Understanding Module Positions in Joomla 6

In Joomla 6, the layout of your website is controlled by module positions. These positions are predefined areas in your template where modules — like menus, banners, or login forms — can be displayed. Learning how to use them effectively gives you full control over your site’s structure and design.

1. What Are Module Positions?

A module position is a placeholder area inside your Joomla template. Each position is identified by a unique name, such as:

• position-1 — often used for the top menu.
• position-7 — sidebar or left column.
• footer — bottom of the page.

You can assign any module (like a menu or custom HTML block) to any of these positions.

2. Viewing Available Module Positions

To see all positions in your active template:

• Go to System → Site Template Styles.
• Select your current template (e.g. Cassiopeia).
• Click the Preview Module Positions button (eye icon).

Your site will display an overlay showing all available positions labeled directly on the page. Example: position-1, position-2, footer, etc.

3. Assigning a Module to a Position

To display a module in a specific area:

• Go to Content → Site Modules.
• Click New or open an existing module.
• In the Position dropdown, select the desired position (e.g., position-2).
• Set Status to Published.
• Click Save & Close.

The module will now appear in that section of your template.

4. Using Custom Module Positions

Some templates allow you to create custom module positions. To add one manually, edit your template’s index.php file and add this line where you want the module to appear:

<jdoc:include type="modules" name="custom-position" style="none" />

Then, in the module settings, type custom-position in the Position field and save. Your new area will now display modules.

5. Assigning Modules to Specific Pages

You can choose where each module appears:

• Open a module and go to the Menu Assignment tab.
• Select:
  • On All Pages – show everywhere.
  • Only on Selected Pages – choose specific menu items.

This helps you tailor which modules appear on which sections of your site (e.g., show a sidebar only on blog pages).

6. Changing Module Order

If multiple modules share the same position, Joomla stacks them in order. To change the order:

• Go to Site Modules.
• Sort by Position.
• Drag modules up or down to reorder them.

7. Example of Common Positions in Cassiopeia Template

8. Tips for Beginners

• Preview positions before placing modules — helps visualize your layout.
• Don’t overload one position — it may clutter your page.
• Use clear titles to identify your modules during setup.
• Leverage the Menu Assignment tab to display modules only where needed.

9. Summary

Understanding module positions gives you complete control over your site’s structure. Once you know where each position is located, you can easily design dynamic layouts, combine modules creatively, and achieve a professional look for your Joomla 6 website.

Next, we’ll explore Article Layout Options and Display Settings.