How To Install OpenCart

In this tutorial, we will show you how you can easily install OpenCart via two methods. The first by using Softaculous, the industry-leading application installer. The second method we will show you is how to install OpenCart manually.

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Installing OpenCart with Softaculous

This tutorial will guide you on installing OpenCart in three easy steps using the Softaculous auto-installer. Softaculous is an application installer available in the cPanel control panel on all OpenCart Hosting plans.

Installing OpenCart via Softaculous can be done in 2 simple steps:

• Step 1: Locate Softaculous in cPanel
• Step 2: Complete the Installation Wizard

Step 1 – Locate Softaculous in cPanel

To access the Softaculous auto-installer, you will want to login into your hosting account cPanel and enter Softaculous in the header search box then click on the Softaculous Apps Installer icon.

You should now be redirected to the Softaculous Apps Installer dashboard, on the left sidebar menu search for OpenCart and click on the OpenCart link that will appear.

You will be forwarded to the OpenCart installation page, where you can also review screenshots, ratings, and user reviews and check the Softaculous OpenCart demo. To proceed with the installation process, press the blue Install tab link from the top navigation menu.

Step 2 – Complete the Installation Wizard

Before continuing with the installation process, please take a moment to review the OpenCart installation settings as you will want to ensure the following settings below are set correctly.

Choose the version you want – We recommend leaving this to the default option (version 3), the latest version, though OpenCart does offer older versions (version 1.5 and 2.0).

Choose Protocol – We recommend selecting the HTTPS:// protocol though this protocol will only work if you have a valid SSL certificate installed. If your preference is HTTP, then you can leave the protocol on http://

HTTPS vs HTTP
Installing OpenCart for the https:// protocol without a valid SSL certificate could affect your website accessibility due to browsers showing a security warning error to your visitors.

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In Directory – If you prefer to have OpenCart installed in a directory (for example, your-website.com/directory), input your choosing’s directory name.

Please ensure that this directory does not exist before the installation. Leave this field blank if you prefer to have your OpenCart website accessible from the root of your domain.

Database Name – The Softaculous Apps Installer will automatically create and configure your OpenCart database settings, so you do not need to edit this option.

Your next step will be the store’s settings. If you have these details (store name, description, address, and owner), you can insert them now though you will be able to change them in the OpenCart admin area, so it is safe to leave them blank.

In the final step of your OpenCart installation wizard, you want to set up your administrative username, password, and email address. This information will be used to access the OpenCart admin panel.

Once the form has been filled in, click the blue Install button and Softaculous will begin processing your installation automatically and you will be redirected to a page with your admin area login details!