The Joomla Category Description can be used for much more than just containing and displaying the description of a category. In this video we look up, and look for, ways we can use it as a playland inside of Joomla!
00:00:00 – Introduction & Setup
00:03:13 – Understanding Joomla's Content Structure
00:09:14 – Method 1: Using RAXO Modules
00:16:18 – Inserting Modules into Category Descriptions
00:31:15 – Method 2: Using Page Builder CK for Layouts
00:47:23 – Method 3: Using Articles Anywhere Plugin
01:11:32 – Bonus Tip: Implementing Tags in Joomla
01:19:35 – Batch Tagging Articles Efficiently
01:29:45 – Displaying Tagged Content on the Frontend
01:45:48 – Final Thoughts on Content Strategy in Joomla
🔟 Summary
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🎬 Creative Start: The stream kicks off with a fun intro and sets the tone—turning Joomla category descriptions into dynamic, content-rich displays.
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🧭 Understanding the Goal: Tim introduces the idea of replacing standard Joomla blog layouts with embedded modules or content inside category descriptions for better design control.
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🧱 Joomla Structure Basics: He breaks down how Joomla's menu items and layout options dictate what shows in the main content area, setting the foundation for customization.
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🔌 Embedding a Module: Demonstrates embedding a Raxel module in the category description and using it to control article layout, bypassing the default blog view.
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🛠 Layout Tweaks: Adjusts menu settings (like setting intro articles to 0) to hide default article lists and rely fully on the embedded module’s output.
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🧩 Dynamic Display Trick: Shows how to configure the module to dynamically display content from the current category, making the solution reusable across multiple menu items.
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🧑🎨 Styling with Page Builder CK: Walkthrough of creating a Page Builder CK page, inserting modules, copying shortcode, and embedding it into a category description for more layout freedom.
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🔍 Troubleshooting & Optimization: Deals with slow server load, editing the wrong category, and fixes to ensure the correct module and content display properly.
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🛠 Comparing Tools: Explores other options like the Articles Anywhere plugin and discusses strengths of sticking to tools that match your comfort level (e.g., Page Builder CK vs. Raxel vs. Easy Layouts).
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📦 Final Thoughts: Wraps up by reaffirming the flexibility Joomla gives when combining smart extensions with category descriptions, encouraging experimentation to make content shine.
Please send any feedback or bug reports or queries to;
Contact Tim Davis ►
Joomla Training Cohort ► https://cybersalt.com/jtc
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