Adding a new module position can seem complicated but it is actually pretty simple. Only two template files are modified in the process.
The more html and css you know the better the process will be.
Understanding the Joomla Module code.
The module code:
<jdoc:include type="modules" name="YOURNEWMODULE" style="none" />
jdoc:include type= is the variable that calls elements of Joomla.
Learn more about jdoc statements: http://docs.joomla.org/Jdoc_statements#Module
name= is the name of your new module positions
Sekect a nane that seems appropriate or relates to the module positon
style= refers to module chrome:
typically will be "none" or "xhtml"
Learn more about Joomla Chrome http://docs.joomla.org/What_is_module_chrome%3F
Steps to add a Joomla Template Module Position
1. Edit the template index.php file to add the new module code.
<jdoc:include type="modules" name="YOURNEWMODULE" style="none" />
It will help if you know some html and css.
2.Edit the templateDetails.xml file.
Look for the <positions> section of the file. ensure that the name of the module matches the module postion you added to the index.php file in step 1
<positions>
<position>user1</position>
<position>user2</position>
<position>user3</position>
<position>YOURNEWMODULE</position>
</positions>
3.Assign a module to your newly created module position.
Log into the Joomla backend for this step.
If you do not see your module position you may need to logout and into the Joomla backend.
Helpful Module and Template Tips
- Want to see all module positions? add ?tp=1 or &tp=1 to the end of your front end URL
Example: www.mydomain.com/?tp=1 - I typically wrap the module inside of a <div> so that I can apply the apropriate css
- Things not 100% clear check out your favorite templates and see how they added the code. This is how I learned.
- Want to add module position in the middle or your content area Check our post on Modules Anywhere
