Form2Content is an extension which allows users to create 100% native Joomla articles through a submission form rather than an (WYSIWYG) Editor. This means that no knowledge of html or plugins is required for the END USER.

There are many more benefits. Users can submit content through the front-end, images can be uploaded and re-sized and advanced templating allows for dynamic content creation.

Read on about when to use F2C and a simple technical explanation.

Form2Content can be installed like any other Joomla extension via the Extension Manager in Joomla 1.6 or the Install/Uninstall in Joomla 1.5.

Depending on your Form2Content download it might be necessary to unzip the file first. In this case your package will also include an upgrade installer. For Joomla 1.6 packages they don't require unzipping first. The upgrade installer and full package are the same file!

With a basic understanding of what Form2Content is and can do, this article will explain step by step on how to create Joomla articles using F2C.

As an example we will be creating a front-end submission form for a BLOG. The example will work for both F2C Lite and Pro!

Form2Content can be easily upgraded using the included upgrade installer (for Joomla 1.5) or by re-installing the latest installer in Joomla 1.6. Installation is done like any other Joomla extension via the Extension Manager in Joomla 1.6 or the Install/Uninstall in Joomla 1.5.

When you uninstall F2C all the component files and database tables are completely removed! The generated Joomla articles will be left alone.

Where can I find the latest version?

On the Form2Content website. Simply re-download the F2C Lite version or login to the website and re-download your F2C Pro version.

For Joomla 1.5 you will need to UNZIP the package and run the Upgrade installer, for Joomla 1.6 you can simply run the package.

How can I check if I have the latest version?

On your OWN website in the Joomla back-end (administration area) navigate to components >> form2content. At the BOTTOM of the page you will see your Form2Content version and a link to check if it is the latest version.

Joomla 1.7 (at the time of writing) has arrived. For many extension developers it has been an enormous amount of work making extensions compatible but luckily the new features are well worth it.

Building (and maintaining) a multi-language website has always required back-end access and most likely the use of Joomfish (in J1.5). Joomla 1.6/7/8 brings a big change, also for how you can use F2C.

Form2Content is continuously being developed and we recommend users to always upgrade to the latest version. Simply re-download the package (Lite or Pro) and run the upgrade installer after you made a backup of course.

Possible 404s after upgrade

When menu parameters are added or changed with an upgrade it is sometimes necessary to edit and save the menu links to the Form2Content component. This way the new parameters are 'filled' and the component is happy again.

Saving (template) issues after moving website

Form2Content (Smarty) uses the /temp folder when creating your Joomla articles. When your website has changed location/domain it is necessary to clear you cache and your temp directory.

Refresh your articles after changes!

In general it is recommended to refresh all your articles after an upgrade or change in location. This way all URLs in the articles are rewritten (very important if you use absolute URLs) and links to images and documents are also (possibly) corrected.