25+ Key Changes of TYPO3 v13.3
Update
Welcome to the ultimate TYPO3 v13 guide—a blog like no other! TYPO3 v13 marks a pivotal moment in the CMS world, bringing together innovative features, enhanced performance, and robust security. Join us as we take you through a journey of all the exciting updates TYPO3 v13 has to offer.
TYPO3 v13 is more than just an update—it’s a game-changing release that transforms how you work with your CMS. Packed with innovative features, TYPO3 v13 caters to editors, integrators, developers, and administrators alike. From modernizing content management to boosting site performance and enhancing security, TYPO3 v13 is designed to meet the evolving needs of digital teams.
Roadmap Announcement of TYPO3 v13
15+ Key Highlights in TYPO3 v13.1
25+ Key Changes of TYPO3 v13.3
Top 5 Announcement from TYPO3 v13 Roadmap
60+ New and Exciting Key Features in TYPO3 v13.0
What's New in TYPO3 v13.1: 15+ Key highlights
Welcome Aboard: Discover TYPO3 v13
What makes this guide unique? It’s the only all-in-one resource for TYPO3 v13, consolidating every feature, enhancement, and tool into one place.
This chapter-wise guide will take you through TYPO3 v13’s innovations, helping you navigate and implement its powerful updates in your digital projects.
Ready to unlock TYPO3 v13’s full potential? Let’s dive in!
Chapter 1: The New Face of TYPO3
Revamped User Interface
The TYPO3 backend has been redesigned to provide a cleaner, more intuitive experience. Improved navigation, better organization, and customizable color schemes ensure that your editing environment is as efficient as it is pleasant.
Dark Mode: Comfort for Long Hours
With TYPO3 v13, working late has become easier and more comfortable. The newly introduced dark mode reduces eye strain, offering an elegant and modern interface for users who spend long hours on the backend.
Right-to-Left Language Support: Inclusivity at Its Core
TYPO3 now fully supports RTL (Right-to-Left) languages like Arabic and Hebrew, ensuring global accessibility. Whether you're building multilingual sites or catering to diverse audiences, TYPO3 v13 is ready to meet your needs.
Chapter 2: Navigating the Backend with Ease
Re-launched File Trees
The File Trees in TYPO3 now include enhanced functionality like drag-and-drop, virtual scrolling, and color-coded labels. Searching multiple files using comma-separated inputs is a game-changer for file-heavy projects.
Re-launched Page Trees
TYPO3’s Page Trees have been reimagined to enhance usability with features like drag-and-drop functionality, virtual scrolling, and color-coded labels. Managing pages is now faster and more organized.
Introduce Dark Mode
TYPO3 v13 introduces Dark Mode for the backend interface, allowing users to switch to a darker theme for improved usability and visual comfort. This mode enhances accessibility and user experience, especially for developers working long hours.
Introduce Light Mode
Along with Dark Mode, TYPO3 v13 also offers a Light Mode for the backend interface. Users can switch to a lighter theme, providing a refreshing visual experience that suits various work environments and preferences.
Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Power users can now configure their own shortcuts, streamlining frequent actions and reducing clicks. It’s a productivity booster that TYPO3 users have long been waiting for.
Save & Close Button
Back by popular demand, the Save & Close button simplifies editing workflows, allowing editors to focus on creating great content without unnecessary navigation steps.
Move Content Elements Directly Using the Page Tree
Introduces a convenient new feature that allows TYPO3 backend users to move content elements directly within the page tree. This enhancement simplifies content management by enabling users to drag and drop content elements from the “Page” module into the desired location on the page tree.
Search Multiple Pages Using Comma-Separator
This is a small but helpful feature, and The page tree now allows users to search not only for strings and single page IDs but also for comma-separated lists of page IDs.
Labels & Colors in TYPO3 Page Tree
Before the implementation of labels, developers and integrators relied on pageTree.backgroundColor.<pageid> for visual cues, which has been deprecated starting from TYPO3 v13.
Chapter 3: Tools That Empower Content Creators
Content Blocks (not yet in TYPO3 v13 core)
Content Blocks are a sneak peek into the future of TYPO3. These modular, reusable elements simplify page design and empower editors to create flexible layouts without touching the code. While not yet part of the core, this preview hints at TYPO3’s exciting trajectory.
SVG Image Cropping
Say goodbye to external tools! TYPO3 v13 lets you edit and crop SVG images directly within the backend, saving time and making asset management more efficient.
Forms Module Upgrades
The Forms module has been enhanced to improve usability. Features like sorting, duplication, and an integrated search bar make managing forms effortless, even on complex sites with numerous form entries.
Mass Editing for Records
Save hours of manual updates with the new mass editing feature, which allows you to edit properties of multiple records in one go.
Introduce Edit Columns at List Module
TYPO3 Editor gets small but impactful feature called “Edit Columns”. Go to List > Choose your page > Checkbox the record > Click on “Edit columns” button.
Chapter 4: Simplifying Site Management
Site Sets: Streamline Multi-Site Configurations
Site Sets, introduced in TYPO3 v13.3, provide a centralized way to manage reusable configurations across multiple sites. This feature is ideal for organizations running large-scale multisite projects, saving both time and effort.
Backend URL Customization
Enhance security by customizing backend access paths. This small but powerful feature ensures your backend is less vulnerable to unauthorized access attempts.
Permissions Management Made Simple
The Permissions module has been rebranded and redesigned to simplify the process of managing user roles and permissions. With an intuitive interface, administrators can efficiently control who sees what.
Configure Preset to Export & Download Data
Editors can now effortlessly export data using predefined presets tailored to their needs by the website maintainer or TYPO3 extension developers. No more repetitive column selection—simply choose from a list of presets managed by the website maintainer for a streamlined export experience.
Create Backend User Groups via CLI-Commands
An alternative to the existing backend module, a new CLI command ./bin/typo3 setup:begroups:default has been introduced. This command automates the creation of backend user groups, allowing the creation of two pre-configured backend user groups with permission presets applied.
Method 1. Guided Questions/Answers TYPO3 CLI Command
# Default command
# Guided interactive questions/answers
./bin/typo3 setup:begroups:default
Method 2. No Interaction TYPO3 CLI Command
# Set --groups|-g option. Allowed values for groups are Both Editor and Advanced Editor:
# Command examples
./bin/typo3 setup:begroups:default --groups Both
./bin/typo3 setup:begroups:default --groups Editor
./bin/typo3 setup:begroups:default --groups “Advanced Editor”
Chapter 5: Performance That Keeps You Ahead
Modern Image Formats
TYPO3 v13 supports WebP and AVIF formats natively in GIFBUILDER, ensuring your sites load faster and consume less bandwidth. These modern formats are essential for delivering a seamless user experience.
New HTTP Header Settings for Frontend and Proxy Caching
TYPO3 v13 introduces new HTTP Header settings to optimize frontend performance and enhance proxy caching. These improvements provide greater control over caching behavior, ensuring faster load times and better resource management.
Usage Example
// TypoScript
config.sendCacheHeaders = 1
Benefits
This update allows TYPO3 to instruct shared caches (e.g., CDNs) to store cached responses, while delivering up-to-date content to users. The new setting takes precedence over the existing config.sendCacheHeaders = 1 when behind a reverse proxy.
New Base64 Option for Images
Inline image embedding is now supported, improving CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) scores and optimizing site performance.
Key Features
Base64 Encoding: The new base64="true" attribute encodes the image source as a base64 string.
Enhanced Integration: Useful for embedding images directly within HTML, such as in FluidEmail templates, and minimizing HTTP requests.
Usage Example
To encode an image in base64, use the following code:
<!-- Fluid Example -->
<f:image base64="true" src="EXT:backend/Resources/Public/Images/typo3_logo_orange.svg" height="20" class="pr-2" />
<img src="{f:uri.image(base64: 'true', src:'EXT:backend/Resources/Public/Images/typo3_logo_orange.svg')}">
<!-- HTML Output -->
<img class="pr-2" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2...cuODQ4LTYuNzU3Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPgo=" alt="" width="20" height="20">
<img src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2...cuODQ4LTYuNzU3Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPgo=">Benefits
This update simplifies embedding images directly into your content and improves performance by avoiding additional HTTP requests.
Improve Your CLS Score: Inline File Embedding Added to Asset ViewHelpers
TYPO3 v13 enhances Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) scores by introducing inline file embedding for Asset ViewHelpers. This improvement reduces layout shifts by embedding CSS and JavaScript directly, ensuring smoother page rendering and better user experience.
- Inline Rendering: The inline argument enables the content of CSS and JavaScript files to be embedded directly into the HTML <head> section.
- Performance Improvement: Useful for above-the-fold content, helping reduce Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) and enhancing page load times.
Usage Example
<!-- CSS: Fluid Template -->
<f:asset.css identifier="my-hero" href="EXT:sitepackage/Resources/Public/Css/my-hero.css" inline="1" priority="1"/><!-- JavaScript: Fluid Template -->
<f:asset.script identifier="my-hero" src="EXT:sitepackage/Resources/Public/Js/my-hero.js" inline="1" priority="1"/>Benefits
This new option allows you to manage and optimize how your assets are loaded, contributing to a smoother and more efficient user experience.
Automatic Frontend Cache Tagging
TYPO3 v13 introduces Automatic Frontend Cache Tagging, enabling precise and efficient cache invalidation. This ensures that only relevant cached content is updated when changes occur, improving performance and reducing unnecessary cache clearing.
Benefits
With automatic cache tagging, cache entries are consistently updated as records change, streamlining cache management and ensuring accurate content delivery.
Chapter 6: Security at the Heart of TYPO3 v13
Simplified Backend Permissions UI
TYPO3 v13 features a Simplified Backend Permissions UI with a cleaner design and intuitive controls. Administrators can now easily manage user permissions, streamlining workflows and improving usability.
Recycle with Confidence
The Recycler extension is now enabled by default, allowing you to recover accidentally deleted content without additional tools.
Error Handling Redefined
TYPO3 v13 enhances error handling with clearer, more actionable messages for database issues like "Row Size Too Large" and misconfigurations in PHP. This saves time for developers and administrators alike.
Add Configuration Setting to Define Backend Locking File
TYPO3 v13.3 introduces a new configuration setting to define the location of the backend locking file, previously stored in typo3conf/. The new setting $GLOBALS['TYPO3_CONF_VARS']['BE']['lockBackendFile'] allows you to specify the location of the LOCK_BACKEND file.
Default Locations
- Composer Mode: var/lock/
- Legacy Mode: config/
If you used a custom location or automation for the LOCK_BACKEND file, update your processes or use CLI commands (vendor/bin/typo3 backend:lock and vendor/bin/typo3 backend:unlock).
Benefits
The new setting provides flexibility for managing the backend locking file location, now defaulting to var/lock/ (Composer) or config/ (Legacy), and allows for easier management of backend maintenance.
Administrator Can Manage PHP’s disable_function
Introducing a new configuration option in the Install Tool, allowing you to customize the environment check with a list of approved `disable_functions`. Tailor your setup effortlessly to meet your specific requirements.
Protect TCA Structures with New Schema API
Introducing the new Schema API, which provides unified access to all TCA structures in TYPO3. This architectural update aims to minimize direct access to $GLOBALS['TCA'] post-Bootstrap. While existing methods like reading and writing $GLOBALS['TCA'] in Configuration/TCA/* and via TCA Overrides remain unchanged, the API offers a unified approach for accessing TCA information.
Drop “typo3conf” Directory
The legacy typo3conf directory is no longer part of system status checks, marking a step forward in TYPO3’s modernized architecture.
Key Highlight
- Extensions (now managed in vendor/)
- Configuration files (now moved to config/)
- Language labels and artifact states (moved to var/)
- Backend lock file (LOCK_BACKEND)
Benefits
This change simplifies the TYPO3 directory structure.
Chapter 7: Power Tools for Developers
Upgrading to Fluid 4.0
TYPO3 v13.3 upgrades to Fluid 4.0, introducing improved support for boolean attributes in tag-based ViewHelpers. While older TYPO3 versions will continue using Fluid 2 with ongoing bug fixes, this update streamlines boolean attribute handling, making it easier and more intuitive.
Meet PAGEVIEW: A Game-Changer for Integrator
The new PAGEVIEW content object simplifies TypoScript for developers, making page rendering faster and more efficient. It’s a feature that aligns with TYPO3’s goal of reducing complexity without sacrificing flexibility.
# EXT:your_extension/Configuration/Sets/YourSet/setup.typoscript
page = PAGE
page.10 = PAGEVIEW
page.10.paths.100 = EXT:mysite/Resources/Private/Templates/ExpressionBuilder Upgraded
Developers can now take advantage of over 10 new methods for dynamic query creation, providing more flexibility for complex use cases.
# Introduced New Expression Methods
ExpressionBuilder::as()
ExpressionBuilder::concat()
ExpressionBuilder::castVarchar()
ExpressionBuilder::castInt()
ExpressionBuilder::repeat()
ExpressionBuilder::space()
ExpressionBuilder::left()
ExpressionBuilder::right()
ExpressionBuilder::leftPad()
ExpressionBuilder::rightPad()Revert Upgrade Wizards with Ease
Mistakes happen, but TYPO3 v13 makes recovery easier with a CLI command to revert upgrade wizards.
YAML Validation
The new lint:yaml CLI command ensures your YAML configurations are error-free, preventing misconfigurations that could disrupt your site.
Automatic System Fields in Content Types
TYPO3 v13 introduces Automatic System Fields in Content Types, where essential fields like timestamps and user IDs are automatically added to new content types. This simplifies content creation while maintaining consistency across the system.
// Before
'slider' => [
'showitem' => '
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:general,
--palette--;;general,
--palette--;;headers,
slider_elements,
bodytext;LLL:EXT:awesome_slider/Resources/Private/Language/locallang_ttc.xlf:bodytext.ALT.slider_description,
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:appearance,
--palette--;;frames,
--palette--;;appearanceLinks,
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:language,
--palette--;;language,
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:access,
--palette--;;hidden,
--palette--;;access,
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:categories,
categories,
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:notes,
rowDescription,
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:extended,
',
],
// After
'slider' => [
'showitem' => '
--palette--;;headers,
slider_elements,
bodytext;LLL:EXT:awesome_slider/Resources/Private/Language/locallang_ttc.xlf:bodytext.ALT.slider_description,
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:categories,
categories,
--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:extended,
',
],FAL support for FlexFormProcessor
The FlexFormProcessor is now able to resolve FAL references by its own. Each FlexForm field, which should be resolved, needs a reference definition to the foreign_match_fields. This reference is later used in the FilesProcessor to resolve the correct FAL resource.
10 = TYPO3\CMS\Frontend\DataProcessing\FlexFormProcessor
10 {
fieldName = my_flexform_field
references {
my_flex_form_group.my_flex_form_field = my_field_reference
}
as = myOutputVariable
}Important Update: Reference Index Rebuild Required
In TYPO3 v13, new columns in the sys_refindex table require a mandatory rebuild during upgrades to maintain accurate data handling. The process is now streamlined for faster updates, ensuring improved structural performance in the frontend and preventing data inconsistencies.
FAL File Management in Extbase/Fluid
Enhanced support for file uploads and deletions in Extbase and Fluid simplifies media handling for developers.
Doctrine Database Abstraction Layer (DBAL) Update:
Updated Doctrine, the DBAL used in TYPO3. Doctrine DBAL v4 is in its first release candidate stage, with the final release expected in the coming months. Developers can find more information about breaking changes in Doctrine DBAL v4 in the upgrade notes.
Chapter 8: Enhancing Usability for Everyone
Dashboard: New Widgets (SEO, System Notes, Page Changes)
TYPO3 v13 introduces new Dashboard Widgets for SEO, system notes, and page changes, offering a more streamlined and informative backend experience. These widgets enhance user accessibility by consolidating key insights into the dashboard for better content management and decision-making.
SEO
System Notes
Others
UI (User Interface) Touch-up!
In TYPO3 v13.3, you'll notice a refreshed look throughout the backend with updates to colors, TypoGraphy, icons, and spacing. These changes bring a modern and improved user experience to TYPO3. What are your thoughts? Share your feedback in the comments!
Global Live Search Enhancements
Searching backend modules, pages, and workspaces is now faster and more accurate, giving editors quick access to what they need.
Backend Modules in Global Live Search
Workspace In Global Live Search
Workspace Magic
Previews and approvals in workspaces have been streamlined, making collaborative editing more efficient.
Improved Notification Management
The new “Clear All” button declutters your notifications, letting you focus on what’s important.
More Languages, More Reach
With Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Maltese added, TYPO3 continues to expand its global usability.
TYPO3 Roadmap and Support
TYPO3 v13 comes with extended support options and a transparent roadmap, ensuring long-term stability for your projects.
System Requirements for TYPO3 v13
Check your infrastructure against the updated system requirements to ensure a seamless upgrade.
| Requirement | Details |
| PHP Version | Minimum: 8.2; Recommended: 8.3 |
| Database | MySQL 8.0+, MariaDB 10.3+, PostgreSQL 12+, SQLite 3.31.0+ |
| Web Server | Apache 2.4+ or Nginx (IIS is not officially supported) |
| Operating System | Linux, macOS, Windows (recommended only for development) |
| Image Processing | ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick |
| Composer | Required for installation and managing dependencies |
| Browsers | Latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge for backend access |
| RAM | Minimum 2 GB for small installations; more for larger setups |
Chapter 10: Ready to Try TYPO3 v13?
Download and Install TYPO3 v13
Getting started is simple! Download TYPO3 v13 and follow step-by-step instructions to explore its features.
Experiment and Explore
Dive into TYPO3 v13’s capabilities and see how it can transform your projects.
Chapter 11: Wrapping Up the Journey
TYPO3 version 13.3 is a big step forward, packed with new features that show how flexible the platform is. This update highlights TYPO3's dedication to staying ahead in technology and meeting the changing needs of its users.
However, the journey doesn’t stop here. The TYPO3 community is at the heart of this progress, and your participation is key to shaping its future. Whether you're exploring the new version or contributing ideas, every step forward is a collective effort.
Final Takeaways:
Gratitude: A huge thank-you to the TYPO3 Open Source community for their incredible dedication. Let’s celebrate this achievement by sharing your thoughts on social media, connecting in Slack groups, or supporting TYPO3 through donations.
Dive In: Try out TYPO3 v13! Discover how these enhancements can transform your projects. If you encounter any issues or have suggestions, share them on TYPO3 Forge and help refine the platform further.
Let’s embrace this exciting release together. Happy exploring, and here’s to a bright future for TYPO3!
Have a Happy TYPO3 v13!
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Sanjay Chauhan
CTO at T3Planet & NITSANSanjay Chauhan, Co-Founder of NITSAN (Award winning TYPO3 agency) and Pioneer of T3Planet (first-ever TYPO3 Shop).
A true TYPO3 fanatic since 2010. I bring strong TYPO3 experience in building customer-business…
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