learning editor-level knowledge and theme integration from scratch. For learning purposes, it's better to set up a ready-made theme. Let's use the official TYPO3 introductory package theme.

Step 1: Login to TYPO3 Backend

Visit your TYPO3 backend at yourdomain.com/typo3/

Step 2: Install a Preconfigured Theme

Navigate to Admin Tools > Extensions.
Choose “Get pre-configured distribution.

Step 3: Select and Install the Introductory Package

Select the introductory package and click the Install button.

Now, you have demo pages and content to explore TYPO3's features.

Explore More TYPO3 Themes

Later, you can download and try out more TYPO3 themes by searching the extension repository:

Have fun experimenting with TYPO3's extensive capabilities!

Finding and Using Themes in TYPO3

Finding the right theme for your TYPO3 project is crucial for ensuring a visually appealing and functional website. Here’s how to navigate the TYPO3 themes repository and choose suitable themes:

Explore the TYPO3 Themes Repository: Start by visiting the official TYPO3 themes repository. Use filters to narrow down your options based on specific requirements such as responsive design, compatibility with extensions, or particular layouts.

Evaluate Theme Features: Look for themes that offer flexibility in customization. Check for documentation, user reviews, and demo versions to assess whether they align with your project goals.

Customizing Themes in TYPO3

Once you’ve selected a theme, customization can enhance its fit for your brand:

Utilize TypoScript: TYPO3 allows you to modify themes using TypoScript, which offers powerful configuration options without altering theme files directly.

Override Templates: Create custom templates within the theme structure. This approach ensures updates won’t overwrite your changes.

Leverage Fluid Templating: Gain control over HTML structure with Fluid, TYPO3's templating engine. This facilitates dynamic content rendering while maintaining a clean codebase.

By effectively finding and customizing themes, you can elevate the aesthetic and functionality of your TYPO3 website while aligning it with your vision.

Exploring the Backend Features of TYPO3

Get Editor-level Backend Knowledge First

The TYPO3 backend interface serves as the administrative hub for managing your website's content and configuration. Understanding its components is essential for effective content management in TYPO3.

Key elements of the backend include:

Dashboard: Provides a quick overview of site activity, recent changes, and user notifications.
Page Module: Central to content management, allowing you to create, edit, and organize pages in a tree structure.
List Module: Displays all records of content elements, making it easy to manage various types of data like articles, images, or files.
Filelist Module: Facilitates file management, enabling uploads, organization into folders, and access control settings.

TYPO3 TER - Free TYPO3 Extension Store!

TYPO3 enthusiastic developers have created many TYPO3 extensions, which are available in the TYPO3 Extensions Repository (TER). You can easily search and download these extensions to enhance your TYPO3 installation.

The TYPO3 Extensions Repository (TER) is a vital resource for enhancing your TYPO3 site's capabilities. It serves as a centralized platform where developers can share and distribute extensions, offering a wide range of functionalities to customize your project.

TYPO3 Community - The Heart of TYPO3

The TYPO3 Community is a vital part of the TYPO3 ecosystem. It consists of a diverse group of individuals who contribute their expertise to improve the CMS. This community includes not only developers but also designers, writers, translators, and marketers. Each member plays an important role in shaping TYPO3's capabilities and accessibility.

Engagement Opportunities Within the TYPO3 Community

Engaging with the TYPO3 Community opens numerous doors for contributors and enthusiasts alike. Here are some key avenues for involvement:

1. Events

TYPO3 organizes various events such as conferences, workshops, and sprints. These gatherings serve as platforms for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration. Participants can learn about the latest developments, contribute to discussions, and connect with fellow community members.

2. User Groups

Local user groups are integral to the community structure. They provide a space for users to share experiences, exchange ideas, and support each other in their TYPO3 journeys. Joining a user group allows you to deepen your understanding of TYPO3 while building lasting relationships with other users.

3. Online Meetings

Regular online meetings facilitate ongoing discussions within the community. These sessions cover topics ranging from development roadmaps to documentation efforts. Participation in these meetings ensures that you stay informed and have a voice in decision-making processes.

These engagement opportunities encourage collaboration, making it easier for individuals to contribute their unique skills and perspectives while fostering a sense of belonging within the TYPO3 ecosystem.

Difference between TYPO3.com or TYPO3.org

If you’re new to this, you might be confused about the difference between TYPO3.com and TYPO3.org. To clear this up, let’s start with what TYPO3 is.

TYPO3.org

TYPO3.org is the central location for the TYPO3 software project. You can download it, view the documentation, ask and answer questions in the forums. Moreover, TYPO3.org contains TYPO3 news, TYPO3 community, TYPO3 certification, and membership details and much more.

TYPO3.com

The TYPO3.com site is the professional website of TYPO3 GmbH (a 100% subsidiary of TYPO3 Association). The GmbH guarantees the further development of the TYPO3 range of products and services and supports the community with professional service.

TYPO3 Version Release Announcements

TYPO3 always comes with a special plan when it comes to their new version release. Since its last release of TYPO3 version 9.5.8, a lot has changed. There were a number of other versions release came in after that. And now this year there is an announcement made for another major TYPO3 version 10.

So be patient, surely bigger things are coming for all of us. So for TYPO3 version releases stay tuned at TYPO3 Version and to get notified via Mail subscribe

What are TYPO3 LTS and ELTS version?

LTS - Long Term Support. 3 years of free support by the TYPO3 core team and the community.

ELTS - Extended Long Term Support. 3 further years of vendor support with ELTS by TYPO3 GmbH. Extended Long Term Support (ELTS) prolongs security and compliance support for your expired LTS version, and keeps you legally compliant and up-to-date.

There's no other open source project which can guarantee us 6 years of support for a particular version.

TYPO3 News

TYPO3 community shares news to keep you updated with what's hot in the TYPO3 community. Stay updated with TYPO3 releases, Announcements of TYPO3 Association, Recap of TYPO3 Events, News from TYPO3 core and different teams and much more at- https://typo3.org/project/news/

TYPO3 Events

If you’re interested in to get involved in a meetup, the community is a great place to get started. There are groups working to support events, to create outreach and training programs, and generally, support the community. Check out the next events nearer to your location at here https://typo3.org/community/events/

Community Support

Honestly, in my career of 10+ years with TYPO3 CMS community, I must say “TYPO3 is the strongest OpenSource community that believes in give back to the community”. TYPO3 always care about your happiness and ease! If you need help, don't sweat it. TYPO3 is always there for you. Reach out for help and support at Slack https://typo3.slack.com/ and https://stackoverflow.com/search?q=typo3

Professional Support

One of the great strengths of the massive open source TYPO3 ecosystem is the quality and breadth of relationships that run through it. This applies as much to the global pool of talent and expertise and you could select the best options elected by TYPO3 GmbH and make them as their professional support partner! Need support?

Official TYPO3 Resources

Source: https://typo3.org/article/typo3-site-package-tutorial/

Documentation

Welcome to the TYPO3 documentation, the online manual for complete detailed TYPO3 information and documentation. As per my opinion, TYPO3 still needs a better user and developer manual, the documentation team is already working very hard to bring improvements in it. Find it here - https://docs.typo3.org/

TYPO3 Videos

You may find some tutorials, event’s video at TYPO3’s official youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwpl8LY9Tr3PB26Kk2FYW_w

TYPO3 Talks

TYPO3 community-based Support Forums are a great place to learn, share, and troubleshoot. Your one-stop destination where you'll find information on everything. Visit- https://talk.typo3.org/

TYPO3 Blog

TYPO3 is an evolving platform. It’s developer community increases rapidly globally. In such a scenario, it is best to stay updated with TYPO3 blog that can help you stand ahead of the curve. TYPO3 blogs consist of both technical and non-technical blogs to learn and avail knowledge from. These blog platforms enable you to know the latest news and reviews about TYPO3 - https://typo3.com/blog

TYPO3 Resources

Trying to tackle TYPO3 as a beginner can be challenging, and the learning curve has slowed down many new users. So what can you do to go to the top of the class?

One of the TYPO3 team is working hard to prepare TYPO3 Book, Read more at https://www.typo3book.com/ You can also find good TYPO3 Resources.

Wrap-up!

We hope this blog would've helped you.

TYPO3 is an extremely deep platform. This elementary look into the CMS should, however, provide a good basis moving forward. If you’re totally new, then this is all the information you’ll need to get started on TYPO3.

Where are you at with TYPO3? Let us know that and any TYPO3 related question in the comments below so we can tackle them and include in our blog.

What is TYPO3 CMS? Guide for TYPO3 Beginners(2024)

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