How to Install an OpenCart Extension in OpenCart 3

Posted by JackBudd on March 1, 2024

OpenCart extensions can add functionality and enhance the features of your e-commerce website. Installing these extensions is relatively straightforward, especially with OpenCart 3's user-friendly Extension Installer.

Follow these steps to successfully install an OpenCart extension:

1. Choose and Download Your Extension

Before you can install an OpenCart extension, you need to decide which one you want to use. Extensions can be found on the OpenCart Marketplace, or you can take a look at some of our best OpenCart extensions here. Make sure the extension is compatible with your version of OpenCart, listed in the Compatibility section in the right-hand sidebar on the OpenCart Marketplace.

Once you've chosen your desired extension, download the installation package to your computer. Typically, extensions are downloaded as .zip files. OpenCart 3 uses a special form of .zip file for the extension installer called .ocmod.zip.

Remember where you save the file as you'll need it in the next steps.

2. Extract the Files

If the downloaded file ends in .ocmod or .ocmod.zip, you're good to go!
Otherwise, extract the contents of the .zip file. You should see a folder containing various files and directories related to the extension, including the .ocmod.zip file to be uploaded to the Extension Installer.

3. Upload the Extension File

Navigate to the Extensions → Installer page of your OpenCart admin panel. Then click the Upload button and select the .ocmod.zip file you downloaded or extracted earlier.
This will begin the upload process.

After the extension package is uploaded, OpenCart will validate and install it. You'll see a success message if the installation is completed without any errors.
If you see a message such as 'The directory is not allowed to be written to!', install the free Fix OpenCart 3.x Extension Installer extension first then try again.

4. Enable the Extension

Navigate to the appropriate extension section in your OpenCart admin panel. This depends on the type of extension (payment method, shipping method, product feeds, analytics, etc). The 'Modules' section is often used for extensions that don't fit into any other section.

Next to the extension in the list, you'll see a green '+' button. Click it to activate the extension, then click the blue 'Edit' button, set its status to 'Enabled' and click the blue 'Save' button in the top right.

5. Configure the Extension (if necessary)

Some extensions may require additional configuration in the extension settings page reached from the blue 'Edit' buttons in the extension list. On this page you can configure the extension settings according to your preferences.

If you need help configuring your extension, please don't hesitate to reach out to us here, or email us at info@antropy.co.uk.

6. Test the Extension

Once the installation and configuration are complete, it's essential to test the extension to ensure it's functioning correctly. Perform various actions related to the extension's functionality to confirm everything is working as expected.

Congratulations! You've successfully installed an OpenCart extension. Your e-commerce store now has enhanced features to better serve your customers.