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Installing TYPO3: A Detailed beginner's guide

Sven Thelemann
TYPO3 CMS

TYPO3 is powerful, no doubt. But setting it up isn’t just a download-and-done deal. If you're here, you probably want a guide that doesn’t talk in circles, just the real steps to get TYPO3 running without breaking things, and that part can trip people up.

Installing TYPO3: A Detailed beginner's guide

Table of content

That’s exactly what this is. This guide walks you through the full TYPO3 installation setup, step by step. No guessing, no skipping. Just a clear path from picking the right version to logging into your backend, everything’s laid out, clean and simple.

If you’ve got hosting and a bit of patience, you’ll have TYPO3 up and ready in no time. Let’s get started!

What You Need Before You Install TYPO3

Before you install TYPO3, make sure that your server fulfills the following requirements:

1. Server requirements

  • PHP: TYPO3 v13 requires PHP 8.2.0 to 8.4.99. Make sure that important extensions such as curl, fileinfo and mbstring are activated.
  • Database: Supported databases are MySQL (>=8.0.17), MariaDB (>=10.4.3), PostgreSQL (>=10.0) and SQLite (>=3.8.3).
  • Web server: Apache, NGINX, IIS and Caddy Server are supported.
  • RAM: At least 256 MB RAM.
  • Composer: Version 2.1 or higher is required.

Further information can be found on the official TYPO3 system requirements page.

2. Software and access

  • FTP client: Use tools like FileZilla to upload TYPO3 files to your server.
  • Hosting control panel: You will need access to cPanel, Plesk or another panel to manage databases and server settings.
  • Terminal access: Optional, but helpful for advanced users who prefer to make configurations via the command line.
  • Web browser: A standard browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) is used for the installation.

Steps to Installing TYPO3

Steps for installing TYPO3

Now that your server is ready, let's go through the manual installation of TYPO3 together. These instructions will ensure that everything is set up correctly.

Step 1: Download TYPO3

1.1 Visit the official TYPO3 website:

Go to the official TYPO3 download page. Be sure to choose the latest LTS version (Long-Term Support) for a stable installation.

1.2 Choose the latest LTS version:

TYPO3 releases a new LTS version every two years. The current version is TYPO3 v12 LTS (released April 2023); TYPO3 v13 is expected in 2025.

1.3 Download the source package:

The source package is recommended for manual installation. It contains all the necessary files and documentation.

  • Alternatively, you can download TYPO3 directly to the server via command line - e.g. with wget or curl.wget https:// get.typo3. org/13.4.tar.gz

Step 2: Upload TYPO3 to the Web Server

2.1 Unpacking files

  • Unpacking the TYPO3 archive locally:
    Upload the ZIP directly via FTP and unpack it via SSH. A folder with the TYPO3 files will be created on your local computer.
  • Upload content via FTP:
    Use an FTP program such as FileZilla to upload the content of the unzipped TYPO3 folder to the desired directory on the server. Make sure that you upload the files to the correct directory where TYPO3 is to be installed.
    • Depending on how you want to structure your website, you can upload the files directly to the document root of your server or to a subfolder.
[Translate to English:] Upload content via FTP

2.2 Setting the correct document root

  • Make sure that your web root points to the /public folder:
    After you have uploaded the TYPO3 files, make sure that your web root directory points to the /public folder in the TYPO3 package. This is crucial because TYPO3 is executed from this directory for security reasons.
    • If necessary, adjust the document root in your hosting control panel (e.g. cPanel or Plesk) accordingly.

Note:"If you are using NGINX or Apache, you may need to adjust the server configuration to use the correct document root."

Step 3: File Permissions and Folder Structure

3.1 Set write permissions:

TYPO3 requires write permissions for certain directories in order to be able to save files and configuration data. Use your FTP program or a terminal to set the following permissions:

  • Files: 664
  • Directories: 775

The following folders must be writable:

  • fileadmin/

  • typo3conf/

  • var/

3.2 Check permissions:

Make sure that the user of your web server (often www-data or apache) has write permissions on these folders. Without the correct permissions, the installation will fail and TYPO3 will not work correctly.

Step 4: Create New Database

4.1 Log in to your hosting control panel:

Access your hosting control panel (e.g. cPanel or Plesk) and open phpMyAdmin or your favorite database manager.

4.2 Create a new database:

  • Database name: Create a new database for TYPO3. It is recommended to use UTF-8 encoding for compatibility.
  • Create new user: Create a new user for the database and assign them full rights for this database. Make a note of the username, password and database name - you will need these for the installation.
Create new database

Step 5: Start TYPO3 installation

5.1 Start the installer:

  • Open your domain in the browser:
    Open your web browser and navigate to your domain (e.g. https:// deinedomain. de). You should see the TYPO3 installation page. If not, check your file permissions and the configuration of the document root.
  • Create file "FIRST_INSTALL":
    When prompted, create an empty file named FIRST_INSTALL in the root directory of your TYPO3 installation. This file activates the TYPO3 installation tool and starts the setup process.

5.2 System environment check:

  • Automatic check by TYPO3:
    As soon as you start the installer, TYPO3 automatically checks your server environment to ensure that all requirements are met. Among other things, the PHP version, database connection, write permissions and other system settings are checked.
  • Fix errors, if any:
    If there are any problems (e.g. missing PHP extensions or insufficient memory), you must fix them before you can continue with the installation. The installation tool will give you detailed instructions on how to fix the problems.
System environment check

Step 6: Database Configuration

6.1 Enter database access data:

On the installation screen, you will be asked to enter your database credentials:

  • Host: Usually localhost, unless your database is located on a different server.
  • Database name: The name of the database you created previously.
  • Username: The user with full rights to this database.
  • Password: The password you have set for the user.

6.2 Setting up the database schema:

TYPO3 automatically creates the required database tables and sets up the schema for your website. You do not have to import anything manually.

Step 7: Create Admin Account

Create admin account

7.1 Admin user name and password:

Choose a secure username and password for the admin account. You use this account to log in to the TYPO3 backend to manage your site.

7.2 Enter your e-mail address:

Enter a valid e-mail address that will be linked to the admin account.

7.3 Set page name:

You can specify the name of your website at this point. This can be changed later in the backend at any time.

Step 8: Select Installation Type

Introductory package

8.1 Introductory package:

If you are new to TYPO3 or want to get started quickly with sample content, choose the introductory package. This option installs a demo site with sample data and layouts - ideal for getting to know TYPO3.

8.2 Blank installation:

For advanced users or those who want to start completely from scratch, the empty installation is ideal. It installs TYPO3 without preconfigured content or layouts - perfect for individual projects.

Step 9: Final Steps and Backend Access

TYPO3 backend

9.1 Installation completed:

Once the installation is complete, TYPO3 generates the necessary system files to run the CMS.

9.2 Access to the backend:

You can now access the TYPO3 backend by going to https:// deinedomain. de/typo3. Log in with the admin credentials you created during setup.

TYPO3 Setup Process

TYPO3 setup process

Post TYPO3 Installation Tips

Once TYPO3 is installed, you should take a few important steps to secure your site, improve functionality and ensure long-term stability.

1. Remove the "FIRST_INSTALL" file

After the installation, a file called FIRST_INSTALL remains in the root directory. This file activates the installation tool, which you no longer need.

Delete or rename this file to prevent unauthorized access to the setup.

2. Configure clean URLs

TYPO3 supports search engine friendly URLs, but your server must be set up for this:

  • Apache: TYPO3 provides a .htaccess file by default. Make sure that mod_rewrite is activated and that your server respects the rules in the .htaccess file.
  • NGINX: You have to configure the rules for clean URLs manually in your nginx.conf.

Testing: If your URLs end with index.php?id=1, the rewrite rules need to be adjusted.

3. Update and extend TYPO3

TYPO3 has a modular structure. After logging into the backend:

  • Open the Extension Manager to install official or custom extensions.
  • Check for core updates and keep your system up to date. TYPO3 regularly releases security and maintenance updates - staying updated is crucial for performance and security.

4. Set up a backup strategy

No CMS setup is complete without a backup solution. You need a system that backs up regularly:

  • The file system (TYPO3 files and uploads)
  • The database (content and configurations)

Use your host's integrated backup tool or install a compatible TYPO3 extension for automatic backups. Regular backups = peace of mind and security.

Conclusion

Installing TYPO3 doesn't have to be complicated. If you go through everything step by step, it's completely doable, even for beginners. Whether you do it yourself or with a TYPO3 agency you now have a strong, reliable CMS in place.

Now that the system is up and running, you can get started: Log in to the backend, create your first pages and discover what TYPO3 can do. Need more functions? Go to the TYPO3 Extension Manager and get TYPO3 templates or TYPO3 extension that you need.

Now build something awesome, your TYPO3 site is ready!

Contact for Internet agency and TYPO3 projects

Sven Thelemann

Service Partner - Germany

st@nitsantech.de +49 351 48196661
Sven Thelemann

Sven Thelemann

Client Service Lead

Sven Thelemann serves as the Client Service Lead at NITSAN, focusing on delivering TYPO3 solutions that meet client goals. With a strong understanding of technology and client expectations, he ensures smooth communication and project execution. Outside of work, Sven enjoys cycling and experimenting with homemade recipes.

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