Installing an encapsulated plugin

Adding an encapsulated plugin to your store

This help file describes newer “encapsulated” plugins that are installed under zc_plugins. For older plugines which are copied directly into the includes and admin folders, see How to install a plugin.

Encapsulated plugins have been supported in Zen Cart since version 1.5.7, as a way to make plugin installation and maintenance easier for end users. Developers may learn more by reading the encapsulated plugin documentation.

Encapsulated plugins are controlled using the Plugin Manager.

Getting Started

Before you start, you’ll need to verify that you have some things.

  • Plugins are provided in zip format, so you’ll need a tool to unzip the file.
  • You’ll need a tool to transfer the files from your local PC to your webserver.
  • You’ll need a simple text editor to do customizations to files

Installing

  • Copy the files from the unzipped plugin into the zc_plugins folder in your cart.

  • In your admin, navigate to Modules > Plugin Manager

  • Select the new plugin you wish to install.

  • Press the Install button. There may be more actions required, but they will all the done under your admin; no filesystem modifications are needed.



Still have questions? Use the Search box in the upper right, or try the full list of FAQs. If you can't find it there, head over to the Zen Cart support forum and ask there in the appropriate subforum. In your post, please include your Zen Cart and PHP versions, and a link to your site.

Is there an error or omission on this page? Please post to General Questions on the support forum. Or, if you'd like to open a pull request, just review the guidelines and get started. You can even PR right here.
Last modified September 30, 2025 by Scott Wilson (c7cc2926).