On this page, we are going to show you how to install a module on your PrestaShop back office in order to improve your use of the tool. But first, let's remind you what a module is.
What is a PrestaShop module?
A module for PrestaShop is a computer program that allows you to add or improve the basic functions of your PrestaShop back office.
These functionalities can be varied and can enable you to meet several objectives:
- either in the front office to improve the user experience and customer relations, then their browsing and customer loyalty
- or in the back office to improve your working tool and increase customer conversions and internal productivity, but also customer traffic and increase the average basket, for example.
The different types of PrestaShop module
PrestaShop integrated modules
Integrated modules are modules that have been developed by PrestaShop and are already available in your back office at no extra cost.
These are native PrestaShop functions that will enable you to develop your basic business. Among these modules already integrated into PrestaShop, there are modules that are available for download via the modules catalogue and some that are already preinstalled and just need to be configured.
Custom PrestaShop modules
You can find your module on the official PrestaShop marketplace, which guarantees you support and updates for as long as you subscribe to the platform.
But you can also take advantage of other modules from freelancers who offer custom modules, like our Dream me up agency.
The advantage of using an agency is that you can develop a tool that will meet all your most complex requirements and that doesn't necessarily exist on the marketplace.
Prerequisites for installing a PrestaShop module
Where can I view all the modules installed on my PrestaShop tool?
Before looking for a new module to install, it is essential to check that you don't already have the module you want in your back office; it may simply need to be configured or updated.
To do this, go to your PrestaShop back office and on the left-hand menu, look for the "Modules" tab under the "Improve" category and click on "Module manager".
From this dashboard, you can :
- Search for modules by category, i.e. purpose
- Search for modules by status, i.e. those you have installed or not and activated or not
- Perform grouped actions by selecting several modules, i.e. install or uninstall, activate or deactivate several modules at the same time
Recover files from the purchased module
If your module does not appear in the "Module Manager". It is essential to retrieve the module beforehand so that you can install it in your back office.
Depending on the type of module, different files can be downloaded. However, in most cases a module is a *.zip archive, but you may also have files in tarball format (.tar, .tar.gz or .tgz).
To retrieve them, you will often need to download them from your Addons space or ask your agency to provide you with this file. In many cases, the customised modules offered by our agency come with installation and configuration to save you time and give you a guaranteed turnkey service.
We don't advise you to go it alone when it comes to installing a module, because even though it may seem simple, asking an agency to do it for you is far better. This allows the agency to intervene quickly in the event of a bug during installation, which unfortunately is far from rare.
Installation of a customised module
If you have downloaded a module from the marketplace or from a PrestaShop custom module creation agency, simply go back to your PrestaShop back office and on the left-hand menu, look for the "Modules" tab under the "Improve" category and click on "Module manager".
Click on the top right-hand corner, where you'll see an "Upload a module" button.
A window will appear and all you have to do is follow the instructions, i.e. ‘Drag the archive of your module here or select a file’.
Once you've uploaded the file, follow the instructions and your module will be installed straight away. All you have to do is configure the module before using it.
Warning: if your shop is online and you install a module once your shop is in production, it is advisable to deactivate the module. This will not uninstall it, but it will not be operational until you have fully configured it.
Once all the configuration has been completed, simply go back to the module line in your module manager and click on Reactivate.
Some essential modules according to Dream me up
Before any improvements are made to the basic functions, we recommend that you install a few essential modules, whatever your shop.
In addition to the essentials concerning RGPD, cookies, delivery and payment methods. We recommend a few modules that we feel are the most essential for facilitating and developing your business:
CSV and EBP accounting export
This function is not included in PrestaShop at all, yet it is essential for managing your business and facilitating exchanges with your accounting department. You can export a file from date to date with all your sales and reintegrate it into accounting software such as EBP, Sage or Cegid, or send it to your accountant in CSV format
SEO Toolbox, PrestaShop module for natural referencing
This module offers essential tools for those who want to work on and improve their SEO. It will help you increase your traffic and improve your position in search engines.
Promotional campaigns
This module saves you a considerable amount of time when it comes to offering different discounts for different products. The time saved will enable you to run promotions more easily and more often to improve customer loyalty and increase your sales through interesting promotions.