# Optimizing PrestaShop performance settings

> Make your PrestaShop store faster with its built-in performance settings, including Smarty optimisation, caching and CCC options.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/prestashop/optimizing-prestashop-performance-settings/

PrestaShop includes several built‑in performance options that can significantly improve site speed. On **ruachost.com**, you can configure these settings to reduce page load times and enhance customer experience.

## Why Optimize Performance?

- Faster page loads improve customer satisfaction.
- Better performance reduces bounce rates and increases conversions.
- Optimized caching lowers server resource usage.

## Steps to Optimize Performance

### Step 1: Enable Smarty Optimization

1. Log in to PrestaShop as the **administrator**.
2. On the left menu, click **Advanced Parameters → Performance**.
3. In the **Smarty** section:

   - Set **Template compilation** to **Recompile templates if the files have been updated**.
   - Set **Cache** to **Yes**.
   - Enable **Clear cache automatically**.

### Step 2: Enable Caching

1. In the **Performance** settings, scroll to the **Caching** section.
2. Select **Use cache → Yes**.
3. Choose a caching system supported by your hosting plan:

   - ### Memcached
   - **APC** or **XCache** (if available).
4. Save changes.

### Step 3: Optimize CCC (Combine, Compress, Cache)

1. In the **Performance** settings, locate the **CCC (Combine, Compress and Cache)** section.
2. Enable the following options:

   - **Smart cache for CSS** → Yes.
   - **Smart cache for JavaScript** → Yes.
   - **Minify HTML** → Yes.
   - **Compress inline JavaScript in HTML** → Yes.
   - **Move JavaScript to the end** → Yes.
3. Save changes.

### Step 4: Disable Unused Modules

- Go to **Modules → Module Manager**.
- Disable or uninstall modules you don’t use.
- Fewer active modules = faster site performance.

### Step 5: Use a Production Environment

- In **Performance → Debug Mode**, set **Disable non‑PrestaShop modules** to **No**.
- Set **Disable all overrides** to **No**.
- Ensure **Debug Mode** is turned **off** in production.

## Important Notes

- Always clear the **Smarty cache** after making performance changes.
- Test your site after each adjustment to ensure compatibility.
- Some modules may conflict with CCC settings, disable CCC temporarily if issues arise.

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