In addition to standard Joomla modules, the editor's catalog includes supported Phoca Cart modules. However, support does not mean that the editor installs the external e-commerce extension or creates products in it.
What you will learn
- Understand what a "supported module" in the catalog actually means.
- Design layout space for Phoca Cart modules.
- Distinguish export package contents from a standalone extension installation.
- Plan a functional verification test on the target website.
What support actually includes
The editor recognizes the schema and presentation contract for selected module types. As a result, it can offer them in the catalog, allow placement into a Joomla position, display supported options, and store their instances within the design. For certain outputs, the template also provides custom pre-styled layouts.
This is useful, for instance, when planning space in the header for search, user account, shopping cart, or other Phoca Cart elements. You can see spatial relationships in advance and check both desktop and mobile viewports. However, the editor does not query the product catalog for a live preview nor does it process shopping cart transactions.
A catalog item is not an installer. Third-party Joomla and Phoca Cart modules are not bundled with the export package. The only exceptions are the built-in bundled Logo and Slideshow modules, provided the design uses them.
Recommended workflow
- Clarify the function of the external module: for example, shopping cart, search, or product listing.
- In the catalog, verify that the editor recognizes the specific module type. An unsupported type cannot be added simply by entering an arbitrary name.
- Drag the supported module into an active, visible Joomla position and configure only the available presentation settings.
- Evaluate width, order, alignment, and responsive behavior in the inert preview. Treat sample preview data as a placeholder mockup.
- Before installing the template, prepare the compatible third-party extension and its dependencies on the target website.
- After installation, configure real data sources, access permissions, currency, categories, or other operational parameters directly within the extension itself, and run full functional tests.
Preview vs. live Joomla
In the editor
You see a safe preview representation of the module. Cart buttons, filters, and links do not interact with a live session, actual products, or user accounts.
On the target site
Content is rendered by the actually installed extension. The final result depends on its version, configuration, real data, access permissions, and compatibility with the Joomla environment.
Important considerations
A supported module can exist in the design even if it does not yet exist on the target website. Exporting the template does not automatically generate PHP code for external modules. Synchronization only works with recognized instances associated with the template. It is not a general tool for importing arbitrary third-party modules. If an extension is missing on the live site, the template alone cannot replace it.
Result
The third-party module occupies a suitable position in the design, you know which extension must be installed separately, and you have a plan ready to test with real data in live Joomla.