Install the Template - Guides for every template | JoomShaper

Install the Template

Updated 8 Oct 2026 5 min read

The JoomShaper Template package is a standalone Joomla template built on the Helix Ultimate framework. It controls the overall look, layout, and styling of your website while leaving your existing Joomla content intact.

Unlike a Quickstart package, the Template package can be installed on an existing Joomla website through the Joomla Extension Manager.

Important: The Template package does not include Joomla, demo content, modules, components, or SP Page Builder pages. If you install the template on an existing website, you'll need to create and configure these yourself.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

  • An existing Joomla website
  • A supported PHP and server environment
  • Administrator access to your Joomla website
  • The Template package for your chosen JoomShaper template
  • A recent backup of your website

If you're starting a new website and want the template demo already configured, use the Quickstart package instead.

Template vs. Quickstart

Choose the Template package if you already have a Joomla website and want to apply the JoomShaper template to your existing content.

Choose the Quickstart package if you're starting a new website and want the complete demo site, including Joomla, demo content, modules, extensions, and template configurations.

What Does the Template Package Include?

The Template package typically includes:

  • JoomShaper template
  • Helix Ultimate framework
  • Template settings
  • Layout options
  • Header and footer configuration
  • Typography and styling options
  • Responsive settings
  • Template-specific features and overrides

It does not include:

  • Joomla CMS
  • Demo articles
  • Demo modules
  • Demo components
  • Demo menu items
  • SP Page Builder pages
  • Demo content

Some JoomShaper templates also include view or core overrides for Joomla or other components. These overrides are part of the template and may affect how certain components are displayed.

Step 1: Download the Template

Download the Template package for your chosen template from the official JoomShaper website.

Make sure you download the Template package, not the Quickstart package.

Security note: Only download JoomShaper installation packages from the official JoomShaper website. Packages from unofficial sources may contain modified or malicious files.

Step 2: Install the Template

The standalone Template package can be installed directly through Joomla.

From your Joomla administrator area:

  1. Go to System > Install > Extensions.
  2. Upload the Template package.
  3. Wait for the installation to complete.
  4. Go to System > Templates > Site Template Styles.
  5. Find the newly installed template.

Your existing Joomla content remains intact after the template installation.

Step 3: Set the Template as Default

After installing the template, you need to make it the default template for your website.

  1. Go to System > Templates > Site Template Styles.
  2. Find the JoomShaper template.
  3. Select it.
  4. Set it as the default template.

You can also create additional template styles if you want different template configurations for different parts of your website.

Step 4: Install Required Extensions

The standalone Template package does not include the extensions or modules used to build the demo website.

Depending on the template, you may need to install additional extensions such as:

  • SP Page Builder
  • SP Page Builder Pro
  • JoomShaper extensions
  • Other required third-party extensions

Check the documentation for your specific template to identify which extensions are required.

Note: Access to the standalone SP Page Builder Pro version and future updates depends on your JoomShaper membership or purchase.

Step 5: Configure the Template

After installing the template, open its settings to configure the design and layout.

Depending on the template, you can configure:

  • Layout
  • Header
  • Footer
  • Colors
  • Typography
  • Responsive settings
  • Menu options
  • Module positions
  • Other Helix Ultimate features

If the template provides an importable settings file, you can use it to apply the recommended template configuration.

Importing template settings changes the template configuration. It does not import the demo website's content, articles, modules, or SP Page Builder pages.

Step 6: Set Up Your Content

Because the Template package does not include demo content, you'll need to build your website content yourself.

This may include:

  • Joomla articles
  • Menu items
  • Modules
  • SP Page Builder pages
  • Images and media
  • Header and footer content
  • Module positions
  • Forms and other extensions

The template provides the design and structure, while Joomla, SP Page Builder, and other extensions provide the content displayed on your website.

Step 7: Create Your SP Page Builder Pages

If the template demo uses SP Page Builder, you'll need to create those pages yourself.

You can:

  • Create pages from scratch
  • Recreate layouts from the template demo
  • Build custom landing pages
  • Add sections, rows, columns, and addons
  • Connect supported dynamic content

The standalone Template package does not include the demo's SP Page Builder pages or subpages.

For detailed instructions, see how to set up your pages.

Step 8: Recreate the Demo Layout

If you want your website to look similar to the template demo, use the demo site as a reference.

Depending on the template, you may need to recreate:

  • Page layouts
  • SP Page Builder sections
  • Menu structures
  • Module configurations
  • Header and footer
  • Content sections
  • Article layouts
  • Dynamic content
  • Custom styling

The exact setup varies between templates, so refer to the template-specific documentation for additional instructions.

Common Issues

The template doesn't look like the demo

This is expected with a standalone Template installation. The package does not include the demo content, modules, or SP Page Builder pages.

You'll need to configure the template and recreate the required content and layouts yourself.

My existing content looks different

Installing a new template changes how your existing Joomla content is presented. Your articles and other content are not replaced, but their appearance may change to match the new template.

Use the template and Helix settings to adjust the layout and styling.

Demo features are missing

Some demo features may depend on extensions, modules, SP Page Builder, or other components that aren't included in the standalone Template package.

Check the template documentation and install the required extensions separately.

Before You Start Building

Before creating your website content:

  • Set the template as default
  • Install required extensions
  • Configure the template settings
  • Review the header and footer
  • Configure your module positions
  • Create your menus
  • Create your SP Page Builder pages
  • Add your Joomla articles and other content
  • Recreate any required demo layouts
  • Check your site on desktop, tablet, and mobile
  • Create a backup before making major changes

Your JoomShaper template is now installed and ready for you to build your website.