Installation
This guide will walk you through how to successfully install and uninstall OpenCart.
Downloading and unzipping OpenCart archive
The latest version of OpenCart (v.3.0.2.0) can be downloaded from the OpenCart website (recommended for end user) or directly from github (recommended for web developer). The download page also offers access to previous versions of OpenCart. Under the Downloads column, locate 3.0.2.0 and press the «Download Now» link directly across from it under the Action column. This will download the compressed archive of that version of OpenCart in a zip file. For OpenCart version 3.0.2.0, a file named «3.0.2.0-compiled.zip» will be downloaded.
When opening the zip file, the following files will be visible:
- "upload" folder
- "license.txt" file
- "readme.txt" file
The "upload" folder contains all the files needed to upload OpenCart to a web server. The "license.txt" file contains the license agreement regarding the use of OpenCart on your site. The "readme.text" file provides links to the current install and upgrade instructions on the OpenCart website. When you are ready, you can extract the files from the zip file to a location of your choice on your computer.
Uploading OpenCart
At this step you should have a web server established and the OpenCart archive extracted. We will now use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client to upload these uncompressed files to a web server.
Installing and configuring the FTP client
We recommend using Filezilla as your FTP client. Filezilla is a free FTP client that will transfer the OpenCart files to any web server specified. The FileZilla client (not the server) can be downloaded from http://filezilla-project.org/ and installed onto a computer.
When you open Filezilla you should see your computer's file directory on the left side. The next step is to locate where you saved the uncompressed OpenCart archive and click on the "upload" folder, and the files should appear below it. The directory needs to be left open as we continue. The right hand side is blank at the moment because the target website hasn't been connected to. When connected it will display the file directory of the web server.
Before we continue, we need to make sure that you have the following information about your website:
- the host name
- username
- password
This information can be obtained by contacting your hosting provider.
Connecting to the Site Manager
Under the “File” menu, “Site Manager” should be opened in Filezilla. A window will pop up with the General tab open. You should fill in the information gathered above regarding hosting information, and press “Connect”. The right “Remote Site” side will now display the file directory of your website.
Uploading OpenCart's files
If you haven't already located the OpenCart upload folder on the left side, you need to do so now and keep it open. In the Remote Site directory (right side), you need to open the folder that the OpenCart shop will be located in. The location of shop varies based on whether the you want the shop to be seen on the main page, a sub-folder, a subdomain, etc. If you want to make OpenCart the main page, you would need to upload files to the root folder of their website.
Once the location of the OpenCart shop has been determined, all the content within the “upload” folder on the computer's (left) side of Filezilla must be selected, right-clicked, and uploaded. Uploading all the files might take a few minutes on the FTP client.
After Filezilla finishes uploading the files to the location specified, you should see the same files on both the left side(computer) and on the right side (the website); as seen in the screenshot below:
The Filezilla window should look similar to the above image (minus some directory details). This means that the OpenCart files were successfully transferred the target site. The site now contains the files necessary to setup an OpenCart shop.
cPanel
If your Web Server provider is using cPanel, you can try with this method without FileZilla.
Go to the “Upload” folder and select all the files inside and zip it to a new zip file. Login your cPanel and click the “File Manager” to open a new tag in the browser. Upload the new zip file in your target path, it should be inside the public_html folder. After that you can right click the zip file and select “Extract» button and done.
Creating a database for the shop
The next step is to create a database on the MySQL server for OpenCart to store a shop's data on. You should log into the site’s control panel and locate MySQL Databases. Using MySQL Databases, you can create a new database by entering a database name and a username/password to access this database. The user that was just created needs to be added to the database, along with enabling all of the necessary permissions. We will use this database information later when we are configuring OpenCart using the auto-installer.
Launch the auto-installer
With a new database freshly created, we are now ready to install OpenCart directly onto a website. You should open up a web browser and enter in the web address of where they uploaded OpenCart. If the "install" folder in "upload" was uploaded correctly, you should be automatically greeted by the following page:
This page is the installation page. The following steps will help you complete the installation process for OpenCart.
Step 1. License
You may read through the license, check "I agree to the license", and press “Continue”.
Step 2. Pre-Installation
This step checks to see if the web server has the technical requirements and correct permissions to setup OpenCart properly. If red marks are visible on #1 or #2, you need to make sure that these components are properly installed onto the web server. You should contact your hosting service if there are any issues with this. If there are red marks on #3 or #4, there might have been an issue with uploading the files using the FTP client. If everything is configured correctly and green marks are visible (as seen below), you may press "Continue".
- config-dist.php to config.php
- admin/config-dist.php to config.php
Step 3. Configuration
You need to fill in the spaces below #1 by adding the database connection details (username/password, database name) established when you created the store's database using MySQL Databases. Under #2, you should create a new username and password for administration access to the OpenCart shop. When finished, you may press "Continue".
Completing the installation
Step 4. Finished
Now that installation is complete, the "install" folder is no longer required. You should delete the “install” folder in the Remote Site section of Filezilla for security reasons. You now have the option to browse the frontend of your shop or choose to log into the administration side.
After the install, you should make the necessary steps towards improving the security of your server and OpenCart store directory. These steps are detailed in Basic security practices.
Installing vQmod
vQmod for OpenCart lets you add modules to your store without modifying the core OpenCart code. See vQmod for more information on how to download and install vQmod for your store.
Updating OpenCart
OpenCart releases new versions from time to time with updated features and bug fixes. To learn how to update a store from an earlier version of OpenCart, visit Updating OpenCart.
Uninstalling OpenCart
Uninstalling OpenCart is a quick and simple process.
- Delete the files/folders in the location you uploaded them to in Filezilla.
- Delete the OpenCart database from MySQL Databases or phpMyAdmin.
Support
If there are any issues regarding your store's installation or update, please visit the Installation, Upgrade, & Config Support section of the OpenCart community forum.
How to Install OpenCart: 3 Ways to Build a Store with OpenCart
When it comes to setting up an online store, OpenCart is a platform worth trying. Many well-known businesses use it to create an eCommerce website that can cater to an audience of any size.
What’s more, the OpenCart installation process doesn’t require the skills of a web developer. You can do it yourself with the help of an excellent tutorial to guide you through.
This article will teach you how to install OpenCart step by step, no matter what operating system you have or web host you use.
What is OpenCart?
OpenCart is a content management system (CMS) designed for building online stores. It’s open-source and free to use and offers advanced features enough to support small businesses and large corporations alike.
With OpenCart, creating an eCommerce website is quick and easy. The admin dashboard is very intuitive, and there are many pre-made and highly customizable themes to choose from as well.
It lets users upload unlimited amounts of products, set up convenient payment gateways, add a multi-store, and manage discounts and affiliates. Furthermore, the platform’s functionality is extendable with PHP modules too.
It’s important to note that OpenCart is self-hosted, which means you will need web hosting and a domain name to make your online store accessible online.
You will also be fully responsible for the development and maintenance of your OpenCart store. Be sure to check out their community forum if you need help. Also, consider picking up the dedicated support plan starting from $99/month.
What Are OpenCart Installation Requirements?
Here are the pre-installation requirements that you need to take note of:
Software:
- MySQL version 5 or higher
- PHP version 7.3 or higher
Web server:
- Microsoft: IIS 7, or
- Apache 2.x, or
- Nginx: 1.0
Disk space:
- A minimum of 90 MB
Make sure your hosting account meets the above system requirements for smooth OpenCart installation.
If you’re still looking for the best web hosting solution, Hostinger’s shared hosting and cloud server hosting plans come with plentiful resources and storage to get your online store running.
Read this beginner-friendly guide to choose a hosting plan the most suitable for your needs.
3 Ways to Install OpenCart
Now that we covered the requirements, it’s time to discuss the different methods of the OpenCart installation process.
How to Install OpenCart With Auto Installer?
One of the easiest and quickest ways to install OpenCart is by using a one-click installer. Most hosting providers come with this feature built-in.
In this tutorial, we will show you the process of setting up OpenCart with Hostinger’s hPanel.
1. Create a MySQL database
- Login to the hPanel. Go to Databases -> MySQL Databases.
- Under Create a New MySQL Database and Database User, fill in the database details:
- MySQL database name
- MySQL username
- Password
- Click Create.
2. Install OpenCart with Hostinger’s Auto Installer
- From your hPanel Dashboard, find the Website section and click Auto Installer.
- Choose Other. Type in OpenCart on the search bar, then press Select.
- Fill in the required fields and click Install.
- Go to YourStore.com/admin. Enter your Administrator Username plus Password, and you’ll be directed to OpenCart’s admin dashboard interface.
How to Install OpenCart Manually?
If the automatic installer is unavailable, you can install OpenCart manually. For this tutorial, we’ll be using cPanel and FileZilla FTP client.
1. Create a MySQL database
- Log in to your cPanel. Go to Databases -> MySQL Database Wizard.
- Name the new database, then enter a username and password before clicking on Create User.
- Check the box for ALL PRIVILEGES, then press Next Step.
2. Download the OpenCart installation files
Visit the official download page, and choose the latest version of OpenCart.
3. Extract the compressed archive
- If you use Windows, simply right-click the ZIP file and select Extract to opencart-3.x.x.x.
- For Mac users, double-click on the ZIP file, and it will automatically be extracted to a new folder with the same name. Access opencart-3.x.x.x, then the upload folder.
- Change the config-dist.php file to just config.php.
- Access the admin folder and repeat the action above.
4. Upload the files via an FTP client
- For this step, download and install FileZilla if you haven’t already.
- Open FileZilla, click File -> Site Manager.
- Press New Site, then enter your web server information. Next to Host, type in the name of your domain.
- Leave the Protocol at FTP – File Transfer Protocol and the Logon Type as Normal.
- Enter your username and password of your hosting account given by your hosting provider. Then, click Connect.
- Once connected, access the public_html folder and create a new folder for the OpenCart files.
- Go back to the opencart-3.x.x.x folder, and select all the files and folders stored in upload. Proceed to dragging and dropping them into the Empty directory listing. Then, wait until the moving process is complete.
5. Proceed with the installation
- After everything is uploaded, go to YourStore.com/install, and you will see OpenCart’s installation wizard.
- Feel free to read the License Agreement before pressing Continue.
- On the Pre-Installation page, make sure the Status is all green, then click Continue.
- Fill in the database and administration details with the MySQL information that you created earlier.
- Next, enter a username and password. They will be used to access OpenCart’s back-end admin. Type in your email address, then click Continue.
- The installation is complete. You should soon get a message to delete your installation directory.
- Go back to FileZilla, navigate to OpenCart’s directory, and delete the install folder.
You can now access your OpenCart website. Simply enter the URL YourStore.com/admin in your web browser and log in.
How to Install OpenCart on a VPS?
For those using VPS hosting, we will only show the general steps you need to follow. Configurations might be slightly different depending on the OS and the control panel you’re using.
As an example, some of the available OS and control panel options for Hostinger’s VPS plans include:
- CentOS 7 64bit with CentOS Panel.
- Debian 8 64bit with Webmin.
- Ubuntu 18.04 64bit with VestaCP Control Panel.
Feel free to check the full list for more details.
Before proceeding with the installation process, make sure you are a non-root user and have sudo privileges. Then, follow the steps below using the proper command prompts:
- Update the server package repository.
- Install the most recent release of Apache.
- Install MariaDB or any other open-source database application, then create a new database and user for OpenCart.
- Install PHP modules as it will be the scripting language for your OpenCart website.
- Download OpenCart files and unzip them.
- Copy OpenCart’s config files.
- Modify the directory ownership.
- Enable the rewrite module.
- Visit YourStore.com/opencart to finalize the setup.
Conclusion
OpenCart is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a CMS explicitly designed for an eCommerce store for your online business. It’s free, highly customizable, and relatively easy-to-use.
Make sure your hosting plan meets the requirements before you download OpenCart. Then, depending on the type of hosting account you have, choose one of the three methods below to install OpenCart:
- Installing OpenCart on Hostinger – one of the quickest ways as it uses an Auto Installer.
- Manually installing OpenCart – the files are uploaded via Filezilla to your hosting account.
- Installing OpenCart on a VPS – the steps are similar to installing OpenCart manually but through command prompts. Keep in mind that commands may be different depending on the OS and control panel you’re using.
We hope you enjoy your newly installed OpenCart and good luck with your online store.
Ratna is a web hosting expert. With her experience with all things tech and SEO, she is ever-ready to share. In her spare time, Ratna likes to read a good book or resume her cross-stitch project.
Как установить OpenCart 3 на хостинг
Определитесь с выбором хостинга и зарегистрируйтесь на нем.
Скачайте последнюю версию OpenCart 3 здесь
Порядок установки OpenCart 3 на сервер
- Создайте базу данных MySQL, установите ей пользователя и пароль.
- Загрузите все файлы и папки "Upload" на ваш сервер в корневой каталог. Это может быть public_html/ или httpdocs/ в зависимости от хостинга.
- Переименуйте файл config-dist.php в config.php, а файл admin/config-dist.php переименуйте в admin/config.php
- Для Linux/Unix убедитесь, что следующие папки и файлы доступны для записи.
P.S. Если 0755 не работает, попробуйте 0777. Смотрите на экране установщика, все индикаторы должны подсвечиваться зеленым цветом
6. Заполните соответствующие поля: имя базы данных, пользователь БД, пароль БД, а так же имя пароль и Емаил администратора магазина.
7. После успешной установки удалите каталог /install/ с ftp.
Далее перейдите в панель администратора магазина используя логин и пароль указанный вами в настройках.
При первом входе система попросит вас перенести папку /storage/ за пределы директории сайта для наибольшей безопасности.
Если ваш хостинг позволяет это сделать, то выберите нижний вариант, если нет, то перенесите папку в корень вашего сайта.
На этом установка завершена, далее перейдите к настройке магазина.
Как установить OpenCart на хостинг, советы по установке OpenCart
OpenCart – одна из самых популярных бесплатных CMS (движков) для сайтов. Специально разработана под интернет-магазины.
Проще всего использовать автоинсталляцию OpenCart на хостинг – от вас потребуется меньше действий. Но есть и возможность ручной установки.
Как установить OpenCart автоматически
Автоматическая установка CMS есть во всех популярных панелях управления хостингом – cPanel, ISPmanager и других. Проводится с помощью установщика Softaculous. Отметим, что это ПО есть только на Linux-хостингах. Впрочем, на Windows-хостинге установка OpenCart не рекомендуется в принципе.
Автоматическая установка OpenCart состоит из следующих шагов:
- Идем в раздел "Программное обеспечение" (здесь и далее рассказываем на примере cPanel, но в других все будет аналогично).
- Находим OpenCart и жмем "Установить".
- Не забываем выбрать правильный домен из списка (у вас на хостинге может быть несколько доменов).
- Далее в процессе инсталляции заполняем данные сайта, администратора, базы данных и т. д.
На что нужно обратить внимание:
- Каталог для установки OpenCart выбирайте соответственно тому, ставите вы движок на основной домен или на поддомен / дополнительный домен. В первом случае указывать ничего не нужно, CMS установится в корневой каталог. Во втором – выбирайте соответствующую подпапку в корневом каталоге.
- Запишите данные аккаунта администратора OpenCart, который вы создадите в процессе регистрации.
- Префикс таблиц баз данных поменяйте на свой, не оставляйте префикс по умолчанию (для безопасности).
- https-протокол выбирайте в том случае, если у вас установлен SSL-сертификат. Иначе нужно выбирать http.
После окончания процесса на экран будет выведено сообщение, что "программное обеспечение установлено успешно".
Ручная установка
Если по каким-то причинам автоматическая установка OpenCart невозможна, не получилась или вы хотите контролировать весь процесс, можно инсталлировать движок вручную.
Действия по ручной установке OpenCart состоят из трех основных этапов. Нужно:
- скачать установочный дистрибутив CMS и загрузить его на хостинг;
- создать базу данных для CMS;
- запустить установку и в процессе ввести необходимые данные, в том числе реквизиты доступа к базе данных.
Разберем каждый шаг подробнее.
Загружаем Opencart на хостинг
- Скачиваем архив с CMS с официального сайта OpenCart.
- Загружаем архив на хостинг, используя "Диспетчер файлов" в cPanel.
- Здесь же в файловом менеджере распаковываем архив (жмем кнопку "Извлечь").
- Проверяем, чтобы файлы CMS появились в правильном каталоге хостинга: для основного домена – в корневом, для поддомена – в соответствующем вложенном. Если это не так (чаще всего они лежат в папке "upload") – переносим их в нужное место.
- Проверяем, чтобы файлы конфигурации в корневой папке и в папке admin назывались не config-dist.php, а config.php. Если это не так – убираем -dist из названий.
- Проверяем права чтения-записи для файлов и каталогов. У файлов должно быть выставлено 0644, у папок – 0755.
Создаем базу данных
Прежде чем начать установку OpenCart, создаем базу данных (БД):
- переходим в раздел "Базы данных" => "Мастер баз данных MySQL"; можно также работать в подразделе "Базы данных MySQL", там все почти аналогично;
- даем БД имя;
- создаем пользователя-администратора БД (придумываем логин, надежный пароль, даем все права).
Устанавливаем CMS
Переходим непосредственно к установке OpenCart:
- В браузере в адресной строке вводим адрес вашего сайта. Должна открыться страница инсталляции OpenCart.
- Подтверждаем согласие с лицензией.
- На следующем экране проверяем, чтобы все компоненты установки имели "зеленый" статус – зеленую галочку или надпись "Writable".
- На следующем шаге вписываем имя нашей базы данных, а также логин, пароль и почту администратора.
Все, ждем окончания процесса и сообщения об успешной инсталляции.
После завершения установки OpenCart удаляем из каталога сайта папку "install".