What is inside of the template package

There are seven folders included in the template package:

  • documentation - Contains detailed manual on template and engine installation;
  • screenshots - Contains screenshots of the theme;
  • sources - Contains Adobe Photoshop source file;
  • clipart_library - Contains Clipart library;
  • psd - Contains PSD layouts and buttons of the first page;
  • themeXXX(full).zip - The archive that contains OpenCart engine, template and template sample data (intended for clean installation);
  • themeXXX(update).zip - The archive that contains the template only with no sample data inlcuded (intended for installation over the exiting store);
  • info.txt - Contains information about archive;
  • fonts_info.txt - Contains information about the fonts used in the template;

Preparations

In order to run OpenCart store you need to perform some preparations.

  1. First of all you need to download OpenCart engine from the official website and http://www.opencart.com/index.php?route=download/download.

    Please check the template software requirements and make sure you are downloading the required version of OpenCart.

    From the Downloads page you can get most recent version of OpenCart.

    In case you need earlier versions please use See all available downloads link

  2. When the OpenCart package is downloaded you need to extract the files from the archive. This can be done using the default archive manager or using such applications as WinZip (Windows) or Stuffit Expander (MAC).

  3. Then you need to create a database to store OpenCart CMS data. You can create database using your hosting control panel or the phpMyAdmin too in case you are using local server. Feel free to check the details tutorial on how to create database.

Complete installation. OpenCart Engine + OpenCart theme + Sample data

This installation option is used if you doesn't have OpenCart installation on your server. themeXXX(full).zip archive used in this guide contains OpenCart engine and the theme with sample data so you don't need to upload OpenCart engine separately. The sample data will make your OpenCart website appear as at the template preview page with all sample products, modules and site testing installed.

  1. As soon as the template is downloaded and unzipped you should upload the archive themeXXX(full).zip using any FTP software like Filezilla or the Filemanager in your hosting control panel. The detailed tutorial on how to upload files can help you in case of any difficulties.

  2. When that is done please upload the file unzip.php from the template package to the server into the same directory as the previous archive.

  3. As soon as you finish please open your site in the browser and add the file name - unzip.php to the URL. It should look like this: yourwebsite.com/unzip.php

  4. This is what you get:

  5. In the drop-down list "Choose your zip file" please select themeXXX(full).zip and click "Unzip". It will start to uncompress the files on your server into the same directory. It will take a little while.

  6. As soon as it is unzipped, you will see the list of files.

  7. After this, please open your site in the browser, - yourwebsite.com and start OpenCart installation.

    Installation step 1. License

    opencart-engine

    Please check the OpenCart license and if you agree with it's terms check the I agree to the license box and click Continue button.

  8. Installation step 2. Pre-Installation

    opencart-engine

    On this step OpenCart engine checks your hosting server if it's settings fit the OpenCart requirements and if the directories permissions have been set correctly.

    Please make sure to set the correct permissions for the OpenCart engine directories as described below:

    • chmod 0755 or 0777 image/
    • chmod 0755 or 0777 image/cache/
    • chmod 0755 or 0777 image/data/
    • chmod 0755 or 0777 system/cache/
    • chmod 0755 or 0777 system/logs/
    • chmod 0755 or 0777 download/
    • chmod 0755 or 0777 config.php
    • chmod 0755 or 0777 admin/config.php
  9. Installation step 3. Configuration

    opencart-engine

    At this step you need to input your database connection details. As you remember at the preparations step you have created a MySQL database so now you need to input the

    • database server name
    • database name
    • database user name
    • database user password

    If you have difficulties getting these details please contact your hosting provider.

    You also need to create store administrator account. Input Administrator username, password and E-mail. These details will be used to access OpenCart administration panel to manage your store.

  10. Installation step 4. Finished!

    opencart-engine

    This is the last step of the OpenCart engine installation. You have two options to visit OpenCart frontend - your e-commerce website or the OpenCart backend - administration panel

    Please make sure to delete the "install" directory from your hosting server. You won't be able to access your store till the folder exists on your server.

    The installation is complete. To access the store frontend type your_domain_name in your web browser address bar. To access the OpenCart administration panel type your_domain_name/admin

  11. As soon as the installation is complete, the template with the default content will automatically be activated on your site and will look like the demo on our template preview page.

  12. Example onf installation you can check at: http://www.opencart.com/index.php?route=documentation/screencast - Video #1

Installation over the existing store - without sample data

Please make sure to back-up your store database and files before template installation over the existing store.

  1. To instal OpenCart template you need to upload it's files to your hosting server. Open OpenCart template package, find "themeXXX(update).zip" archive and upload it to the root of your OpenCart installation.

    Feel free to check the detailed video tutorial on how to upload files to the hosting server

    The template files won't harm your store in any way.
  2. When that is done please upload the file unzip.php from the template package to the server into the same directory as the previous archive.

  3. As soon as you finish please open your site in the browser and add the file name - unzip.php to the URL. It should look like this: yourwebsite.com/unzip.php

  4. In the drop-down list "Choose your zip file" please select themeXXX(update).zip and click "Unzip". It will start to uncompress the files on your server into the same directory. It will take a little while.

  5. Type - yourwebsite.com/install/ - in the address bar of your browser.

  6. After this, please follow installation intstructions that appear on the screen.

  7. Example onf installation you can check at: http://www.opencart.com/index.php?route=documentation/screencast - Video #3

Conclusion

OpenCart is a multifunctional, light and user friendly e-commerce solution with attractive look. It's a perfect solution for your online store. The default package contains all modules and extensions for successful sales. The open source code allows truly outstanding possibilities for your customers.

Additional Information: