Quickstart

Introduction

{% hint style="info" %} This guide will help you quickly set up your OpenCart store after installation. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to get your store running in minutes. {% endhint %}

{% stepper %} {% step %}

1. Access Your Admin Panel

{% hint style="info" %} Your admin URL is typically yourdomain.com/admin - use the credentials you created during installation. {% endhint %}

• Navigate to your admin URL (usually yourdomain.com/admin)
• Log in with the credentials created during installation

<figure><figcaption><p>Admin login screen - enter your credentials to access the dashboard</p></figcaption></figure> {% endstep %}

{% step %}

2. Basic Store Configuration

{% hint style="info" %} Configure your store's basic information before adding products. This ensures customers see accurate store details. {% endhint %}

• Go to System > Settings
• Configure your store name, email, and contact information
• Set up your default currency and language

<figure><figcaption><p>Store settings page - configure your store name, contact info, and regional settings</p></figcaption></figure> {% endstep %}

{% step %}

3. Add Your First Product

{% hint style="info" %} Start with a simple product to understand the process. You can add more complex products with options and attributes later. {% endhint %}

• Go to Catalog > Products
• Click "Add New"
• Fill in product details, pricing, and images
• Save and publish

<figure><figcaption><p>Product creation form - add product details, pricing, and upload images</p></figcaption></figure> {% endstep %}

{% step %}

4. Set Up Payment Methods

{% hint style="warning" %} Important: Configure at least one payment method before testing your store. Without payment methods, customers cannot complete purchases. {% endhint %}

• Go to Extensions > Payments
• Install and configure your preferred payment gateways

<figure><figcaption><p>Payment methods page - install and configure payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or bank transfer</p></figcaption></figure> {% endstep %}

{% step %}

5. Configure Shipping

{% hint style="info" %} Set up shipping methods that match your business model. Common options include flat rate, weight-based, or free shipping. {% endhint %}

• Go to Extensions > Shipping
• Set up shipping methods for your products

<figure><figcaption><p>Shipping methods page - configure shipping options based on your products and locations</p></figcaption></figure> {% endstep %}

{% step %}

6. Test Your Store

{% hint style="success" %} Congratulations! Your store is now ready for testing. Make a test purchase to ensure everything works correctly. {% endhint %}

• Visit your store frontend
• Test the shopping cart and checkout process
• Verify that payments and shipping calculations work correctly
• Add product to cart
• Proceed to checkout
• Complete payment process
• Verify order confirmation
• Check admin order management {% endstep %} {% endstepper %}

Next Steps

{% hint style="info" %} Ready for more? Now that your store is set up, explore these advanced features to grow your business: {% endhint %}

• Advanced product management - Learn about product options, attributes, and variations
• Customer management - Set up customer groups, custom fields, and loyalty programs
• Marketing features - Create coupons, affiliate programs, and email campaigns
• Reports and analytics - Track sales performance and customer behavior
• Extension marketplace - Discover thousands of extensions to enhance your store

{% hint style="success" %} Pro Tip: Visit the Admin Interface documentation to master all OpenCart features. {% endhint %}