The best Joomla extensions

Content management systems like Joomla have software available which offer options for individual extensions and individual website designs. This requires some plugins which have been programmed specifically for Joomla. We will be outlining the best Joomla extensions here.

There are several extensions that can be very useful for many users in everyday use. The table below outlines the best plugins for each application.

As of December 2021.

Joomla allows users to create a website with a main page and several subpages for free. The first step is to install Joomla to get started immediately. Each page’s design can be customized with Joomla templates and can display different content. There are a variety of extensions which can be added in the backend to improve the functionality of the website.

Extensions are offered in function packages, for example, in the form of a contact form, an image slideshow or a tag cloud. The Joomla plugins are usually grouped into subcategories, such as “Photos & Images”. Therefore, it is easy for users to search all of the extensions for the desired function. Many of the extensions can be used for free, however the full range of functions is only available with a paid premium version.

There are about 6,000 extensions in total and up to 300 extensions per category on the official Joomla website, so choosing the right Joomla extension can be difficult. There are also other developer websites and web archives which offer even more plugins.

It is particularly difficult for newcomers who are just creating their first website to figure out the wide range of extensions. Joomla simplifies things for users by categorizing the extensions into themes and subdividing the themes into subcategories. The search for the right extension can still be confusing for experienced users. Imagine looking through a slideshow of 270 extensions to find the most suitable one!

Users should consider a few things when choosing Joomla extensions. The extensions ensure that continuous improvements are being made by checking that only a good-quality software is added and regular security updates are carried out. It is a good idea to regularly check the most recent updates to avoid security risks. You can check for updates for Joomla plugins on the overview page.

Extensions should only be downloaded from trusted sources. Joomla’s official web catalog has a wide variety of reliable plugins. Users can get information on the extensions directly from the developer or by searching the forum. Joomla has a strong community which provides a great customer service for other users. The forum is a good point of contact to get advice from experienced users on the Joomla extensions. Users can also form an opinion based on an extension’s rating. The overall rating, functionality details, and scope of support for each extension is available on the official Joomla website.

A high score in stars and a significant number of reviews is a good indication to users. It is worth noting that the costs associated with plugins may mean that they are regularly updated, as it is in the developers’ interest to have the extension working properly for users.

It is advised to trial the functions in a protected test environment to check the compatibility with your existing website before adopting the extension in the live environment.

Joomla extensions are installed in the backend of Joomla, just like any changes to the website. In order to install an extension, it must be available locally. This can be done by downloading the extension from Joomla’s online catalog or from another trusted source which offers Joomla extensions.

Once an extension is downloaded, the installation follows these steps:

1. In the backend of the website, click on “Extensions”, then select “Install/Uninstall”.
2. If the location is known, search for the extension in the Windows “Downloads” section or select “Browse” in the backend and choose the package, which is usually a ZIP file.
3. Click on “Upload & Install”.

The extension must be activated to complete the installation and to use the extension. Some extensions can only be installed if they have been unpacked on the PC beforehand. This detailed description of the respective extension might help.