The componentbox is the main content area of the template. The sample page switcher inserts a safe preview into it so you can see how global styles perform across different types of content.
What you will learn
- Understand the role of the componentbox in a Joomla template.
- Switch between server-provided sample page types.
- Verify global styles across multiple content types.
- Avoid confusing a sample layout with real articles or products.
The componentbox holds the main content
Joomla later displays content such as an article, category blog, or extension page within this main component area. Template Architect protects this section, so modules cannot be dragged into it.
The actual content of the target website is not yet connected in the editor. Therefore, the server provides page schemas containing safe samples of headings, text, cards, and other elements to help you evaluate typography and colors.
How to inspect sample pages
- Open the page type switcher in the top toolbar. In addition to available samples, it may also offer access to Global Styles.
- Select a page type. The editor inserts the sample into the componentbox only, leaving surrounding rows, sidebars, and modules as part of the same design.
- Check headings, body text, links, cards, tables, or other elements included in the schema. Everything can be visually customized by double-clicking or using the inspector.
- Switch to another sample. Look for common issues, such as low contrast or headings that are too large on mobile screens.
- Observe modules assigned exclusively to the homepage. They intentionally hide on other pages, allowing you to verify their assignment.
- Finally, switch back to the homepage selection and continue editing global styles or selected elements.
Sample content is intentionally non-interactive
Links and forms are disabled. Clicking them will not open a destination page or submit data. It does not create an article, product, category, or menu item. This functionality serves purely as a visual test of the template.
Global fix vs. local exception
If the same issue occurs across multiple samples, fix the global token or typography in Styles first. Typical examples include text that is too light, inappropriate link colors, or headings that are overall too large. A single global change preserves design consistency.
If an issue affects only a single block in the current sample, you can select it and click the gear icon to open the right inspector. The editor dynamically generates safely editable blocks for page samples. However, this does not create an override for actual extension content; always test the final frontend with real data.
Sample content is not exported as actual pages
After installing the template, the target Joomla site populates the componentbox with actual content. Be sure to verify the same appearance with real articles, extensions, and language variants on a test site.