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How to Install TYPO3 v13 on Ubuntu

If you’re planning to build a modern, reliable, and scalable website for your business, TYPO3 is a powerful open-source CMS that delivers enterprise-level performance. With the release of TYPO3 version 13, many companies and developers are exploring how to get started. If you're using Ubuntu (a popular and stable Linux-based operating system), this article will guide you through the process of installing TYPO3 v13 on your server in a simple, clear, and professional way — without overwhelming technical commands.

In the digital-first era, your website is often the cornerstone of your brand and business operations. To ensure maximum flexibility, security, and future readiness, choosing the right Content Management System (CMS) is critical. TYPO3, a robust open-source enterprise CMS, has long been trusted by companies, universities, and government institutions across Europe and beyond.

With the release of TYPO3 version 13, this CMS brings even more performance, security, and editor-friendly enhancements to the table. And if you’re running your server on Ubuntu — one of the most secure and popular Linux distributions — you’re already starting from a strong foundation.

This article will walk you through the TYPO3 v13 installation process on Ubuntu, written especially for business professionals, content editors, project managers, and curious beginners. No complex commands — just a clear overview to help you understand the what, why, and how.

Essential Requirements Before Setting Up TYPO3

ComponentRequirement
Operating SystemLinux, Microsoft Windows, or macOS (including deployment on all major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud)
Web ServerApache HTTP Server, Nginx, Microsoft IIS, or Caddy Server
Supported BrowsersChrome (latest version), Edge (latest version), Firefox (latest version), Safari (latest version)
ComposerComposer version ≥ 2.1
Database Systems- MariaDB ≥ 10.4.3 ≤ 11.0.0 
- MySQL ≥ 8.0.17 
- PostgreSQL ≥ 10.0 
- SQLite ≥ 3.8.3
Hardware (Memory)Minimum 256 MB RAM (higher recommended for production environments)
PHP VersionPHP ≥ 8.2.0 ≤ 8.4.99 (with all required extensions such as gd, mbstring, xml, curl, etc.)

How to Download TYPO3 v13 as a ZIP File from typo3.org

1.Visit the TYPO3 Download Page

Go to the official TYPO3 download page:
  https://get.typo3.org/

2.Select Version 13.4.14

Once you're on the site, select version 13.4.14 (or the latest v13 release). You’ll be taken to a page like the one shown in your screenshot.

3.Scroll to the "Package Download" Section

Under the "Download" section, look for the heading:
“Package Download (tar.gz, zip, signatures) – The classic way”

4.Click on the ZIP File Link

You will find multiple links. Click on the one that ends with .zip:
get.typo3.org/13.4.14/zip
This will download the entire TYPO3 source package as a .zip archive — ideal if you're installing TYPO3 manually without using Composer.

5.Optional: Verify with GPG Signature

For security purposes, you can also download the .sig files to verify the integrity and authenticity of the package, but this is optional for beginners.

Step 1: Environment Overview

In this initial step, TYPO3’s Install Tool performs a system check to ensure your web server environment meets all necessary technical requirements.

It checks for:

PHP version compatibility (e.g., PHP 8.1 or later)

Required PHP extensions (like mysqli, mbstring, json, xml, etc.)

File and folder permissions (especially on typo3conf, fileadmin, var, etc.)

Database server availability

Web server configuration and general readiness

What you should see:
A green message saying: "No problems detected, continue with installation"

This means your hosting environment (in this case, DDEV) is properly configured and ready for TYPO3. If any issues are detected, TYPO3 will display warnings or errors that need to be fixed before continuing.

Step 2: Connect to the Database

TYPO3 now needs to connect to a MySQL-compatible database to store content, configuration, user data, and extension settings.

Fields you need to fill in:

  • Connection Type:
    Leave this as MySQLi, which uses PHP's native MySQL driver.
  • Username:
    Default is root when using DDEV, unless you've created a custom DB user.
  • Password:
    Usually left blank for DDEV (or use your .env password if defined).
  • Host:
    Enter db – This is the default DDEV service name for MySQL.
  • Port:
    Leave this as 3306, which is the default MySQL port.

Why "db"?
In a DDEV environment, db is the hostname for the MySQL container (defined in docker-compose). It allows TYPO3 to access the database server correctly from within the Docker network.

✅ Once all values are correctly entered, click Continue to test and establish the database connection.

Step 3: Select or Create a Database

After a successful connection, TYPO3 gives you the option to either:

  1. Use an existing empty database, or
  2. Create a new database – This is recommended for new projects.

Database names should be lowercase and avoid spaces or special characters. Underscores are allowed.

✅ Click Continue to have TYPO3 automatically create the new database and prepare it for use.

Step 4: Set Admin Credentials & Website Name

This step sets up your website and your first administrative account.

Fields to complete:

  • Username: Choose a secure name like admin, typo3admin, etc.
  • Password: Use a strong password with at least 8 characters including:
  • uppercase and lowercase letters
  • numbers
  • symbols (e.g., @, #, !)
  • Email address: Important for password recovery and system notifications (e.g., admin@my.org).
  • Site name: The name of your project (e.g., Corporate Intranet, My Personal Blog, Aashro Technologies Website, etc.).

This user will have full backend access as a TYPO3 administrator and will also be able to access the Install Tool.

✅ Click Continue to save your admin user and website name.

Step 5: Installation Complete

The final screen confirms that TYPO3 is now installed.

You have two post-installation options:

  1. Create empty starting page
    TYPO3 will create a blank homepage to help you get started. This is helpful if you’re completely new and want a quick structure.
  2. Take me straight to the backend
    This option takes you directly to the TYPO3 Admin Dashboard where you can:
  • Install templates
  • Add pages and content
  • Install extensions
  • Configure site language, redirects, caching, etc.

Additional Option:
☑️ Create default backend user groups
This will generate two default groups:

  • Editor – with limited permissions
  • Advanced Editor – with broader permissions

These groups are useful when working with a team or content editors and can be customized later.

✅ Click Open the TYPO3 Backend to begin managing your website.

Next Steps After Installation

Congratulations — TYPO3 is now installed successfully!  You're now ready to begin building and customizing your website. Here’s what you should do next:

Access the TYPO3 Backend

Log in to the administrative interface using your credentials at:
<your-project>.ddev.site/typo3
This is your control center for managing content, templates, users, and extensions.

Install Essential Extensions or Site Packages

Head over to the Extension Manager to install TYPO3 system extensions or a Site Package to kickstart your development. Site packages provide pre-built layouts, templates, and configurations.

Build Your Page Tree & Templates

Use the Page Module to create your site's structure (also known as the "Page Tree"). Assign templates to your root page and begin adding content using Fluid-based content elements.

Configure Core System Settings

Set up and fine-tune:

  • Caching framework for performance
  • URL routing and redirects
  • Languages and localization
  • User roles and access controls
  • SEO and metadata options   

 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to secure your Install Tool (typo3/install.php) with a password and configure trusted hosts in your LocalConfiguration.php.