How to Customize Your Joomla 6 Control Panel

The Joomla 6 Control Panel is flexible and easy to personalize. You can rearrange modules, add shortcuts, and remove elements you don’t use — creating a workspace that fits your daily workflow perfectly.

1. Understanding the Control Panel Layout

When you log in to the administrator area, the control panel displays a set of dashboard modules such as Recently Added Articles, Site Information, and Logged-in Users. These modules are not fixed — you can move or customize them to suit your preferences.

2. Reordering Dashboard Modules

• Go to Home Dashboard from the sidebar menu.
• Hover your cursor over a module until you see the “drag” icon.
• Click and drag the module to a new position.
• Joomla will automatically save the layout once you drop it.

This allows you to keep the most important tools, like “Articles” or “Global Configuration,” right at the top of your screen.

3. Adding or Removing Dashboard Modules

• From the top menu, select System → Dashboard → Home Dashboard.
• Click the “Add Module” button on the toolbar.
• Choose the module type you want (e.g., “Latest Articles”, “Popular Articles”, “Quick Icons”).
• Assign it to the Home Dashboard position and click Save & Close.

To remove an existing module, simply click the three-dot menu on its corner and choose Unpublish or Delete.

4. Customizing Quick Icons

The Quick Icons area provides fast access to essential tasks. You can extend or modify it:

• Go to Content → Site Modules → Administrator.
• Find the Quick Icons module.
• Edit the icons shown or add new ones for your favorite tools (e.g., “Add Article”, “Manage Users”, “Extensions”).

Extensions can also install their own quick icons, like Akeeba Backup or SP Page Builder.

5. Switching Between Light and Dark Mode

Joomla 6 introduces a built-in dark mode for administrators. You can switch themes at any time:

• Click your User Menu (top-right corner).
• Select Preferences.
• Under Theme, choose between Light, Dark, or Auto.

This makes your workspace easier on the eyes and perfect for long sessions.

6. Resetting the Dashboard Layout

If your dashboard becomes cluttered or you want to start fresh:

• Go to System → Dashboard → Home Dashboard.
• Click Options (top-right corner).
• Choose Reset Layout to restore the default module arrangement.

7. Summary

By customizing your Joomla 6 Control Panel, you can create a faster and cleaner admin experience. Move the tools you use most to the top, remove distractions, and make the interface truly yours.

Next, we’ll explore how Joomla organizes files behind the scenes in Understanding the Joomla 6 Folder Structure.