Joomla 1.5 Custom Modules

Custom Modules are an almost essential part of your Joomla Site and this guide will take your through the processes of creating one

• What is a Module?
  Modules are small building blocks/elements that make up your site. Their usage is generally to display small snippets of information, whether that be latest content items or a slideshow of sorts.
• What is a Custom Module?
  A custom module, as the name suggest, is a user created module. You create these modules yourself in the Joomla administrator and they are stored in the database. Characteristics of a custom module are normally the general Joomla module options as well as a large white box in which you input your data.
• Creating a Custom Module
  The process of creating a custom module is simple. The first step is to login to the Joomla administrator. Next, navigate to Extensions -> Module Manager. You are now in the Module Manager, you should notice an array of graphical buttons in the top right area of the Manager. One of these is the New button, select this and on the next screen choose custom html from the list.
• Configuring a Custom Module
  A Custom Module generally follows the same principle of a normal module. Choose the position to publish your module to and the settings are pretty straightforward.
• What is the White Box?
  The white box is where you input your code to create the Custom Module. The code that you are allowed to place has to be HTML. If you need to use other languages such as PHP, you will need to use a 3rd party module from the Joomla Extensions Directory.

You should now have successfully created and configured a Custom Module using Joomla! 1.5.