CubeCart guide

How to install a CubeCart skin

A practical step-by-step guide to uploading, activating and checking a new CubeCart storefront skin without changing CubeCart core files.

About 20 minutes6 stepsBeginner friendly

Before you start

CubeCart stores their storefront designs inside the /skins/ directory. A complete skin normally includes a config.xml file plus folders for templates, stylesheets, JavaScript and images.

Back up first.

Create a full backup of your website files and database before installing or switching a skin on a live store.

What you will need

  • Your downloaded CubeCart skin package
  • Access to CubeCart admin
  • SFTP access or your hosting provider's file manager
  • A recent backup of the store files and database

Install the CubeCart skin

  1. 01

    Back up your CubeCart store

    Create a current backup of your store files and database before changing the active storefront skin.

  2. 02

    Extract the skin package

    Unzip the downloaded package and confirm the skin folder contains config.xml along with its templates, CSS, JavaScript and image files.

    skins/
└── your-skin-name/
    ├── config.xml
    ├── templates/
    ├── css/
    ├── js/
    └── images/
  3. 03

    Upload the skin folder

    Use SFTP or your hosting file manager to upload the complete skin folder into the skins directory of your CubeCart installation.

    The final path should look like /skins/your-skin-name/config.xml. If there is an extra nested folder, CubeCart may not detect the skin.

  4. 04

    Activate the skin in CubeCart

    Sign in to CubeCart admin, open Settings, choose Skin, select the new skin and save your changes.

  5. 05

    Clear the CubeCart cache

    If the previous design is still visible, open Maintenance in CubeCart admin and clear the cache, then refresh your browser.

  6. 06

    Test the storefront

    Check the homepage, categories, products, basket and checkout on desktop and mobile before announcing the change.

Common installation problems

The skin is not listed

Check that the folder is directly inside /skins/, that config.xml is present, and that the server can read the uploaded files.

The previous design still appears

Clear the CubeCart cache from Admin > Maintenance, then refresh the storefront and clear the browser cache if necessary.

Styles or images are missing

Re-upload the package and check for failed transfers, missing folders or incorrect file permissions.

Checkout looks incorrect

Switch back to the previous skin while investigating. Test the basket and checkout before using a new skin on a live store.

Check the official CubeCart resources

CubeCart documents the expected skin folder structure and activation path in its developer knowledge base. For platform-specific questions, use the official documentation alongside the instructions supplied with your skin.

CubeCart skin development guide ↗CubeCart design and content help ↗

Looking for a modern CubeCart storefront?

Preview the Galaxy Nova skin.