In this Opencart user manual, we will learn to manage categories in Opencart 4, a fundamental task for organizing your products and improving your store’s navigation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to managing categories from the Opencart admin panel.
Accessing the Admin Panel
Log in to the Admin Panel:
- Navigate to http://yourdomain.com/admin (In Opencart 4, the admin URL can be different as per the installation).
- Enter your username and password to log in.
Navigating to Categories Management
Access Categories:
- In the admin dashboard, go to Catalog > Categories.
- This section will display a list of all existing categories.
Creating a New Category
Add New Category:
- Click on the “+” (Add New) button at the top right corner.
Category Details:
- General Tab:
- Category Name: Enter the name of the category.
- Description: Provide a detailed description of the category. Format the text using the editor and add images if necessary.
- Meta Tag Title: Enter a title for SEO purposes.
- Meta Tag Description: Add a meta description for SEO.
- Meta Tag Keywords: Include relevant keywords for SEO.
- Data Tab:
- Parent Category: If this category is a subcategory, select the parent category.
You can start typing in the Parent and select the parent category. 
- Filters: Add filters that apply to this category.
Read more about Opencart filters - Stores: Select the store where this category will be available (useful for multi-store setups).
- Image: Upload an image representing the category.
- Top: Choose whether to display this category in the top menu bar. If you don't check this checkbox it will not show in the Top main menu.
- Columns: Specify the number of columns to use for the bottom categories.
- Sort Order: Define the order in which this category appears relative to others.
- Status: Set the status to “Enabled” to make the category active or “Disabled” to hide it.
SEO Tab: - SEO URL: Create a search engine-friendly URL. Do not use spaces, instead replace spaces with – and make sure the SEO URL is globally unique.
- Parent Category: If this category is a subcategory, select the parent category.
- Design Tab:
- Choose a layout override if you have custom layouts for this category.
Read more about Design layout overrides in Opencart
- Choose a layout override if you have custom layouts for this category.
Save Category:
- Click the “Save” button to create a new category.
Editing an Existing Category
Edit Category:
- In the Categories list, find the category you want to edit.
- Click the “Edit” button (pencil icon) next to the category name.
Modify Details:
- Make necessary changes in the General, Data, and Design tabs.
Save Changes:
- Click the “Save” button to update the category.
Deleting a Category
Delete Category:
- In the Categories list, select the checkbox next to the category you want to delete.
- Click the “Delete” button (trash can icon) at the top right corner.
- Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Managing Subcategories
Creating Subcategories:
- Follow the steps for creating a new category.
- In the Data tab, select the appropriate parent category.
Viewing Subcategories:
- In the Categories list, subcategories are usually displayed hierarchically under their parent categories.
Bulk Actions
Bulk Editing:
- Select multiple categories by checking the boxes next to their names.
- Use the bulk actions (e.g. deleting) at the top right corner.
SEO and Best Practices
SEO URL Management:
- Ensure each category has a unique and descriptive SEO URL.
- Use keywords in the meta tags to improve search engine rankings.
Optimized Descriptions:
- Write clear and detailed descriptions for each category, incorporating relevant keywords.
- Use the editor to enhance descriptions with images and formatted text.
Category Images:
- Use high-quality images that represent the category well.
- Optimize images for fast loading times.
Managing categories in Opencart from the admin panel is straightforward and crucial for maintaining an organized and user-friendly ecommerce store. By effectively creating, editing, and organizing categories, you enhance the shopping experience for your customers and improve your store’s SEO performance.
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