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Overview

This quickstart guide will help you set up a basic OpenCart store and make your first sale. You’ll learn how to install OpenCart, configure essential settings, add products, and process orders.
This guide assumes you’re starting fresh. If you need detailed installation instructions, see the Installation Guide.

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Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:
  • PHP 8.0.2 or higher
  • MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.2+
  • A web server (Apache, Nginx, or similar)
  • Basic knowledge of FTP or SSH access

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Step 1: Install OpenCart

1

Download OpenCart

Download the latest version from GitHub or clone the repository:
git clone https://github.com/opencart/opencart.git
cd opencart
2

Upload Files

Upload the contents of the upload/ directory to your web server’s document root (e.g., public_html/ or www/).
# Using FTP or copy files to your web root
cp -r upload/* /var/www/html/
3

Set Permissions

Make configuration files writable:
chmod 0777 config.php
chmod 0777 admin/config.php
4

Run Installation Wizard

Visit your domain in a web browser (e.g., https://yourdomain.com) and follow the installation wizard:
  1. Accept the license agreement
  2. Verify system requirements
  3. Enter database connection details
  4. Create an admin account
  5. Complete installation
5

Secure Your Installation

After installation completes:
# Delete the install directory
rm -rf install/

# Set config files to read-only
chmod 0444 config.php
chmod 0444 admin/config.php
Important: Rename your admin directory for security:
mv admin my-secure-admin
Update the admin path in config.php after renaming.

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Step 2: Configure Your Store

Access your admin panel (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/admin) and log in with your admin credentials.
1

Store Settings

Navigate to System → Settings → Edit to configure:
  • Store Name
  • Store Owner
  • Email Address
  • Store Logo
  • Meta Description
2

Add a Currency

Go to System → Localisation → Currencies and verify your default currency is set correctly.
OpenCart supports multiple currencies. You can add more currencies and set exchange rates later.
3

Configure Taxes

Set up tax rates at System → Localisation → Tax Rates if you need to charge sales tax.Example for US sales tax:
  • Tax Name: Sales Tax
  • Tax Rate: 8.5
  • Type: Percentage
  • Geo Zone: United States

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Step 3: Add Your First Product

1

Create a Category

Go to Catalog → Categories → Add New
Category Name: Electronics
Meta Tag Title: Electronics - Your Store
SEO URL: electronics
Status: Enabled
2

Add a Product

Navigate to Catalog → Products → Add NewFill in the General tab:
  • Product Name: iPhone 15 Pro
  • Meta Tag Title: iPhone 15 Pro - Latest Model
  • Description: High-performance smartphone…
Fill in the Data tab:
  • Model: IPH15PRO
  • Price: 999.00
  • Quantity: 50
  • Status: Enabled
Fill in the Links tab:
  • Categories: Electronics
3

Upload Product Images

In the Image tab, upload a main product image and additional gallery images.
Recommended image size: 500x500 pixels for main image, minimum 228x228 for thumbnails.
4

Save and Preview

Click Save and visit your storefront to see your product live.

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Step 4: Set Up Payment and Shipping

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Configure Payment Methods

Navigate to Extensions → Extensions → Payment → Cash On DeliveryClick Install, then Edit:
  • Status: Enabled
  • Sort Order: 1

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Configure Shipping Methods

1

Enable Flat Rate Shipping

Go to Extensions → Extensions → Shipping → Flat RateClick Install, then Edit:
  • Cost: 5.00
  • Tax Class: None
  • Status: Enabled
2

Set Shipping Zones (Optional)

For geo-based shipping, create zones at System → Localisation → Geo Zones

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Step 5: Make a Test Order

1

Add Product to Cart

Visit your storefront, find your product, and click Add to Cart.
2

Proceed to Checkout

Click the cart icon and select Checkout.Fill in:
  • Billing Address
  • Shipping Address
  • Shipping Method
  • Payment Method
3

Confirm Order

Review your order summary and click Confirm Order.
4

View Order in Admin

Log into admin panel and go to Sales → Orders to see your test order.You can:
  • View order details
  • Update order status
  • Add order history notes
  • Generate invoices

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Step 6: Customize Your Theme

1

Select a Theme

Go to System → Settings → Edit → Store tabChoose from installed themes (default is “Basic”).
2

Upload Your Logo

In System → Settings → Edit → Image tab, upload your store logo.
3

Customize Layout

Navigate to Design → Layouts to configure page layouts and module positions.

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Next Steps

Add More Products

Learn advanced product management features like options, attributes, and variants

Install Extensions

Extend functionality with payment gateways, shipping providers, and marketing tools

Configure SEO

Optimize your store for search engines with SEO-friendly URLs and meta tags

Manage Customers

Set up customer groups, loyalty programs, and email marketing

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Troubleshooting

  1. Check that you renamed the admin directory
  2. Update admin/config.php with the new directory name
  3. Clear your browser cache
Verify:
  • Product status is Enabled
  • Product is assigned to at least one Category
  • Product quantity is greater than 0
  • Product is assigned to the correct Store
Check:
  • image/ directory has write permissions (755)
  • image/cache/ directory exists and is writable
  • GD or ImageMagick PHP extension is installed
Ensure:
  • At least one payment method is enabled
  • At least one shipping method is enabled
  • Shipping/payment methods are not restricted by geo zone

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Getting Help

Documentation

Browse complete documentation for detailed guides

Community Forum

Ask questions and get help from the OpenCart community

GitHub Issues

Report bugs or request features

API Reference

Integrate with third-party services using the REST API

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What’s Next?

Now that you have a working OpenCart store, explore these topics:
  1. Store Management - Master product, category, and order management
  2. Marketing - Create promotions and grow your customer base
  3. Development - Build custom extensions and themes
  4. Configuration - Fine-tune your store settings for optimal performance
Tip: Join the OpenCart newsletter at opencart.com to stay updated with new features and security updates.

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