How to Install OpenCart in cPanel Using Softaculous

OpenCart 2.0 is the latest version of the ecommerce software. Unlike more general-purpose content management systems (CMSs) like WordPress, the OpenCart e-commerce software is focused entirely on helping you setup an online shop. You can quickly install it using the Softaculous option available in cPanel. This tutorial will step you through the process of installing OpenCart in cPanel with Softaculous.

Install OpenCart in cPanel

Once you access the OpenCart option in Softaculous and enter your settings, it can be installed with just a single click.

  1. Login to cPanel.
  2. Scroll down through the cPanel and click on the Softaculous icon to proceed.
    Accessing the Softaculous Apps Installer in cPanel
  3. Type opencart in the search field then click the OpenCart option.
  4. Click on Install to proceed. In addition to the install option, this screen provides an overview, features list, and import option.
    Install OpenCart Using Softaculous
  5. The Install screen includes several main sections: Software Setup, Store Settings, Database Settings, Admin Account and Advanced Options. Fill in each option to meet your installation needs. Each option is described below:
    Software Settings
    OpenCart Softaculous Installation Options
    Choose the version you want to installAllows you to select OpenCart 1.5 or 2.0 for installation
    Choose ProtocolChoose HTTPS if you have a SSL certificate for your site
    Choose DomainChoose he domain name you will use for the site
    In DirectoryDirectory where the install files are setup. This folder must not already exist. If you wish for the URL to be only the domain name, then leave this field blank.
    Store Settings
    OpenCart Store Settings
    Store NameThis is your store name
    Store DescriptionDescribes your store
    Store OwnerName of the store owner
    Store AddressAddress of the store
    Admin Account
    Admin Account Information for OpenCart install Using Softaculous
    Admin User nameUser name for the Administrator login
    Admin PasswordPassword used for the Administrator login
    Admin emailAdministrator’s email address
    First nameFirst name of the Administrator
    Last nameLast name of the Administrator
    Advanced Options

    Select if you want Softaculous Backups stored in the Default (softaculous_backups) or Home directory.
    Database NameEnter a name for the OpenCart database or leave as the default setting.
    Table PrefixPrefix used by the tables in the database. The default value is “ocss_”
    Backup Location
  6. Click on the Install button in order to start the installation process. If you wish to preserve the settings used for the installation, add an email to the field at bottom of the screen where the installation details would be sent.

This completes the tutorial on how to Install OpenCart in cPanel using Softaculous. The back end Administrator Dashboard and the store front will look like the following:

Default Administrator Dashboard

Default OpenCart Admin Dashboard

Default Store Front

Default OpenCart Site Frontend
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Arnel Custodio Content Writer I

As a writer for InMotion Hosting, Arnel has always aimed to share helpful information and provide knowledge that will help solve problems and aid in achieving goals. He's also been active with WordPress local community groups and events since 2004.

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2 thoughts on “How to Install OpenCart in cPanel Using Softaculous

  1. The article was helpful and pretty clear (although I couldn’t get the images to expand as the magnifier cursor would lead one to think they should). I did find one aspect of the article unclear. I presume that OpenCart is a WordPress plugin but I didn’t see that stated explicitly in the article. Is that a correct assumption?

    1. Great question, Jonathan! OpenCart is actually its own, standalone Content Management System (CMS) entirely separate from WordPress. It’s much more focused on ecommerce than WordPress — fewer options, but set up to streamline making a store. I’ll edit the article for clarity and fix the image issue you mentioned. Thanks for pointing it out!

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