How to Preview Joomla Module Positions
Enable Joomla's preview feature
In Administrator, go to System → Site Templates and select Options from the toolbar. Set Preview Module Positions to Enabled and save. Joomla's current User Manual documents this setting as the prerequisite for showing template position labels on the site.
Open the frontend page you want to inspect
Navigate to the exact page whose layout you are troubleshooting. Template styles can be assigned by menu item, so previewing only the home page may show positions from a different style or template than the page where you plan to publish the module.
Add tp=1 to the URL
If the URL has no query string, append ?tp=1. If it already contains a question mark and parameters, append &tp=1. Reload the page. Joomla will display the available template position labels supported by the active template and preview mechanism.
Match names to module settings
Write down the exact position name you want, then open Content → Site Modules and edit the module. Select that same position in the module's Position field. Similar names are not interchangeable; the selected name must correspond to a position the active template renders.
Account for conditional positions
Some template positions may not appear exactly as expected because templates can conditionally render layout regions. Joomla documentation notes that a position can be available even when the normal page adapts around an empty area. Check the template's position list when the preview is ambiguous.
Test the module after assignment
Save the module, confirm it is published and assigned to the target menu item, then reload the normal page. Position preview identifies locations; it does not override module status, access level, language, publishing dates, or menu assignment.
Disable preview on a production site
After troubleshooting, return to System → Site Templates → Options and set Preview Module Positions to Disabled. Joomla's current User Manual specifically recommends disabling the feature on production sites when you are finished using it.
Need More Help with Joomla?
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Support priority is given to QuantaCade products, services, and customers. However, we're also happy to assist fellow Joomla users with general Joomla questions and troubleshooting when possible.
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