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How to Build a Beautiful Site With MODx CMS (Content Management System)
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MODx CMS: Overview of the Most Flexible Content Management System
Learn about the MODx Content Management System. Find links to free MODx templates, examples of sites powered by MODx, and reviews comparing MODx to Joomla, Wordpress, Expression Engine, and Drupal.
I spent months testing out various content management systems (CMS), and have to admit that no other software came close to the flexibility of MODx. I will have you know that I am by no means a MODx CMS guru, but I have built several sites on this beautiful piece of software and thought I'd share this treasure.
This page will provide you with an overview of one of the world's most promising content managment system, MODx CMS.
MODx CMS Table of Contents
- 5 Reasons to Choose MODx CMS
- Backround of MODx CMS
- How MODx CMS Stacks Up to the Competition
- MODx CMS Reviews
- Websites Powered By MODx
- MODx CMS Tools
- MODx Hosting Requirements
- MODx Demo
- MODx Download
- Get Support from MODx CMS
- MODx CMS Tutorials and Documentation
- Free MODx Templates
- What CMS Do You Use?
- Share Your Own MODx Review
- Leave a tip
- MODx CMS, MODXCMS
5 Reasons to Choose MODx CMS
MODx CMS Features
1. Search Engine Friendly -You can create the highly customized meta-content for all the individual pages of your site. Did I mention that it is snap to create pretty url's that search engines will love? Some developers even call MODx the "SEO Content Management System".
2. Flexibility for Design -You can create ANYTHING with this software, all you have to do is plug in your xhtml and css code, and your good to go. If you are completely NEW to website development, and don't know how to even write code, then you might want consider purchasing an affordable website template (that is written in xhtml and css of course).
3. Standards Compliant and Table-less! Yeah, so this means that you have the ability to build a website using CSS & XHTML that validates and looks good in all browsers.
4. Update Your Website ANYWHERE in the World - All you need is an internet connection and your favorite browser (IE 5.5+, Safari 1.3+, or Firefox 1.0+) to login into the web-based manager.
5. MODx won a 2007 Packt Award for the Most Promising Open Source Content Management System. Read on...
Read about more of MODx's features by clicking here.
2. Flexibility for Design -You can create ANYTHING with this software, all you have to do is plug in your xhtml and css code, and your good to go. If you are completely NEW to website development, and don't know how to even write code, then you might want consider purchasing an affordable website template (that is written in xhtml and css of course).
3. Standards Compliant and Table-less! Yeah, so this means that you have the ability to build a website using CSS & XHTML that validates and looks good in all browsers.
4. Update Your Website ANYWHERE in the World - All you need is an internet connection and your favorite browser (IE 5.5+, Safari 1.3+, or Firefox 1.0+) to login into the web-based manager.
5. MODx won a 2007 Packt Award for the Most Promising Open Source Content Management System. Read on...
Read about more of MODx's features by clicking here.
Backround of MODx CMS
The Abbreviated History
-From the MODx CMS site
MODx began with Raymond Irving and Ryan Thrash in 2004 as a mash-up of John Guerra's DocVars for Etomite and Raymond's web user add-on. We ultimately found ourselves in the position of having to choose between forking the project or abandoning over a thousand hours of work. We chose dinnerware, and Jason Coward joined shortly thereafter.
We wanted MODx to accomplish several goals:
-Help quickly build custom web applications,
-Offer a sensible, robust and extendable API,
-Avoid the tortuous or extended learning curves found in other robust solutions
-Work just as well for simple marketing-site CMS applications.
Since its inception, we significantly enhanced MODx's API, recruited great development and support teams, augmented the user system, and rewrote much of the application. Our 1.0 release will launch as a ground-up rewrite from scratch. As of May 2006, Ryan, Jason and Raymond continue to guide MODx. It's approaching the 10th release and 40,000th download.
We think MODx is a dream come true for coders and CSS developers. It's a platform that enables people to make a living from building sites.
Meet the rest of the team.
-From the MODx CMS site
MODx began with Raymond Irving and Ryan Thrash in 2004 as a mash-up of John Guerra's DocVars for Etomite and Raymond's web user add-on. We ultimately found ourselves in the position of having to choose between forking the project or abandoning over a thousand hours of work. We chose dinnerware, and Jason Coward joined shortly thereafter.
We wanted MODx to accomplish several goals:
-Help quickly build custom web applications,
-Offer a sensible, robust and extendable API,
-Avoid the tortuous or extended learning curves found in other robust solutions
-Work just as well for simple marketing-site CMS applications.
Since its inception, we significantly enhanced MODx's API, recruited great development and support teams, augmented the user system, and rewrote much of the application. Our 1.0 release will launch as a ground-up rewrite from scratch. As of May 2006, Ryan, Jason and Raymond continue to guide MODx. It's approaching the 10th release and 40,000th download.
We think MODx is a dream come true for coders and CSS developers. It's a platform that enables people to make a living from building sites.
Meet the rest of the team.
How MODx CMS Stacks Up to the Competition
If you know anything about content management systems, then you know there are hundreds (if not thousands) available for you to choose from. So, what makes MODx so darn special you ask? Well, here are a few links that I have found comparing MODx to other content management systems.
Find out what these designers used to build websites with before making the switch to MODx.
Find out what these designers used to build websites with before making the switch to MODx.
- MODx vs Wordpress
- MODx compared to Wordpress
Lots of people hack Wordpress blogging software to make it work as a cms for their website. I do use Wordpress when I am creating a blog, because this software really is a powerful blogging platform. But after I tried MODx, I couldn't stomach the amount of work it took to hack Wordpress into a website that is more than just a blog. - MODx vs Expression Engine
- MODx compared to Expression Engine
Expression Engine is fantastic software, but the BIGGEST turn off for me is the $249 price tag that comes for each commercial site that I'd like to build. - MODx vs Joomla
- MODx compared to Joomla
Honestly, you shouldn't even compare these 2, cause they are completely different animals. The biggest turn-off for me is the bloated code Joomla provides. The only time I'd suggest you seriously consider Joomla, is if you are looking to build a portal-like site, because they do have quite a collection of nice components/modules available for download. - MODx vs Drupal
- MODx compared to Drupal
I'm not a hard-core developer, so I have to say that I personally find Drupal intimidating and way too difficult to use. This link will lead you to a pretty good review that was written from someone who switched over to MODx after trying Drupal. - Another Comparison of MODx to Joomla & Drupal
- If you'd like to read more on how MODx compares to Joomla or Drupal, please click the link and find out if MODx is the CMS for you.
MODx CMS Reviews
Here are some of the MODx reviews I've come across on the web.
- Condago Labs Review of MODx 0.9.6
- You gotta check this review out! Cody Swoyer provides a pretty thorough review of MODx 0.9.6, and describes the installation process, rates the features, and also discusses the security of MODx CMS.
- Dan Moore Review
- I post this review, because it is more recent and covers most of the basics.
- MODx Comparison to Other CMS
- David Molliere shares a comparison between Text Pattern, Expression Engine, CMS Made Simple and MODx.
- Ben Schwenk
- Ben Schwenk of UltraEdit shares his experience in using MODx to power his website.
Websites Powered By MODx
Who Uses MODx CMS?
Anybody can use MODx. Ideally, you should have a grasp of XHTML/CSS and PHP. But, I honestly think just about anyone can figure this CMS out if you are willing to invest a little bit of time.
Here are some sites that are powered by MODx that various designers have created
Here are some sites that are powered by MODx that various designers have created
- Centennial Airport
- This site was built for one of the busiest airports in the United States.
- Foriegn Hip Hop site
- I'm not sure what language this is written in, but this piece of eye candy was also built in MODx. You can see here how MODx can be used to create portal-like websites.
- More examples
- Check out other sites submitted by MODx users.
- MODx It
- I just found this gallery of sites built with MODx.
- French Magazine Site for Girls
- This link will send you to a French website that is built on MODx. I wanted you to see how you can build also build a magazine-like website.
- Texas A&M University English Department
- Check out how a major university in Texas is using MODx to power their English Department. Nothing too frilly design-wise, but it's still a great example to show you how an educational institution is using MODx.
- Law Graduate Firm
- I just came across this site, and loved the unique design. I've certainly never seen a site like this built with Joomla.
- Jewelry store
- This site is quite unique and charming.
- University of Texas Austin College of Education
- UT of Austin recently implemented a MODx-based version of their College of Education site.
Check out the press release.
MODx CMS Tools
Here are the free resources you will find in the MODx CMS Repository
Joomla calls them components and modules, Wordpress call them plugins...MODx calls them snippets. Here is a listing of all the "snippets" or resources that you can download for free to add extra features to your MODx site.
- Wayfinder
- Wayfinder is a highly flexible navigation builder.
- MODx Ditto
- This tool allows you to aggregate your documents to create a blog in MODx.
- eForm
- eForm allows you to easily build forms and send the results to one or more email addresses.
- Jot
- This tool is great if you want to let your visitors to comment on your blog, or if you want to create a guestbook in MODx. Follow this link if you want learn how to build a guestbook in MODx.
- MaxiGallery
- MaxiGallery basically allows you to create an image gallery on your site. This tool is VERY flexible and customizable.
- MODx Repository
- Here you will find a listing of all the resources that will make your MODx site function better.
MODx Hosting Requirements
To ensure that your MODx powered site runs smoothly, you want to check that your host provides the following:
Linux
Apache with mod_rewrite
PHP 4.3.10 or above
MySQL 4.1.x or above
Read Commentary on What Hosts MODx Users Prefer
Here is a forum , where various designers share their favorite hosting providers.
Short on Time?
Here are the hosts they mentioned the most:
Ryan Thrash (co-founder of MODx) reports that they hear the fewest complaints from Dreamhost and Mediatemple
Hostgator and Site5 were also mentioned with good reviews.
Several people displayed interest in Mosso, but it seemed that no one had a good experience to share about that particular company.
Linux
Apache with mod_rewrite
PHP 4.3.10 or above
MySQL 4.1.x or above
Read Commentary on What Hosts MODx Users Prefer
Here is a forum , where various designers share their favorite hosting providers.
Short on Time?
Here are the hosts they mentioned the most:
Ryan Thrash (co-founder of MODx) reports that they hear the fewest complaints from Dreamhost and Mediatemple
Hostgator and Site5 were also mentioned with good reviews.
Several people displayed interest in Mosso, but it seemed that no one had a good experience to share about that particular company.
MODx Download
Get Support from MODx CMS
You can get the support you need through several methods:
1. Go to the forums
Read through other people's posts, and feel free to post your own question if you get lost.
2. Read the MODx Wiki
Here you will find documentation on how to implement different features within MODx; I found the Beginner's Guide to MODx particularly helpful.
3. Pay for it
If you decide you seriously want to work with MODx, then you might want to invest in the commercial support services they provide.
1. Go to the forums
Read through other people's posts, and feel free to post your own question if you get lost.
2. Read the MODx Wiki
Here you will find documentation on how to implement different features within MODx; I found the Beginner's Guide to MODx particularly helpful.
3. Pay for it
If you decide you seriously want to work with MODx, then you might want to invest in the commercial support services they provide.
MODx CMS Tutorials and Documentation
Quick Guide to Getting Started with MODx CMS
Now that you've decided to give MODx CMS a try, here are few basics that you should follow to get started.
1. Download the software at MODx CMS. You can download version 9.6 here.
2. Read MODx Documentation Depending on whether you are a developer or designer, you can read the different sets of documentation available at MODx. I suggest you read these briefly to get an idea of how the system works. You should familiarize yourself with the concepts of template variables, chunks and snippets.
3. Install MODx Follow the directions on this site. For your first site, I'd suggest that you install with the default template that comes with the system (you might find it easier to understand the way MODx works).
4. Getting Your Design Up You should either already have a web design coded, or you could use a xhtml/css template. If you use a MODx template (you could choose from the links I've provided above), you will simply need to cut and paste your code. If you use your own code (you can also use ANY template that is built with xhtml/css) you will need to add a few tags into the xhtml before you can cut and paste the code into the MODx content management system. Follow this beginner's guide so that you can learn how to add the tags.
5. Choose What Features You Need Visit the MODx repository to find out what kind of functionality MODx can provide for your site.
Also feel free to visit the forums and ask questions. The developers are really great about answering questions!
1. Download the software at MODx CMS. You can download version 9.6 here.
2. Read MODx Documentation Depending on whether you are a developer or designer, you can read the different sets of documentation available at MODx. I suggest you read these briefly to get an idea of how the system works. You should familiarize yourself with the concepts of template variables, chunks and snippets.
3. Install MODx Follow the directions on this site. For your first site, I'd suggest that you install with the default template that comes with the system (you might find it easier to understand the way MODx works).
4. Getting Your Design Up You should either already have a web design coded, or you could use a xhtml/css template. If you use a MODx template (you could choose from the links I've provided above), you will simply need to cut and paste your code. If you use your own code (you can also use ANY template that is built with xhtml/css) you will need to add a few tags into the xhtml before you can cut and paste the code into the MODx content management system. Follow this beginner's guide so that you can learn how to add the tags.
5. Choose What Features You Need Visit the MODx repository to find out what kind of functionality MODx can provide for your site.
Also feel free to visit the forums and ask questions. The developers are really great about answering questions!
Free MODx Templates
- Free MODx Templates
- Just found this thread in the MODx forums, and it is packed with links to free MODx templates. Check them out.
- 20 Free MODx templates from Tattoocms
- Wow, 20 templates! You are free to use and modify on your MODx site. These come in handy if you don't know how to write an xhtml/css code.
- 1 Free MODx CMS template from Kickass Web Design
- This is a three column flexiwidth theme with full header and footer. Included, are some template variables and chunk combinations that allow for the addition of an image and paragraph in the left column, and a pullquote box in the content column.
- ziworks Web Solutions
- Here are a couple of free MODx CMS templates from ziworks. One of the templates is pink to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month.
- "Powered By MODx" Buttons
- MODx Buttons/Icons for your sites provided by MODx admin.
What CMS Do You Use?
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Share Your Own MODx Review
If you have tried MODx, please tell us what you love, what you hate and whatever else floats your boat.
(Spam will be deleted)
Lensmaster
Marco wrote
I am fairly new to the world of developing sites within a CMS framework, but that being said, I find MODx to be superior in its flexibility. One of great things about this product is the ease with which you can import your own CSS-driven design into the MODx structure. Hands down, it beats all the 'biggies' (drupal, joomla, et al) in this regard. And there is just so much you can do with MODx. Every time I log into the administration console I feel like a kid in a candy store. Three cheers for MODx. I hope the development team keeps this one going -- it is a great CMS.
Posted June 24, 2008
Lensmaster
deepesh wrote
can anyone provide me any videos in english ......how u made ur own website using modx cms..
Posted June 20, 2008
RyanRE wrote...
Hmmm... I have never heard of MODx, but it sounds like I should check it out. Nice work on this lens. ***** all the way
Posted May 17, 2008
Lensmaster
Derek Hildenbrand wrote
Have couple more site to add in sites powered by Modx:
My company site:
www.newviewit.com
Soon to be finished Shanghai Law Firm: www.tranasialawyers.com
and Asian magazine company done in few weeks:
www.asia-weekly.com
Posted April 09, 2008
Leave a tip
Offer a Donation in the Amount of Value You Think MODx Provides
We tip the waitress,
we tip the barber,
heck...we even tip the pizza delivery guy.
Why not take a moment to tip the hard-working developers behind MODx?
The software is opensource and FREE for you to use, even for commercial projects. There is no set cost to downloading and using MODx. Although, I encourage you to donate what you feel it is worth.
The developers and team have spent literally thousands of hours creating this powerhouse CMS. Please click here and make a secure donation via Paypal.
we tip the barber,
heck...we even tip the pizza delivery guy.
Why not take a moment to tip the hard-working developers behind MODx?
The software is opensource and FREE for you to use, even for commercial projects. There is no set cost to downloading and using MODx. Although, I encourage you to donate what you feel it is worth.
The developers and team have spent literally thousands of hours creating this powerhouse CMS. Please click here and make a secure donation via Paypal.
MODx CMS, MODXCMS
Am I missing anything? Leave your comments in the guestbook above for any segments/features you'd like me to add to this page.
**Please direct your specific questions regarding this software to the MODx Forums.
**Please direct your specific questions regarding this software to the MODx Forums.
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Mrs-Communication
What's here
- MODx CMS Table of Contents
- 5 Reasons to Choose MODx CMS
- Backround of MODx CMS
- How MODx CMS Stacks Up to the Competition
- MODx CMS Reviews
- More...
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