Introduction
Backstretch is a powerful background slideshow solution for Joomla that transforms your website with stunning full-screen image transitions. Available as both a Module and System Plugin, it provides maximum flexibility for creating captivating visual experiences throughout your Joomla website.
Key Features
Dual Deployment Options
- Module: Page-specific control with menu assignment, multiple instances, and position-based placement
- Plugin: Site-wide automatic application with single configuration for entire website
- Use one or both components together for maximum flexibility
Flexible Image Management
- Automatic folder-based image loading with DirectoryIterator
- Individual slide selection with repeatable subform (Module)
- Individual image paths with comma-separated list (Plugin)
- Smart sorting options: Sequential A-Z, Sequential Z-A, or Random
- Multiple format support: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG
Professional Display Options
- Target any element using CSS selectors (body, #header, .hero-section, etc.)
- Full-screen backgrounds or section-specific placement
- Multiple element targeting with comma-separated selectors
- Module class suffix for custom styling (Module)
- Responsive behavior optimization for mobile devices (Plugin)
Smooth Animations & Transitions
- Configurable fade-in duration (default: 3000ms)
- Adjustable transition timeout (default: 7000ms)
- Smooth, professional image transitions
- Seamless slideshow experience
User Interaction Controls
- Optional navigation controls with elegant SVG icons
- Pause-on-hover functionality for user control
- Previous/next buttons with touch-friendly design
- Accessible with ARIA labels and keyboard support
Performance Optimized
- Lazy loading support for on-demand image loading
- Modern WebAssetManager integration
- Deferred script loading (Plugin)
- Efficient asset management
- Minimal performance impact
Advanced Features
- Debug mode with console logging for development
- Path validation and security checks
- Directory traversal protection
- Safe file handling and validation
- Error handling with user feedback
Quick Start
Module Usage:
1. Navigate to System > Manage > Site Modules
2. Create new "Backstretch" module
3. Configure image source (folder or individual slides)
4. Set target elements and animation settings
5. Choose module position and publish
6. Assign to specific menu items
Plugin Usage:
1. Navigate to System > Manage > Plugins
2. Find "System - BackStretch" plugin
3. Set Status to Enabled
4. Configure image source and settings
5. Save and apply site-wide automatically
Upload Images:
- Use Content > Media (Joomla Media Manager)
- Upload to specified folder path
- Optimize images before upload (recommended: under 500KB)
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG
Perfect For
- Creative Agencies - Showcase portfolios with dynamic backgrounds
- Corporate Websites - Professional rotating brand imagery
- E-commerce Sites - Highlight products and promotional campaigns
- Photography Portfolios - Display work with full-screen impact
- Hotels & Restaurants - Create immersive visual experiences
- Educational Sites - Engaging visual content for learning platforms
- Marketing Sites - Campaign-specific backgrounds and visuals
- News Portals - Dynamic storytelling with visual backgrounds
- Event Websites - Showcase event photos and atmosphere
- Real Estate Sites - Property showcases with stunning visuals
Configuration Options
General Settings
- Image source selection (folder-based or individual)
- Folder path configuration (default: images/backstretch/)
- Individual slides/paths input
- Sort order selection (A-Z, Z-A, Random)
- Display mode (Sequential/Random for Plugin)
Display Settings
- Target element selectors (CSS)
- Module class suffix (Module)
- Enable responsive mode (Plugin)
- Multiple element targeting
Animation Settings
- Fade-in time configuration (milliseconds)
- Transition duration (milliseconds)
- Pause on hover enable/disable
- Navigation controls enable/disable
Advanced Settings
- Lazy loading enable/disable
- Debug mode for development
- Custom styling options
Module-Specific
- Module position assignment
- Menu item assignment
- Status (Published/Unpublished)
Plugin-Specific
- Enable/Disable status
- Site-wide application
- Responsive optimization
Technical Features
Modern Architecture
- Full Joomla 4, 5 & 6 compatibility
- WebAssetManager for optimal asset loading
- Modern PHP 7.4+ code with PHP 8+ optimizations
- Match expressions and strict type declarations
- Clean, standards-compliant code
Performance Features
- Vanilla JavaScript with jQuery fallback
- Deferred script loading (Plugin)
- Lazy loading support for images
- Efficient DirectoryIterator for folder scanning
- Minimal DOM manipulation
- Optimized event handling
Security Features
- Path validation and sanitization
- Directory traversal protection
- Safe file type validation
- CSS selector sanitization
- Secure image handling
Responsive Design
- Mobile-responsive behavior
- Touch-friendly navigation controls
- Adaptive sizing for all devices
- Mobile optimization mode (Plugin)
- Cross-device compatibility
Cross-Browser Support
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera
- Modern browser compatibility
- Mobile browser support (iOS Safari, Chrome Mobile)
- Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile)
Accessibility
- ARIA labels on navigation controls
- Keyboard-friendly navigation
- Semantic HTML structure
- Screen reader compatible
Support
- Support Portal: https://support.joomlax.com
- Email Support: info@joomlax.com
- Website: https://joomlax.com
- Documentation: Comprehensive guide included with package
- Update Server: Automatic updates via Joomla update system
Why Choose Backstretch?
Two Tools in One Package - Module for page-specific control and Plugin for site-wide deployment, use one or both for maximum flexibility
Easy to Use - Upload images to folder and configure in minutes, no coding required, intuitive interface
Flexible Deployment - Control which pages show backgrounds (Module) or apply site-wide automatically (Plugin)
Professional Results - Smooth transitions, elegant navigation controls, and polished visual experience
Performance Optimized - Lazy loading, efficient code, WebAssetManager integration, minimal impact on page load times
Mobile Friendly - Fully responsive with mobile optimization, works perfectly on all devices
Modern & Future-Proof - Built for Joomla 4, 5 & 6 with modern coding standards, regular updates and support
Secure & Reliable - Path validation, directory traversal protection, safe file handling, follows Joomla security guidelines
User Controls - Optional navigation buttons and pause-on-hover give visitors control over their experience
Well Documented - Comprehensive documentation with clear examples and configuration guides
Create stunning visual experiences with professional-grade background slideshows that engage visitors and showcase your brand identity while maintaining optimal performance.
Backstretch
- Version:
- 2.3
- Developer:
- Infyways Solutions
- Last updated:
-
Dec 04 2025
18 hours ago - Date added:
- Nov 19 2014
- License:
- GPLv2 or later
- Type:
- Paid download
- Includes:
- m p
- Compatibility:
- J4 J5 J6
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