One of the most powerful features of Ratals is the ability to create completely custom database-driven pages and templates using PHP. While Ratals includes a large amount of built-in CMS, Commerce, and ERP functionality, there are times when you may want to build something unique for your business or website.
Examples could include:
Ratals gives developers the ability to create custom template logic that runs directly with frontend templates while still integrating with the core platform structure.
This guide explains how to create custom PHP files that connect to Ratals templates and allow you to pull data from your database anytime a page loads.
Ratals templates support assigned types that determine what backend PHP logic should run when a template is loaded. This makes it possible to separate frontend template design from backend PHP functionality.
The process works like this:
Once completed, your custom code will automatically execute whenever the template is loaded on the frontend.
The first step is creating your custom PHP file in the correct Ratals load-page directory.
Depending on the functionality you need, place your file in one of the following locations:
CMS Content:
/admin/cms/frontend/load-page/your-custom-file-name.php
Commerce Content:
/admin/commerce/frontend/load-page/your-custom-file-name.php
ERP Content:
/admin/erp/frontend/load-page/your-custom-file-name.php
Important: These folders contain core Ratals files. You can safely create your own uniquely named files without affecting the system.
The folder you choose depends on the type of functionality you are building:
For example, if you are building a product-driven page that pulls inventory or pricing data, you should use the Commerce folder.
After creating your PHP file, the next step is connecting it to the Ratals template system.
To do this, you must create a new Assigned Type.
In the admin panel go to:
Admin > Admin Field List
Search for:
Admin Pages - Assigned Type
Inside that field list, click the Sub Item(s) link to view and manage existing options like so:
Important: Make sure your new Assigned Type name is unique and not already used by another template or system process.
For example, you might create an Assigned Type called:
Custom Product Page
After clicking Sub Item(s), click Add Admin Field List Option to create your new Assigned Type.
Inside your custom PHP file, you will check for the Assigned Type you created.
Code example:
if(isset($template_file_type_row['assigned_type']) && $template_file_type_row['assigned_type'] == 'Custom Product Page')
{
// Your custom PHP logic here
}
This tells Ratals to execute your custom PHP whenever a template using that Assigned Type is loaded.
You can place any logic inside this block, including:
Now that your backend PHP logic is connected, the next step is creating the frontend template file.
Go to:
Website > Templates > Templates
Select the enabled template set you are currently editing.
Next:
When you create the template file, Ratals will automatically generate the physical PHP template file on your server.
For example:
my-custom-template.php
The code you enter in the "File Code" textarea will be written directly into that template file.
Inside the template editor, you will see a dropdown called:
Assigned Type
Select the Assigned Type you created earlier.
This connects:
Once linked together, Ratals will automatically execute your custom code whenever the template loads.
At this point, you can begin building fully dynamic templates using your database data.
Because your PHP executes during template loading, you have full access to build advanced dynamic functionality directly into the frontend.
One of the best ways to understand how Ratals works is by reviewing existing files in the load-page directories.
These files show you:
Studying these examples will help you build more advanced and efficient custom functionality.
While custom templates require basic PHP knowledge, Ratals provides a highly flexible system for building advanced functionality directly into your platform.
By combining custom load-page files, Assigned Types, and frontend templates, you can create virtually any type of dynamic page or database-driven experience.
This gives you full control over your frontend while still working inside the structured Ratals CMS, Commerce, and ERP system. Whether you're building simple dynamic content or complex business applications, the template system is designed to scale with your needs.