Backend Groups, Users and Functions

Relationship between BE Groups, Users and Functions

This diagram shows a best-practice configuration for TYPO3 backend users. With its modular design it is easy to adopt it to the different needs of each TYPO3 project. The editing rights and backend configuration have been carefully crafted to create an easy-to-use interface for all users. 

The "All Users" group defines the settings that apply to each and every backend user. It is a sub-group for all other backend user groups. 

Other groups define individual functions and rights for editors, senior editors, news editors, newsletter editors, translators and so on. One group may expand the rights of another group. In the above example the senior editors obtain all settings for the regular editors and expand them with their own rights. 

Each user may belong to one or more user groups. In the diagram the translator user belongs to the translator group and therefore gains access to all language functions. Being also a member of the group editor gives access to the editing fields. In this sample configuration he could translate normal content elements. If he should also do translations for news he would simply become a member of the news editors group. 

There are a number of functions that can be applied to any user. These are shown on the right side of the diagram. If a user needs to use frontend editing capabilities he would be added as a member of this group. Anyone working with frontend user groups (pages and content elements with restricted access) would become a member of the access control group. Using this modular approach each backend user will see only the functions that are needed, preventing the backend forms to be cluttered with unnecessary fields.

Backend Views

Backend for administrators
Backend for administrators - access to everything
Backend for editors
Backend for editors - only the absolutely necessary elements are visible

One of the significant advantages of TYPO3 in comparison with other content management systems is the ultimate flexibility in finetuning the appearance of the backend - the editors daily workplace. 

Each form element can be hidden, resized and re-labeled. This configuration can be set for pages (or group of pages), user groups and ultimately individual users. As an example the functions and tools in the the rich text editors can be different depending on the sections of the website. It can also be different for each user group and each user, depending on their needs and skills. 

The initial configuration of the user groups, users, labels, rights, etc. is a time consuming process. Using the sample configuration on this site this process becomes much easier, saving the administrator valuable time.

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