Joomla! Documentation™

Description

This screen is where the source code of template files is edited. It provides a plain text interface to edit the template files. HTML and PHP programming syntax is highlighted to make the source code files easier to read.

How to Access

• Select System → Templates Panel → Site Templates from the Administrator menu. Or...
• Select System → Templates Panel → Administrator Templates from the Administrator menu. Then...
  • Select a template name from the Templates column. Then...
    • Select a file to edit from the Editor tab.

Screenshot

Form Fields

Editor Tab

• Select a file to edit. The edit area shows syntax highlighted text for most types of file.

Create Overrides Tab

• Select an item to override. This is done immediately with no prompt for confirmation. The override is placed in the appropriate location. There is a confirmation message, example: Override created in /templates/cassiopeia/html/mod_whosonline

Updated Files Tab

If there have been no updates to the template since overrides were created this tab will contain a simple message:

• Notice. Overridden files are up to date. Nothing has been changed in the last extension or Joomla update.

If there have been updates, a table will show a list of overrides that need to be reviewed.

Template Description Tab

• Thumbnail and Description. Information on this template.

Toolbar

The Toolbar icons change with the action being taken. You may see:

• Save. Saves the item and stays in the current screen.
• Save & Close. Saves the item and closes the current screen.
• Copy Template. Copies the current template. A dialog box prompts for a new name.
• Template Preview. Select to open the Site in a new browser tab.
• Manage Folders. Allows creation and deletion of template folders using a dialog box.
• New File. Allows upload of a file from your computer to the template file hierarchy using a dialog box.
• Rename File. Select a file to edit. Select the Rename button to prompt for a new name.
• Delete File. You will be prompted to Confirm or Cancel.
• Close File. Closes the open file and returns to the Editor Tab.
• Help. Opens this help screen.

Some of the above are absent on some screens.

Quick Tips

• Important: Do not delete the default template files using FTP because it generates an error in both the front-end and back-end.
• Before editing the HTML and the CSS file of the template, it is a good idea to make a backup of the file you are editing. Also, you can edit these files outside of Joomla! using the HTML or CSS editor of your choice.