Container Extension for TYPO3

The TYPO3 Extension “Container” by b13 brings structure to complex TYPO3 content setups.

Build flexible layouts with clean markup—simple, stable, and fully aligned with the TYPO3 Core.

A stylized graphic of a brown square with a grid pattern, resembling a window or a box, surrounded by colorful dots and a coffee bean.

What is the Container Extension?

The Container Extension extends TYPO3 with a powerful yet simple concept: container content elements.

A container is a content element that can hold other content elements.

This makes it easy to create layout sub-structures directly in the backend—such as two-column sections, card grids, or nested content areas.

How it works

Each container type defines content areas (for example, left/right column).

Editors can put any content elements into these content areas—no technical knowledge required.

Rendering happens entirely within your project’s site package:

  • Templates are built with Fluid,
  • Data is processed using TYPO3 Core mechanisms (like DataProcessing),
  • No separate rendering engine or custom logic is introduced.

The result: maximum flexibility, minimal complexity.

A person with curly hair gestures towards a large computer screen displaying text and layout elements. The scene features vibrant colors, including orange and blue, with additional graphic elements like plants and smaller screens in the foreground.

For Integrators

  • Define your own container types using TCA configuration.
  • Fully Core-compliant—no CType overrides.
  • Clean markup thanks to dedicated Fluid templates.
  • Nested containers supported.
  • Works seamlessly with Fluid DataProcessors, ViewHelpers, and custom layout logic.

Advantage: Full control over structure and markup—while keeping content editing safe and intuitive.

Two figures, one in a long orange dress and the other in an orange shirt, are interacting with a large digital screen displaying various text blocks and lines in blue and orange.

For Editors

  • Visual clarity: Content is grouped logically and clearly displayed in the backend.
  • Flexible layouts: Design individual page sections without technical knowledge.
  • Safe boundaries: Editors can only add content where it’s allowed (when the TYPO3 extension “content_defender” is installed).
  • Consistent design: Containers define the layout rules—editors fill the content.

Why Container instead of alternatives?

Compared to older solutions like Gridelements or Flux, Container works directly with TYPO3 Core mechanisms. This makes it:

  • Future-proof—no external dependencies,
  • Lightweight,
  • Upgrade-safe,
  • and maintainable in the long run.

The extension is actively maintained, fully compatible with current TYPO3 versions, and used in many enterprise projects.

Technical Details

Extension Keycontainer
DeveloperAchim Fritz (b13)
LicenseGPL v2 or later
TYPO3 Compatibilityv10 LTS – v13 (current)
Composer Packageb13/container
Repositorygithub.com/b13/container

Installation (Composer)

composer require b13/container

After installation:

  1. Activate the extension in the TYPO3 backend
  2. Define and configure your own container types
  3. Extend your site package with container templates
Find “Container” on GitHub

Read more about “Container” (including sample code) in our blog:

A stylized computer window displays a grid layout with yellow sections and text lines, surrounded by abstract shapes and foliage in a dark background.
TYPO3 Container CType
Flexible Containers and Grids for TYPO3
David Steeb
A person with curly hair stands in front of a large computer screen displaying text and graphics, while two smaller documents are positioned nearby. The overall color scheme features shades of blue and orange.
TYPO3 Container CType
Flexible Containers and Grids for TYPO3, Part Two
David Steeb
Two individuals, one with long hair and the other with short hair, are pointing at a large digital screen displaying text and graphics. The scene features vibrant colors and abstract shapes in the background.
TYPO3 Container CType
Flexible Containers and Grids for TYPO3, Part Three
David Steeb