TYPO3 Version 13.4

• TYPO3 installation version 13.4
• Access to the TYPO3 backend with at least editor rights
• Basic knowledge of the TYPO3 interface
• For some functions: Administrator rights (e.g. presets, site sets, configuration)

TYPO3 version 13 was released in several sprint versions (13.0, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3) up to the LTS version 13.4.
The main features of version 13.4 are

• modern configuration concepts (sitesets)
• better support for individual content elements (content blocks)
• more convenience in the backend for editors
• Technical modernization of the core for stable extensions

New wizards for creating pages and data records (Creation Wizards)

In TYPO3 13, wizards make it easier to create new pages and data records.

Typical scenarios:

• Create a new page with a specific page type
• Derive a new page from an existing page
• Create a new start page for a site

The wizards take you step by step through the process:

1. Select position in the page tree.
2. Select page type or data record type.
3. Fill in mandatory fields (e.g. title, URL for link pages).
4. Other recommended fields are optional.
5. Create page or data record.

Advantages for editors:

• Fewer error messages due to missing mandatory fields
• Clear process instead of many setting options at once
• Standardized way of working in the editorial team

Keyboard shortcuts in the backend (hotkey support)

TYPO3 13 extends the support for keyboard shortcuts in the backend.

Examples:

• Save form in the form engine
• Save and close form

Behavior:

• Editors can edit content faster.
• Frequent actions can be triggered without the mouse.

Note: The exact key combinations depend on the browser and operating system.
Administrators or integrators can configure additional hotkeys via JavaScript.

Improved workspaces and editing processes

Workspaces are further simplified and improved in version 13.
The aim is a stable and comprehensible approval process.

Advantages

• More secure collaboration within the team
• Clearer statuses of drafts and approved content
• fewer technical hurdles for editors

Improvements in search and redirects

Additional improvements are planned and partially implemented in TYPO3 13:

• Indexed search: better results and more stable indexing
• Redirects module: clearer working with redirects

These changes make daily work in the backend easier without editors having to know technical details.

What are sitesets

Sitesets are a new building block within the site configuration.
They bundle configurations that belong to a site, for example:

• Site settings (general settings of the website)
• TypoScript configuration
• TSconfig for backend configuration
• in future also content blocks and other modules

A siteset is therefore a package of settings that:

• is assigned to a site
• can be shared by several sites
• can be versioned and managed in the code

Advantages of sitesets

• Clear separation of configurations by site
• fewer scattered files and settings
• better reuse between projects
• Easier maintenance and updates

Important for editors:
The website behaves more consistently because configurations are maintained centrally.
Important for integrators:
Configuration is more structured and easier to maintain.

Site sets are also used in the free TYPO3 template from jweiland.net.

Objective of the Content Blocks

Content blocks offer a standardized API for individual content:

• new content elements
• own page types
• additional data record types

Instead of many individual files and complex configuration, there is

• one central definition per content block
• clearly structured fields and display
• better reusability in several projects

Advantages in everyday life

For editors:

• Clearly defined, well-named content elements
• Less confusion due to outdated or duplicate elements
• Clear editing forms

For integrators and developers:

• faster creation of new content types
• fewer errors in TCA and template configuration
• a future-proof standard that is maintained by the core team

Two content elements with content blocks are used in the TYPO3 template of jweiland.net. These can be used as examples for implementing your own content elements.

Even if many details mainly affect developers, all users benefit from a more modern basis.

Important points:

• Event-based architecture
  Old hooks are gradually being replaced by an event system.
  Extensions can be cleanly attached to events in the system.
  This increases stability and maintainability.
• Automatic database fields for many TCA field types
  TYPO3 automatically creates suitable database columns for many field types.
  Extensions can be developed faster and maintained more consistently.
• New core APIs
  For example:
  • Cache control via a central API
  • Page information via a standardized object
  • Hash service for standardized hash functions
  • Health check interface for monitoring tools

These changes are not visible in everyday use, but improve security, performance and maintainability.

Preparing for an update to TYPO3 13

Before an update, administrators should

• create a complete backup of files and database
• check the PHP version used (version 13 requires a current PHP version 8.2 to 8.5)
• Check the compatibility of the extensions used with version 13 in the extension catalog
• Read the changelogs and migration notes

Check after the update

After the update, at least the following points should be tested:

• Logging into the backend
• Creating and editing pages using the new creation wizards
• Working with workspaces (if used)
• Function of presets or own configuration packages
• Search in the frontend (indexed search, if active)
• Redirects in the Redirects module

Dealing with very old TYPO3 versions

A large proportion of installed TYPO3 systems are still using unsupported versions.
This means

• no security updates
• no error corrections
• Increased risks for the entire website

Recommendation:

• Plan an update to a current LTS version
• Consider an intermediate step for very old versions
• Use external support if no know-how is available internally

Detailed instructions for a TYPO3 update

Typical problems and solutions

• New wizards are not visible
  • Check whether the installation actually uses version 13
  • Check whether the user group has sufficient rights
• Presets are not offered
  • Check whether the corresponding preset extension is installed and activated
  • Check whether the site configuration is set up correctly
• Backend URL does not work after customization
  • Check web server configuration
  • Check domain and cookie settings
  • If necessary, temporarily use the original path again

• PHP version 8.2 to 8.5
• All extensions used are marked as compatible
• Backup of files and database available
• Test system for the update is available
• Editors are informed about new wizards and processes
• Planned use of site sets or content blocks coordinated

With the release of TYPO3 version 13.4 LTS on October 15, 2024, this version will be supported with free updates until the end of December 2027.

Afterwards, further support with updates can be extended until the end of December 2031 by booking an ELTS service contract.

TYPO3 Roadmap with the most important dates for the current TYPO3 version.