Installing TYPO3: Complete Installation Guide (2026)

This guide explains how to install TYPO3 using Composer or the classic method, prepare your environment, configure the database, and access the backend for the first time. Follow the steps carefully to deploy a stable, production-ready TYPO3 instance from day one.

3.1 Set Write Permissions:

TYPO3 has limited directories that it will need to write into to store its files and any configuration data. Use your FTP client or a terminal. Set file permissions to 664. Set directory permissions to 775 on these directories:

fileadmin/
typo3conf/
var/

3.2 Verify Permissions:

Ensure your web server's username (typically www-data or apache) has write permissions on these folders. If the permissions are incorrect, the installation process will fail, preventing TYPO3 from working correctly.

6.1 Enter Database Credentials:

When you get to the install screen, you will have a place to enter the database information:

• Host - This will usually be localhost, unless you host your database elsewhere.
• Database Name - This will be the database name you created earlier.
• Username - This should be the database username with full permissions.
• Password - This is the password you set for your database user account.

6.2 Database Schema Setup:

TYPO3 will create the database tables, set the schema required for your site, and install everything for you. There is nothing that you need to do manually in this.

7.1 Admin Username and Password:

Select a secure admin username and password. You will use that account to log into the TYPO3 backend to manage your site.

7.2 Enter Your Email Address:

Enter a valid email address that will get used for your admin account.

7.3 Set Your Site Name:

This is where you will enter your website name for the site. You can change this later in the backend if you want to.

8.1 Introduction Package:

If you are new to TYPO3 or want to start your project, choose the Introduction Package. It has sample content available. This option installs a demo site with sample content and layouts to help you get familiar with TYPO3.

8.2 Blank Installation:

If you are an advanced user or want a blank site to start, select the Blank Installation. This installation will set up TYPO3 without any content or pre-made layouts. You can then use it for your custom project.

9.1 Installation Complete:

After the installation, you will arrive at the core system files that TYPO3 generated to run the CMS.

9.2 Access the Backend:

Now you can work with TYPO3 by navigating to the TYPO3 backend interface at https:// yourdomain.com/typo3. Log in using the administrator credentials created during the setup process.

Once TYPO3 is working, there are a few things to think about. You should secure your site, improve its features, and ensure it stays stable over time.

1. Remove FIRST_INSTALL File

When the installation is done, TYPO3 will leave a file named FIRST_INSTALL in the root directory. This file is the installation tool and will not work for you after installation.

Please remove or rename the FIRST_INSTALL file right away. This will prevent unauthorized access to your setup wizard.

2. Configure Clean URLs

TYPO3 supports clean URLs that are friendly to search engines, but your server must be configured.

• Apache: TYPO3 delivers a default .htaccess file. Please make sure you have mod_rewrite enabled to support .htaccess.
• NGINX: In Nginx, you must define clean URL rules in the conf file.

Once you defined clean URLs, please test your frontend URL. If you see index.php?id=1 in the URL you will need to adjust your rewrite rules.

3. Update and Extend TYPO3

TYPO3 is built to be extended. After logging into the backend, go to the Extension Manager. Here, you can browse and install official or custom extensions. You can also check for core updates to keep everything current.

TYPO3 regularly releases security and maintenance updates. Keeping your system updated is important for better performance and security.

4. Set Up a Backup Strategy

Every Content Management System needs to have backups. You will want to have a backup system in place that backs up both: 

• The file system (your TYPO3 files and uploads)
• The database (this is where all your content and config live)

Use your hosting provider's built-in backup tools, or install a TYPO3 extension to automate backups. Regular backups will give you peace of mind.

Installing TYPO3 does not need to be complicated. Using a step-by-step approach is entirely manageable, even if you have not done it before.

You can create a strong and reliable Content Management System. You can do it yourself or work with a TYPO3 Agency. Now you've got everything set up and are ready to go.

Log in to the TYPO3 backend, set up your first pages, and see what TYPO3 can do.

Now you can go and create something awesome, your TYPO3 site is ready!