Expanding Drupal with modules and themes gives your website extra functionality and a unique design. In this guide, you will learn how to safely install, configure, and manage modules and themes.

Understanding Modules vs Themes

Drupal distinguishes between two types of extensions:

  • Modules add functionality:
    • Contact forms
    • SEO optimization
    • E-commerce features
    • Social media integrations
    • Performance improvements
  • Themes determine the appearance:
    • Layout and structure
    • Colors and typography
    • Responsive design
    • Template adjustments

Installing Modules in Drupal

There are several ways to install modules.

Finding Modules on Drupal.org

The official source for Drupal modules:

  1. Go to drupal.org/project/project_module
  2. Filter by:
    • Core compatibility: Drupal 10 (or your version)
    • Status: Full projects
    • Maintenance status: Actively maintained
  3. Read the description and reviews
  4. Check the number of installations and updates
  5. Download the module as .tar.gz or .zip

Installing Module via Admin Interface

The simplest method:

  1. Log in as administrator
  2. Go to Extend in the admin toolbar
  3. Click on Install new module (or Add new module)
  4. Upload the module file or paste the URL
  5. Click on Install
  6. Wait for the installation to complete

Installing Module via Composer

The recommended method for professional use:

# Connect via SSH to your server
cd ~/domains/jouwdomein.nl/public_html
# Install the module
composer require drupal/modulenaam
# For example:
composer require drupal/pathauto
composer require drupal/metatag
composer require drupal/admin_toolbar

Benefits of Composer:

  • Automatic dependency management
  • Easier updates
  • Version control

Activating Module

After installation, you need to enable the module:

  1. Go to Extend
  2. Find the installed module in the list
  3. Check the checkbox
  4. Scroll down and click on Install
  5. Confirm any dependencies

Essential Modules for Every Drupal Site

These modules are almost always useful:

Admin Toolbar

Improves the admin interface with dropdown menus:

composer require drupal/admin_toolbar

Pathauto

Automatically generates SEO-friendly URLs:

composer require drupal/pathauto

Metatag

Manage meta tags for better SEO:

composer require drupal/metatag

Redirect

Manage URL redirects:

composer require drupal/redirect

Backup and Migrate

Make backups easily:

composer require drupal/backup_migrate

Installing Themes in Drupal

Themes give your Drupal site a unique look.

Finding Themes

Search for themes at:

  1. drupal.org/project/project_theme
  2. Filter by Drupal 10 compatibility
  3. View the demo if available
  4. Read the documentation

Installing Theme via Admin

  1. Go to Appearance
  2. Click on Install new theme (or Add new theme)
  3. Upload the theme file or paste the URL
  4. Click on Install

Installing Theme via Composer

# Install the theme
composer require drupal/bootstrap5
# Or another popular theme
composer require drupal/flavor
composer require drupal/olivero

Activating Theme

After installation, activate the theme:

  1. Go to Appearance
  2. Find your new theme in the list
  3. Click on Install and set as default
  4. Or click on Install and then Set as default

Configuring Theme

Most themes have settings:

  1. Go to Appearance
  2. Click on Settings next to the active theme
  3. Configure options such as:
    • Upload logo
    • Set favicon
    • Choose color scheme
    • Layout options
  4. Click on Save configuration

Creating a Sub-theme

For customizations, create a sub-theme:

Why a Sub-theme

  • Customizations are preserved during theme updates
  • You can override specific templates
  • Add your own CSS and JavaScript

Sub-theme Structure

themes/custom/mijn_theme/
├── mijn_theme.info.yml
├── mijn_theme.libraries.yml
├── css/
│   └── style.css
└── templates/

Basic info.yml

name: Mijn Theme
type: theme
description: 'Custom sub-theme'
core_version_requirement: ^10
base theme: olivero
libraries:
  - mijn_theme/global

Updating Modules and Themes

Regular updates are essential for security.

Checking for Updates

  1. Go to Reports and then Available updates
  2. You will see an overview of available updates
  3. Security updates are marked

Performing Updates via Admin

  1. First, make a backup
  2. Click on Update next to the module or theme
  3. Follow the instructions

Updates via Composer

# Update all packages
composer update
# Update specific module
composer update drupal/metatag
# Update Drupal core
composer update drupal/core-recommended

After Updates

  1. Go to Reports and then Status report
  2. Run database updates if necessary: update.php
  3. Clear the cache via Configuration and then Performance

Removing Modules and Themes

Clean up unused extensions:

Disabling and Removing Module

  1. Go to Extend
  2. Disable the module (uncheck)
  3. Click on Uninstall in the Uninstall tab
  4. Confirm the removal

Via Composer:

# Remove the module
composer remove drupal/modulenaam

Removing Theme

  1. First, activate another theme
  2. Go to Appearance
  3. Click on Uninstall next to the theme to be removed

Common Issues

Module Causes Error

  1. Try via Drush: drush pm:uninstall modulenaam
  2. Or disable via database if the site does not load

Theme Breaks Layout

  1. Switch back to a default theme
  2. Check the theme requirements
  3. Clear the cache

Composer Conflict

# Check for issues
composer diagnose
# Update the dependencies
composer update --with-dependencies

Need Help?

We are here for you! Are you facing any issues or do you have questions? Our support team is happy to assist you personally. Send us a message via the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to help.