> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.opencart.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.opencart.com/getting-started/quickstart.md).

# Quickstart

## Introduction

{% hint style="info" %}
This guide will help you quickly set up your OpenCart store after installation. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to get your store running in minutes.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### 1. Access Your Admin Panel

{% hint style="info" %}
Your admin URL is typically `yourdomain.com/admin` - use the credentials you created during installation.
{% endhint %}

* Navigate to your admin URL (usually `yourdomain.com/admin`)
* Log in with the credentials created during installation

<figure><img src="/files/duP6qCm6MBkPBqRjMFUd" alt="OpenCart Admin Login Screen"><figcaption><p>Admin login screen - enter your credentials to access the dashboard</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 2. Basic Store Configuration

{% hint style="info" %}
Configure your store's basic information before adding products. This ensures customers see accurate store details.
{% endhint %}

* Go to **System > Settings**
* Configure your store name, email, and contact information
* Set up your default currency and language

<figure><img src="/files/nnKF9rHtbEyjQzuTzRnm" alt="Store Configuration Settings"><figcaption><p>Store settings page - configure your store name, contact info, and regional settings</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 3. Add Your First Product

{% hint style="info" %}
Start with a simple product to understand the process. You can add more complex products with options and attributes later.
{% endhint %}

* Go to **Catalog > Products**
* Click "Add New"
* Fill in product details, pricing, and images
* Save and publish

<figure><img src="/files/sLUiqL5IaR5Gp5pWGxDr" alt="Add New Product Interface"><figcaption><p>Product creation form - add product details, pricing, and upload images</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 4. Set Up Payment Methods

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important**: Configure at least one payment method before testing your store. Without payment methods, customers cannot complete purchases.
{% endhint %}

* Go to **Extensions > Payments**
* Install and configure your preferred payment gateways

<figure><img src="/files/A1864bye7ETkINQEcIp6" alt="Payment Methods Configuration"><figcaption><p>Payment methods page - install and configure payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or bank transfer</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 5. Configure Shipping

{% hint style="info" %}
Set up shipping methods that match your business model. Common options include flat rate, weight-based, or free shipping.
{% endhint %}

* Go to **Extensions > Shipping**
* Set up shipping methods for your products

<figure><img src="/files/wydRhsduzUBxa1tjr0BA" alt="Shipping Methods Configuration"><figcaption><p>Shipping methods page - configure shipping options based on your products and locations</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 6. Test Your Store

{% hint style="success" %}
**Congratulations!** Your store is now ready for testing. Make a test purchase to ensure everything works correctly.
{% endhint %}

* Visit your store frontend
* Test the shopping cart and checkout process
* Verify that payments and shipping calculations work correctly
* Add product to cart
* Proceed to checkout
* Complete payment process
* Verify order confirmation
* Check admin order management
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

## Next Steps

{% hint style="info" %}
**Ready for more?** Now that your store is set up, explore these advanced features to grow your business:
{% endhint %}

* **Advanced product management** - Learn about product options, attributes, and variations
* **Customer management** - Set up customer groups, custom fields, and loyalty programs
* **Marketing features** - Create coupons, affiliate programs, and email campaigns
* **Reports and analytics** - Track sales performance and customer behavior
* **Extension marketplace** - Discover thousands of extensions to enhance your store

{% hint style="success" %}
**Pro Tip**: Visit the [Admin Interface documentation](broken://pages/YZSuC7iUyvAYqG0jc8wb) to master all OpenCart features.
{% endhint %}