Introduction

SP Page Builder 3 is a revolutionary product of flexible drag & drop page building for Joomla 3.10 and Joomla 4. It's a visual layout tool to help you build layouts and add content for new pages and articles (after integration is enabled). The content editor interface lets you do so much more than what’s currently possible with the default Joomla features based mostly on modules. It allows you to separate your page builder from your template and get complete control of your content. The component can be used with almost any Joomla Template and you can switch templates without losing your content and design. The Pro version comes with pre-made page templates and premade sections (rows) to help you get started. 

SP Page Builder 3.x will be supported until to end of Aug 2023, then it will be replaced by SPPB 5.x. This means that 3.x will no longer receive updates or upgrades, but the component will continue to work properly. This version will be replaced by SPPB 5.x, which has been equipped with a backend editor and a frontend editor.

Notice! SP Page Builder can be used to edit content built using that extension. It cannot edit layouts made before, based on components, modules, or custom HTML structures. But SPPB can be used to edit Joomla Core articles, read more in Integrations section.

Notice! There are also no content migration tools between different Page Builders nor content from current articles.

Technical requirements

To prevent issues please use the following technical requirements:

• Joomla 3.10 and Joomla 4.3.x
• The Apache Server
• PHP 7.0.31 (minimum), PHP 7.2, PHP 7.3, PHP 7.4, PHP 8.0.x or PHP 8.1 (maximum)
• MySQL 5.6+ or MariaDB 10.x
• Support for HTTPS (OpenSSL)
• 64 bit supported Server. Remember PHP 7 provides full 64-bit support.
  The x64 builds of PHP 7 support native 64-bit integers, LFS, 64-bit memory_limit, and much more.
• Hosting (Server) should work in the Fast CGI mode or in FRN mod.
• PHP settings: allow_url_fopen or cURL must be enabled (On).
  Ask hosting support or Check the PHP manual regarding details procedures for enabling Allow_url_fopen. To use the Joomla Article Integration feature enabling this option is crucial.
• You have to ensure that your system has already installed, XML and Zlib-Support built into your PHP.
• PHP Safe Mode should be turned off.

* PHP versions PHP 5.4, PHP 5.5, PHP 5.6, and PHP 7.0 are deprecated. We recommend that you update to a supported version of PHP.

In addition, some features of the SPPB may require:

• GD library support
• cURL library support
• Support for mb_* functions in PHP to use multibyte strings

Notice! If you want to use sh404SEF please make sure that you installed version 4.19.x or more recent.

Can I use SP Page Builder inside Joomla 4?

Yes, you can. If you installed SP Page Builder Pro 3.8 or a newer version you can install and use it inside Joomla 4.2. Also if you decided to upgrade the current Joomla 3.10 to Joomla 4.x.x you can be sure that it will work after this process.  Even if you would see any warnings for SPPB system plugins from Joomla Tester - you can ignore them and follow the upgrade steps. Of course, we recommend doing a full backup before.

PHP configuration

You will find an error message while adding SP Page Builder as a Joomla extension if the following PHP configuration limits are not customized. You can do it on your own. You just have to open the file PHP.ini or .htaccess. In those files look for memory_limit and upload_max_filesize and change the number to the required ones.

PHP settings & installed libraries*:

• Allow Url Fopen (allow_url_fopen) - ON
• PHP memory_limit =  128M** (512M suggested)
• PHP max_execution_time = 180 (300 suggested)
• PHP upload_max_filesize = 5M or more
• cURL library** - your server must work with curl or url_fopen.
• OpenSSL must be enabled.
• PHP file_get_contents() function must be available/unlocked.

Tip#1: In some cases, you have to copy updated files php.ini and .user.ini to /administrator folder too. 

Tip#2: In cPanel or WHM panel > Multi PHP Manager and turn on PHP-FPM / PHP 7.2

If you cannot load  Page templates Or Sections Library or use front-end editor

• Your server may have set too sensitive security level settings from its firewall, or
• PHP file_get_contents() function has been disabled/locked
  - in that case, please contact hosting support.

** In most cases can be changed in php.ini or .htaccess file or ask Hosting support.

Check also below settings:

1. Turn on the allow_url_fopen from your hosting
2. Check the console error using inspect element from your browser
3. Rocket loader or mod_security may block the resource loading.
   That's why: Turn off the Rocket loader, if you use the SSL certificate.
   Rocket loader contains inside the Cloudflare SSL Certificate.
4. Turn off (disable) mod_security from cPanel (hosting settings).
5. Use FTP tool (or File Manager) and check if the com_sppagebuilder folder exists or not. If exist delete (or rename) the folder: templates/your_template/html/com_sppagebuilder

Browsers Requirements

We suggest using the latest version of Safari, Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Vivaldi, and Brave browser to edit and display SPPB content.

• Support for older Microsoft Edge may be limited in certain areas.
  The new Microsoft Edge is based on Chromium and was released on January 2020. It is compatible with all supported versions of Windows, and macOS. This version is to replace the legacy version of Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 PC.
• Support for IE11 is limited in certain areas, also because this browser is not updated/improved since 2015.
• Internet Explorer 10 and older versions are NOT supported anymore.
  Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for older versions of Internet Explorer. 
  
• Due to the wide range of variances between default browsers on the Android platform, we are unable to accurately test and list all of the possible manufacturer software variables (versions). We recommend an updated Chrome browser for Android as it provides a more consistent experience.

Google Maps API

Because from July 2018, Google Maps is no longer free, now you are responsible for your personal Google Maps API key. You have to associate a credit card so that you can get billed if your site has requests that exceed the $200 credit they give you monthly for free. That is why you may get the watermarked maps with a message "For development purposes only". For more information, see: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/pricing/

A common problem with the new billing system is that you now have to activate each API separately. They all have different pricing (some are even free), so Google makes a point of having you enable them individually for your domain. So if you're still getting a restricted usage message after you've enabled billing, find out what API you need exactly for the features you want to offer, and check if it's enabled.

If your previous Google Maps API key was created before this change, we strongly recommend to create your new personal Google Maps API (Register for a Google Maps API Key here) and associate a credit card. This big change is beyond our control so there’s no special update for it.

Sounds complicated? You don't have to use Google Maps - instead use addon with Open Streets Map (SPPB Pro). Those types of maps are free to use, without any API key nor credit card details. Unfortunately, on the OpenStreetMap, there is no street view.

Google Maps typical display problems:

1. Most users create the account and use the initial credit applied. When this runs out or if a payment method is not updated, then the API will stop serving map(s).
2. When users didn't update account settings after their initial "free trial" credits expired.
3. When SPPB uses Google Map API  created before July 2018.

SP Page Builder from Lite to Pro

The Lite version does not have PRO features, even with the license key inside. To use all PRO features, please:

1. Download (link) and Install an SP Page Builder Pro version over the Lite version.
2. Insert the License key 32-digit (from JoomShaper account) and e-mail* inside SP Page Builder > Options
3. Clean Joomla cache.
4. Clean the Browser cache deeply.
5. Check on 2nd browser as well.
6. Enjoy all PRO features.

*Use exactly the same email you entered while signing up for JoomShaper account. 

What happens after my membership expires?

Once your subscription expires, you will still be able to use the component and SPPB module - but you will NOT be able to download updates, get technical forum support, access page layout bundles & predesigned sections.  Do not worry all the pages you’ve built with SP Page Builder Pro will work after the subscription expires, but you would not be able to use some Pro features while creating NEW pages. You can still use the free features.
Once the subscription expires, your Pro license key becomes invalid.

GDPR, EuGH and CCPA - Privacy protection law

1. Google Fonts - SP Page Builder 3.x uses Google Fonts in order to integrate fonts. Google Fonts is a service provided by Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, US,. To display our site, Google servers are called up, namely fonts.googleapis.com and fonts.gstatic.com. In order to display those fonts on site (in the component area) as quickly and efficiently as possible, such requests are stored by Google resulting in fonts and preferences being cached by your browser. The use of Google Web Fonts follows from an interest in a uniform and appealing online presentation of text and headers. This represents a legitimate interest within the scope of Article 6 (1) 1 lit. f GDPR. With regard to the transfer of personal data to the US, Google has submitted to the EU-US Privacy Shield, https://www.privacyshield.gov/EU-US-Framework. More information about Google Fonts and privacy can be found here.
   In SP Page Builder Pro/Lite you have a choice, you don't have to use Google Fonts, you can use the classic font like Arial or Verdana instead.
2. Video addon - Embedded Vimeo Videos  - You can embedded video clips using the Vimeo portal. Every time a page that offers one or many Vimeo video clips is called up, a direct connection is created between your browser and a Vimeo server in the US. Information about your visit and your computer’s IP address is stored there. In addition, the data mentioned under point 4.1 of this declaration may be transmitted. Your interaction with the Vimeo player (e.g. clicking the Start button) is also transmitted to Vimeo and stored. This also applies if you are not logged in to Vimeo or do not have an account with Vimeo. We have no influence on the data collected and the data processing processes, nor are we aware of the full extent of data collection, the purposes of processing or the storage periods. We also have no information on the deletion of the data collected by Vimeo. You have a Vimeo account but do not want Vimeo to collect data about you via our website and connect it with data that you have stored at Vimeo you will have to log out of Vimeo before visiting our website. You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data by Vimeo, however, you must contact Vimeo to exercise this right. We use the Vimeo plug-ins to provide the moving image works of the artists we represent so that you are able to view them. This is a legitimate interest. The legal basis is Article 6 (1) 1 lit. f GDPR. Vimeo will process your data in the US and has submitted it to the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework, https://www.privacyshield.gov/EU-US-Framework. Regarding the purpose and scope of said data collection and further processing and use of this data by Vimeo, as well as your rights and optional settings with regard to the protection of your privacy, please refer to the Vimeo privacy policy: https://vimeo.com/privacy.
3. Video addon - Embedded Youtube Videos - we offer an improved GDPR compliance option: YouTube no cookie mode. If enabled there is no cookie set when the page with the YouTube embed loads. Instead, YouTube utilizes something called Local Storage in your browser to store a unique device identifier. Note that this is done without anyone’s consent and GDPR is violated already in this step. GDPR is not only about cookies.
4. Contact & Form Builder Addon - those two addons don't store any data in the Joomla database, they just simply send messages to a chosen e-mail box. Both of them have a privacy checkbox where you can add information about Privacy law.

GDPR / EuGH applies to companies with users in the European Union, and it regulates how companies can collect the same kind of personal information as CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act from 1st Jan 2020) does. Both laws both aim to guarantee strong protection for individuals regarding their personal data and apply to businesses that collect, use, or share consumer data, whether the information was obtained online or offline. However, the European law puts some stricter controls on how companies must approach collecting user data:

• GDPR requires companies to get consent to collect data or to have some other valid reason for collecting user information.
• It requires companies to minimize the data collected. CCPA doesn't require companies to go through these steps to collect personal information, so any limits on data collection will be imposed by individual users who make requests to delete and opt-out.

The comparison document with more information you will find here (pdf).

Cookie Law

Essential/necessary Joomla and SPPB cookies (e.g. session cookie) do not require consent. In this case, you can use the website without a cookie banner completely. The EU regulation is primarily about marketing/tracking cookies (e.g. Google Analytics, Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, Matomo, and Piwik). These types of cookies require the active consent of the user and tracking cookies must be blocked in the EU until consent is given / the user accepts it. 

Recommended Hosting

Rochen

Although Rochen provides services for some other applications. They mostly optimized for Joomla based website hosting. Being the official hosting provider for Joomla.org, Rochen provides fast, secure and reliable hosting with 24/7 support team aiding you with all the Joomla supports.

They provide two types of pricing, $4.95/month for one website with 20GB SSD web hosting and $8.95/month for multiple websites and 60GB SSD web hosting. Their available premium features are:

• Backups
• Assisted migration service
• WAF protection
• Optimized MySQL
• SSL encryption
• Free domain
• Site segregation

Cloudaccess.net

Cloudaccess hosting is highly optimized for Joomla websites with very much effective and unique Joomla 3 free tutorials, skilled support team and one can try their free hosting plan that offers single application, fewer hosting space, limited support, and basic cloud control panel before upgrading to their Mini, Standard and Business plan. Their well-equipped cloud control panel featured with backups, database access, secure file transfer protocol and much more. Their Bolt-DNS platform is built for ensuring higher speed for their clients.

Cloudaccess exclusive premium features include:

• An innovative cloud control panel
• Migration support
• 24/7 support
• Free SSL certificate
• Cloud Mail support
• Fast Bolt-DNS service

SiteGround

With the experience of hosting more than 80,000 Joomla websites, SiteGround received the “Best Joomla Host” award 2010, offering exemplary attractive and rich features like LXC technology-driven platform, free SSL certificate, NGINX performance enhancer, and automated monitoring system. Their jHackGuard extension, isolated custom made server setup and security audit procedure remit all the vulnerabilities and security issues for their clients. Their SSD based shared hosting starts from $3.95/ month.

SiteGround provides premium features, such as:

• SSD storage
• NGINX web server
• Geeky Supercacher speed optimizer
• Free Cloudflare CDN
• HTTP/2 enabled server

Purchase Details

Before downloading SP Page Builder Pro you have to subscribe to a plan. There are three subscription plan available; Basic, Developer and Extended. We recommend adding you to the Developer plan as it offers unlimited website licenses and one year support. After completing the purchase procedure you will be able to download SP Page Builder Pro.

Quick Notes

• We accept PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. After your payment has been completed, you can log into the member area to download templates. We do not store payment/card information on our server.
• Please make sure to check your Spam folder in an email inbox for login and download details. If it's not there, please contact us with your purchase details and we will sort it out ASAP.
• It is possible to upgrade your subscription if you need to change the level of the subscription. For example from Personal or Business to Developer. Please contact us via the contact form.
• Our subscriptions do not auto-renew. Each payment is a one-off payment and you can continue to use the Joomla template and other extensions on your site after your subscription has expired.

How to Download SP Page Builder 3

After the successful completion of the subscription procedure, you can now download the extension. You are now four mouse clicks away from downloading SP Page Builder Pro. Follow these steps.

Step 1 :
First, you need to login to your user dashboard. After login, your Dashboard page with all of your subscription plan and license information will pop up.

Step 2 :
Now click on your profile button at the top right corner of the header. Now click Downloads. The Download page with all the JoomShaper products will open.

Step 3 :
At the top of the products, there are two options as “Templates” and “Extensions”. You need to click the Extension button on the right side.

Step 4 :
Now click the Download button at the right side of the SP Page Builder Pro 3 extension block. Your desired download will start.

How to update SP Page Builder

SP Page Builder (Pro) can be updated or upgraded like any other Joomla! extension just by installing a new version on the current one. You do not have to uninstall the previous version; in fact, you MUST NOT do that. Make sure that your hosting account is using at least PHP 7.0.x, if not - please ask hosting support for help or switch to a higher version directly from hosting admin panel.

Note! If you have installed an older version of SP Page Builder lower than 1.2, for example, 1.0.4 - please upgrade first to 1.4 version if possible. If you need that version please contact the support team.

Please follow these steps:

1. Make database backup.
2. Update template to last stable version, if it's based on Helix3 / Helix Ultimate - make sure that framework was updated as well.
3. Update JCE editor to last stable version (2.6.29+).
4. Download the last stable version of SP Page Builder Pro 
   v2.5.4 - if you have older
   and
   v3.x - if you have older than 3.1.3
5. if you had installed 2x series - update to 2.5.4 first then test pages, otherwise jump to next step.
6. Update SPPB Pro to the last stable version of 3.x.
7. When upgrading from Free to Professional version you usually have to install the Professional package twice, without uninstalling anything in between. Sometimes Joomla! does not copy some of the files and folders the first time you install it.
8. Clear browser cached files.
9. Clear Joomla cached files.
10. Check pages from the back (edit mode) and front-end view.

Note! In some cases, during an update from the old version, you may lose access to Joomla admin area. Don't worry in that case you have to manually (via FTP) delete folder:  administrator\modules\mod_sppagebuilder_admin_menu - then after update to SP PB 3.x all should be OK again.

License

SP Page Builder is available in two versions:

• Lite - Free, based on GNU General Public License
• Pro - Commercial

SP Page Builder PRO Support

The Support forum is developed in such a way that you can directly interact with the developers who developed the magic of SP Page Builder and also with the huge well-trained support team. 

Support: https://www.joomshaper.com/forum

You just have to post your query to our support forum and you are in the game. The support team is always at their feet to give you all the necessary help you need.