Drupal Admin Toolbar - What Is It, How to Install and Use the Module

Content management systems (CMS) may be designed to easily manage increasing amounts of web content. Yet, with their dizzying array of features, using them can sometimes get daunting. For Drupal users, a better CMS experience is achievable.

Drupal Admin Toolbar

Thanks to the Admin Toolbar, site navigation and management have become more intuitive and efficient, helping you save time in the process.

Keep on reading to get the lowdown on Drupal's Admin Toolbar and how you can set it up for an efficient website management experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Consider Admin Toolbar as the extension of Drupal's default toolbar.
  • Its nifty features and tools let you easily hop between admin tasks/pages, making your site management effortless. 
  • Installing the Drupal Admin Toolbar takes as little as four steps to complete. 
  • Once you have installed the module, you can customise it according to your needs and further streamline your admin tasks.
     

Making Sense of Drupal Admin Toolbar

The Drupal Admin Toolbar works as an extension of the program's default toolbar. Think of it as your trusty sidekick. It turns the basic toolbar into a nifty dropdown menu so that you can hop between admin pages with ease.

Such an intuitive interface reduces the time and effort needed to identify and complete various administrative tasks.

Installing the Drupal Admin Toolbar

Don't worry: installing the Drupal Admin Toolbar isn't as complex as it might seem. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll be on your way:

1. Check Your Gear

Before you begin the Admin Toolbar setup, make sure you've got everything you need:

  • Running Drupal 9.2 or a newer version or Drupal 10 to play nice with the toolbar.
  • jQuery, which is already part of Drupal's core package.
  • The keys to the kingdom, a.k.a. admin rights to your website.

However, if you encounter any problems, you can contact the top Drupal developer, that is Magnetic Force, and we'd be happy to help you.

2. Grab the Admin Toolbar

Head over to the Admin Toolbar's project page on Drupal.org and pick the right package for your Drupal version. Then, unzip those files into your site's 'modules/contrib' folder.

Feeling techy? Fire up Composer and run this command:

composer require drupal/admin_toolbar

3. Get It Up and Running

Jump into your admin tool, go to 'Extend', find the Admin Toolbar module, and check its box. Give that Install button a click, and you're all set!

You can also use Drush if you have it installed on your website. Run the following command:

drush en admin_toolbar -y

4. Make Configurations

You can configure your Admin Toolbar to optimise its use. To do that, go to Configuration > User interface > Admin Toolbar Tools. Access the settings where you make adjustments to permissions and other preferences. 

Using the Drupal Admin Toolbar

With the module set up to your liking, explore the admin toolbar for smoother site management. Here are some things you'll want to check out:

  • Enhanced Menu Navigation: As noted earlier, the dropdown menu interface is the most defining feature of the Administrative Toolbar. Just hover over the top-level items to reveal submenu items without jumping from page to page.
  • Quick Links: Commonly used pages like Content, Structure, Appearance, People, Modules, Configuration, and Reports get their own links within the toolbar to reduce the clicks needed to reach these essential areas. 
  • Administrative Shortcuts: You can save time navigating tasks further by adding administrative shortcuts for frequently used pages. To do that, go to the page you want to add and click the Add to Shortcuts link in the toolbar.
  • Managing Modules: You can effectively manage multiple modules through the Extend option from the dropdown menu. This feature is a time-saver, allowing you to enable or disable modules as and when you need them. 
  • User Permissions: Set permissions and designate types of access by navigating to People > Permissions. The dropdown menu structure makes it easy to locate the specific permission settings you need to adjust.

Additional Tips for Effective Use of the Drupal Admin Toolbar

The Admin Toolbar is a notable improvement over the standard Drupal admin interface. Nevertheless, if you want to get the best out of it, consider the following tips

  • Utilise Search To The Fullest: With the search bar, you can save time looking for items, configurations, or modules on your website without individually checking the submenus.
  • Tailor the Toolbar: Everyone has a different workflow. So, customize that toolbar to fit the needs of various user roles. It's all about giving them what they need to work smarter, not harder while keeping things secure.
  • Keep All Modules Updated: Stay on top of your game by updating your modules. It's like giving them a quick health check-up for new perks and Drupal security boosts. With the Admin Toolbar, it's a snap to check for updates and get them rolling.
  • Keep It Clean: Just like tidying up your room, Drupal needs a clear cache to show off your latest changes. Use that handy toolbar button to clear out the old and bring in the new instantly.
  • Use the Toolbar with Other Admin Modules: Why not team up the Admin Toolbar with other admin modules? Think of it as forming a supergroup for even more management power and slicker interfaces.
     

Conclusion

The Drupal Admin Toolbar module is an essential tool you should never do without if you run a Drupal site. With its user-friendly interface and time-saving features, it's like having a personal assistant that makes handling administrative functions smoother and faster.

With a few customizations here and there, such as adding shortcuts and role-specific functions, you can optimise your workflow further and manage your site better. So go ahead and give your Drupal website an upgrade with this nifty toolbar!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Admin Toolbar a match for my Drupal version?

If you're using Drupal 9.2 or newer version or Drupal 10, you're all set to use the Admin Toolbar. If you're still using Drupal 7, though, you may have to use the Admin Menu module.

How do I update the Admin Toolbar?

Go to your Drupal admin area and use Composer with the command 'composer update drupal/admin_toolbar.' You can also go to your 'modules/contrib directory' to manually download and replace the module files there. But before doing either of these steps, don't forget to backup your site first–better safe than sorry!

Do I need Drush to get the Admin Toolbar working?

Not really. Drush is handy but not a must-have. You can install the toolbar without it, no sweat.

I'd like to make the Admin Toolbar my own; can I customise it?

Absolutely! Spruce it up with shortcuts and tweaks that suit your workflow. 

Is the Admin Toolbar going to slow my site down?

No. The toolbar is pretty nimble and shouldn't drag your site's speed. But keep an eye out after adding new modules, just in case.