Installing TYPO3: A Detailed Step-By-Step guide
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.
Table of content
And that's exactly what you get here. These instructions will guide you step by step through the complete TYPO3 installation.
No guesswork, no skipping. Just a clear path, from choosing the right version to logging into the backend. Everything is clearly and simply explained.
If you have web hosting and a little patience, you'll have TYPO3 up and running in no time. Let's go!
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 like curl, fileinfo and mbstring are enabled.
- 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 of RAM.
- TYPO3 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: You'll need access to cPanel, Plesk, or another simple control panel. This will allow you to manage your website, databases and server settings.
- Terminal access: Optional, but helpful for advanced users who prefer to make settings via the command line.
- Web browser: A standard browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) is used for the installation.
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 instructions.
Alternatively, you can load TYPO3 directly onto 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
- Unpack the TYPO3 archive locally:Upload the ZIP directly via FTP and unzip 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. This will upload the contents of the unzipped TYPO3 folder to the desired directory on the server. Make sure that you upload the files to the correct directory in which TYPO3 is to be installed.
- Depending on how you want to design your website, you can upload the files. You can place them in the main directory of your server or in a subfolder.
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, check that your web root directory is pointing to the /public folder. 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 change the server setup . This will ensure the correct document root is used."
Step 3: Access rights and folder structure
3.1 Set write permissions:
TYPO3 requires write permissions for certain directories in order to be able to save files and settings. 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, UTF-8 encoding for matching.
- Create new user: Create a new user for the database. Give it full rights for this database. Make a note of the user name, password and database name - you will need these for the installation.
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 access rights and the settings dataof the document root. - Create the file "FIRST_INSTALL":
When prompted, create an empty file. Name the file FIRST_INSTALL. Place it in the root directory of your TYPO3 installation. This file activates the TYPO3 installation help and starts the setup process.
5.2 System environment check:
- Automatic check by TYPO3:
When you start the installer, TYPO3 checks your server environment. It makes sure that all requirements are met. Among other things, the PHP version, database access, write permissions and other system settings are checked. - Fix errors, if any:
If there are any issues, such as missing PHP extensions or insufficient memory, you need to resolve them. Do this before you continue with the installation. The setup toolwill give you detailed instructions on how to fix the problems.
Step 6: Database settings
6.1 Enter database access data:
On the setup screen, you will be prompted 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 tables in the database and sets up the schema for your website. You do not have to import anything manually.
Step 7: 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 styp
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 preset content or layouts - perfect for your own projects.
Step 9: Final steps and backend access
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.
Tips after the TYPO3 installation
Once TYPO3 is installed, you should take a few important steps. These steps help to secure your site. They improve functionality and ensure long-term stability.
1. Remove the "FIRST_INSTALL" file
After installation, a file called FIRST_INSTALL remains in the root directory. This file activates the setup tool, which you no longer need.
Delete or rename this file to prevent unauthorized access to the setup.
2. Configure clean URLs
TYPO3 supports for search engine optimized URLs, but your server must be set up for this:
- Apache: TYPO3 provides an .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. Renew 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 settings)
Use your host's integrated backup tool or install a compatible TYPO3 extension for automatic backups. Regular backups = peace of mind and security. Check your current TYPO3 version now with our free TYPO3 Version Checker.
Conclusion
Installing TYPO3 doesn't have to be complicated. If you go through everything step by step, it's completely doable, even for beginners.
You can do it yourself. Or you can work with a TYPO3 agency. You now have a strong and reliable CMS.
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 features? Go to the TYPO3 Extension Manager and get TYPO3 templates or TYPO3 extensionthat you need.
Now build something awesome, your TYPO3 site is ready
Contact for Internet agency and TYPO3 projects
Sven Thelemann
Service Partner - Germany
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