Joomla Popups – How to Create a Popup in Joomla? (Tools, Steps & Tips)

Installation & Integration
1

Hey folks! :waving_hand:

I’ve been rebuilding one of my older websites using Joomla, and I really want to integrate popups to grow my email list and occasionally promote limited-time offers. I’ve used tools like OptinMonster before (mostly on Shopify and WordPress), but Joomla’s ecosystem feels a bit different.

I came across a few names like Popupsmart, Elfsight, and Picreel. But I’m not entirely sure how each one stacks up, especially for Joomla.

Can anyone walk me through:

  • How to add a popup in Joomla (step-by-step)?

  • Which tool gives the best combo of targeting, design flexibility, and ease of use?

  • Any tips on non-intrusive design for better UX?

Appreciate all your insight — let’s turn this thread into the ultimate guide for Joomla popups! :raising_hands:

2

Hey! I’ve tested a few popup tools on Joomla, and here’s what worked best for me:

:white_check_mark: How I Added a Popup on Joomla Using Popupsmart

Let’s take a look at how to create Joomla popups with Popupsmart:


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1. Register to Popupsmart and sign in to your account.

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2. On your dashboard, click on the “Embed Code” to get your embed code.

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3. A modal will show up and give you your Popupsmart embed code. Copy this code to the clipboard.

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4. Go to your Joomla website"s admin panel and click “System.”

joomla system section
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5. On your system dashboard, click on “Site Templates” under the “Templates” part.

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6. Your templates will show up, and you can select the template to which you want to add your embed code.

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7. Click on the “index.php” file in your template file’s editor section.

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8. Then, scroll down to the end of the file and paste your Popupsmart embed code before the </body> tag. Click on the “Save & Close” button.

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Your Joomla code injection process is done so that you can create your popup campaigns now.

9. Go to the Popupsmart dashboard and click on the “Websites” part from your profile.

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10. Click the “New website” button to add your Joomla website.

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11. Enter your Joomla website’s URL to the “Add a new website” part and click on the “Save” button.

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12. After adding your Joomla website, you will see it verified.

verified joomla site
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13. Go to your dashboard and click “New Campaign” to build a popup campaign.

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14. Create your popup campaign and customize it as much as you want. Then, click on the “Save” and “Publish” buttons.

publishing joomla popup
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Your Joomla website’s popup is ready to go now!

You will see the success modal below when your campaign is published.
Their documentation is super clear too.

:light_bulb: Why I Chose Popupsmart:

  • Mobile-friendly :white_check_mark:

  • Fast loading speeds :rocket:

  • Incredibly detailed targeting features

  • Can create teaser popups that don’t annoy users

Honestly, my email sign-ups increased by 30% after I implemented a time-delayed exit-intent popup!

3

I second what Michelle said, but I actually had a decent experience using Elfsight too! Especially if you want a super visual interface and you’re not techy.

:wrench: How to Use Elfsight for Joomla Popups:

  • Head to Elfsight’s Joomla popup builder.

  • Choose a template (newsletter, promo, form, etc.)

  • Customize your popup style, triggers (scroll, click, time delay), and layout.

  • Once done, copy the HTML snippet they give you.

  • Add it to your Joomla site the same way Michelle described—via the index.php file in your template.

Elfsight feels more drag-and-drop compared to Popupsmart, but I found their targeting options more limited. Still, it’s a good no-fuss solution!

Pros:

  • Really easy setup :nail_polish:

  • Good variety of popup types (coupon popups, countdown timers, etc.)

  • Great support

Cons:

  • Not as feature-rich as Popupsmart

  • Fewer integrations

4

I personally prefer Picreel — especially if analytics and segmentation are priorities for you.

:man_technologist: My Setup with Picreel on Joomla:

  1. Sign up for Picreel.

  2. Create your popup campaign (exit-intent, scroll-based, etc.)

  3. Customize targeting based on traffic source, behavior, device, etc.

  4. Once your popup is ready, go to Campaign > View Code, and copy it.

  5. Embed it via a Custom HTML module in Joomla:

  • Go to Extensions > Modules > New > Custom HTML.

  • Paste your code.

  • Publish it in your desired position.

What I Like:

  • AB testing built-in :collision:

  • Audience segmentation :100:

  • Smooth integrations

BUT… it does feel a bit more “enterprise.” Might be overkill for simple popups unless you’re running multiple campaigns or need advanced data.

More details: Joomla Popup with Picreel

5

Heads-up to fellow beginners! :police_car_light:

When I first tried Joomla popups, I got overwhelmed. If you just want a basic modal, Joomla’s built-in extensions can actually do the trick — like Modals by Regular Labs.

:puzzle_piece: Using Joomla Native Extensions:

  1. Go to Extensions > Manage > Install and search for “Modals.”

  2. Activate the plugin under Plugins > Button – Regular Labs – Modals.

  3. Configure basic popup behaviors (styling, triggers, etc.).

Insert modal tags into articles like this:

{modal url=“your-link”}Click me!{/modal}

Great for internal links, videos, and simple popups.

:warning: No advanced targeting though!

6

As a small business owner running a product shop on Joomla, I tried both Popupsmart and Modals, and honestly?

:chart_increasing: Popupsmart helped me turn blog readers into real email subscribers. I used their discount code popup and added a CTA like “Get 10% Off Your First Order!” — worked like magic.

7

+1 for Popupsmart here too :oncoming_fist:

Especially if you’re on the move like me — the dashboard is totally responsive. I once set up an entire popup campaign from my iPad while backpacking across Portugal :joy:.

What I love:

  • Smart triggers (like on-scroll + inactivity combo)

  • Custom fonts & multi-step forms

Works on multiple websites with the free plan (most tools don’t allow this)

8

Quick UX tip for anyone using popups on Joomla:

:backhand_index_pointing_right: Don’t go full-screen on mobile. Google hates intrusive interstitials. Instead, use Popupsmart’s teaser popups or bottom-left sliders — they don’t block content and still convert.

More on that here: Popup Types That Don’t Hurt UX

9

Hey everyone, jumping in as the co-founder of Popupsmart :man_raising_hand:

So many good points here — thank you all! I just want to clarify:

  • Popupsmart works seamlessly on Joomla, WordPress, Webflow, Shopify, and more.

  • We’re 100% no-code and focused on speed, privacy, and conversion.

  • If you need help with the Joomla setup, feel free to reach us.

We’re always happy to help :green_heart: