Updates
Shondalai templates update through Joomla's standard extension updater. One update refreshes the whole template package in a single step.
How updates arrive
Each template package registers its own update server on your site when you install it. From then on, new releases appear under System → Update → Extensions, exactly like any other Joomla extension.
Updates apply to the whole package at once, so everything stays in step:
| Included in every update | Role |
|---|---|
| The template | Your site's design and layouts |
| Template Studio framework | The shared library behind the Studio configuration app |
| Studio Pages | The page builder component |
| System plugins | Live preview and the License Manager |
| Sample data plugin | The demo store installer |
You never update these pieces individually, and you should not try to. Updating the package keeps every part on matching versions.
How the license connects
After you activate a license on the License tab, the key is applied to the template's update site automatically. There is nothing to paste under System → Update Sites and no manual Download Key entry.
Without an active license, Joomla still checks the update server and shows that a new version exists, but the download itself is refused. Activate a license and the same update installs normally. See License Activation.
Updating your template
- Go to System → Update → Extensions.
- Click Check for Updates in the toolbar.
- Tick the template package in the list (it appears as a single package entry, for example
Meridian Template Package). - Click Update.
- Wait for the success message, then visit your site to confirm everything looks right.
You can also start from the template style itself: when an update is available, the License tab on System → Site Template Styles → your style shows Update available with an Update now link that takes you to the same updater screen.
As with any extension update, take a site backup before updating, especially on a live store.
Version requirements
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Joomla | 5.4, up to and including the 6.x series |
| PHP | 8.1 |
The installer checks these before it runs and stops with a clear message if your site is below the minimum.
If your site runs EasyCommerce, update it around the same time as your template. The templates are designed against the current EasyCommerce release, and matching versions avoids styling or storefront surprises.
Troubleshooting
An update should exist but Joomla does not show it
- Go to System → Update → Extensions and click Check for Updates.
- If it still does not appear, click Clear Cache in the same toolbar to discard Joomla's cached update information, then check again.
Joomla shows the update but the download fails
- Open System → Site Template Styles → your style → License tab.
- Confirm the status is Active. If a banner reports the license as expired, suspended or out of seats, resolve that first in your shondalai.com account.
- Click Check now to re-verify the license, then run the update again.
The License tab says License Manager is not enabled
Enable the Shondalai License Manager plugin under System → Plugins. Without it, activation and licensed downloads cannot work. See License Activation for the steps.