How To Install Plugins and Themes on Plesk

Plesk simplifies managing your websites, including installing and configuring plugins and themes for CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, or others. This guide walks you through the steps to install plugins and themes on Plesk for your websites.

1. Understanding Plugins and Themes in Plesk

  • Plugins: Extend the functionality of your website, such as adding contact forms, SEO tools, or security features.

  • Themes: Control the design and layout of your website, allowing you to create a visually appealing interface.

In Plesk, most plugins and themes are managed through the application installed on your domain, such as WordPress.

2. Prerequisites

  • Ensure your CMS (e.g., WordPress) is installed and running on your domain.

  • Have administrative access to your Plesk control panel.

  • Check that your hosting environment meets the requirements for the plugins or themes you want to install.

3. Installing Plugins on Plesk

Step 1: Log in to Plesk

  1. Open your browser and log in to your Plesk control panel using your credentials.

  2. Navigate to Websites & Domains.

Step 2: Access the WordPress Toolkit (for WordPress users)

  1. If WordPress is installed, locate the WordPress Toolkit under your domain.

  2. Click on Manage next to the WordPress installation.

Step 3: Install Plugins

  1. In the WordPress Toolkit, click on the Plugins tab.

  2. Click Install and search for the desired plugin in the search bar.

  3. Select the plugin and click Install to add it to your WordPress site.

  4. Once installed, activate the plugin directly from the WordPress Toolkit or log in to your WordPress dashboard to configure its settings.

Manual Installation of Plugins

  1. Download the plugin’s ZIP file from a trusted source.

  2. In the WordPress Toolkit, upload the plugin by clicking Upload Plugin.

  3. Once uploaded, activate and configure it from the WordPress dashboard.

4. Installing Themes on Plesk

Step 1: Access the WordPress Toolkit (for WordPress users)

  1. Navigate to the WordPress Toolkit under your domain.

  2. Click Manage next to your WordPress installation.

Step 2: Install Themes

  1. Go to the Themes tab within the WordPress Toolkit.

  2. Click Install and browse the available themes.

  3. Select the theme you want and click Install to apply it to your website.

Manual Installation of Themes

  1. Download the theme’s ZIP file from a trusted source.

  2. In the WordPress Toolkit, click Upload Theme and upload the ZIP file.

  3. Activate the theme from the WordPress Toolkit or your WordPress dashboard.

5. Installing Plugins and Themes for Other CMS Platforms

If you’re using a CMS other than WordPress, such as Joomla or Drupal, the process may differ:

Step 1: Access Your CMS Interface

  • Log in to the admin panel of your CMS (e.g., http://yourdomain.com/administrator for Joomla).

Step 2: Install Plugins or Extensions

  1. Navigate to the plugins or extensions section in the CMS admin panel.

  2. Search for or upload the desired plugin.

  3. Install and activate it.

Step 3: Install Themes or Templates

  1. Go to the themes or templates section in the CMS admin panel.

  2. Search for or upload your theme file.

  3. Install and apply it to your website.

6. Managing Plugins and Themes

Updating Plugins and Themes in Plesk

  1. Access the WordPress Toolkit or CMS admin panel.

  2. Check for available updates in the Plugins or Themes section.

  3. Click Update to ensure the latest version is installed.

Deactivating or Removing Plugins/Themes

  1. In the WordPress Toolkit or CMS admin panel, locate the plugin/theme you want to remove.

  2. Deactivate the plugin/theme before uninstalling it.

  3. Click Uninstall to remove it completely.

7. Best Practices for Plugins and Themes

  • Choose Trusted Sources: Only install plugins and themes from reputable marketplaces like WordPress.org or Joomla Extensions Directory.

  • Regular Updates: Keep all plugins and themes up to date to ensure security and compatibility.

  • Limit Installations: Avoid overloading your website with too many plugins, as this can affect performance.

  • Backup Your Website: Create a backup before installing or updating plugins and themes.

Installing plugins and themes on Plesk is straightforward and enhances the functionality and appearance of your website. By leveraging tools like the WordPress Toolkit, you can manage installations efficiently, ensuring your site stays secure, fast, and visually appealing.

Follow the link below for a video guide.