Installing a new template for osCommerce is quite a convoluted process in many regards. Unfortunately, osCommerce doesn’t support a template system as you would see in WordPress, Joomla or PrestaShop. Although it’s more difficult to install a template, it’s not impossible.
Today, I’m going to briefly go over information you’ll need for installing an osCommerce template.
Uploading Template Files
A new template goes beyond what you can control when configuring osCommerce. It’s all about changing the appearance of the online store. Although it doesn’t have a built-in method for customizing as you would see in other platforms, you can make some adjustments especially if you know a bit about website development.
If you want to use new osCommerce templates, it often requires uploading the files to your website using applications like FileZilla. Essentially, you’re going to overwrite existing files so the template will work as intended.
In some ways, it appears as though you’re installing osCommerce manually as the files are uploaded directly to your server. Luckily, any modification to the files won’t hurt your database. This means you don’t have to worry about losing any product or user information.
You will need to connect to your server and upload the files.
When the message appears to overwrite files, make sure you do. Otherwise, the changes will not take place.
In some instances, you may need to change the permissions of your files as well as make coding changes for the new template to take effect. However, this is often dependent on the template itself and how the developer created it.
For instance, you need to make sure the database information is correct if your new template overwrites the includes/config.php file of your website.
Customize the Experience
In many instances, it may be easier to simply make the coding changes yourself to deliver a specific appearance. Of course this requires you to learn HTML, PHP and CSS. Many site owners hire site developers to make these changes, which may be a viable investment considering how you can get exactly what you want.
In either case, it pays to customize the site and set it apart from other online stores. Choose a method that is right for you.