Installation (Extended License)
The Extended License installation includes everything from the Regular License installation plus an additional hosting configuration step.
Prerequisites
The Extended License installation follows the same initial steps as the Regular License. Make sure you have completed all server requirements before proceeding.
For regular license installation steps (Steps 1-6), see the Installation guide.
Steps 1-6: Same as Regular License
Follow Steps 1 through 4.6 from the Regular License installation. The process is identical:
- Download and upload files
- Set file permissions
- Create database
- Run the Installation Wizard (Steps 1-6)
Once you have created your admin account (Step 5 in the wizard), the Extended License installer will present an additional step.
Hosting Configuration
Step 7 - Hosting Configuration (Extended License Only)
This extra step appears after creating your admin account. It configures how Votlie manages custom domains for your tenants.
Hosting Panel Detection
The installer automatically detects whether your server uses cPanel or Cloudflare. You can also choose manually.
Integration Modes
| Mode | Description | Best For | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | Generates DNS instructions for tenants to follow | Any hosting provider | Simplest setup, no API keys needed |
| cPanel | Auto-creates subdomains and provisions SSL via cPanel API | cPanel shared hosting | Requires cPanel API credentials |
| Cloudflare | Auto-provisions custom hostnames via Cloudflare for SaaS | Cloudflare-managed sites | Requires Cloudflare API Token and Zone ID |
cPanel Setup
If you choose cPanel as your integration mode, you will need to provide the following fields:
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| cPanel Hostname | The hostname of your cPanel server | server.yourdomain.com |
| cPanel Username | Your cPanel account username | yourusername |
| cPanel API Token | API token for authentication | Generate in cPanel > Manage API Tokens |
| Document Root | Path to the Votlie installation on the server | /home/user/public_html |
Generate a cPanel API Token
- Log in to your cPanel account
- Navigate to Security > Manage API Tokens
- Click Create to generate a new token
- Copy the token and paste it into the installer
Keep your cPanel API Token secure. It grants access to your hosting account's API.
Cloudflare Setup
If you choose Cloudflare as your integration mode, you will need to provide the following fields:
| Field | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare API Token | API token with Custom Hostnames permissions | Create in Cloudflare dashboard > API Tokens |
| Zone ID | Identifier for your Cloudflare zone | Found on the Cloudflare dashboard overview page for your domain |
| CNAME Target | The hostname tenants will CNAME to | The hostname that tenant custom domains should point to |
Generate a Cloudflare API Token
- Go to your Cloudflare dashboard
- Navigate to My Profile > API Tokens
- Click Create Token
- Ensure the token has Custom Hostnames permissions
- Copy the token and paste it into the installer
Manual Mode
If you choose Manual, no additional configuration is needed. When tenants add a custom domain, Votlie will generate DNS instructions that the tenant can follow to point their domain.
You can skip the hosting configuration step during installation and configure it later from Super Admin > Platform Settings.
Step 8 - Complete
Installation is finished. Click Go to Login to access your new site.
Post-Installation Checklist
After logging in as the super admin, complete these essential SaaS setup steps:
- Configure Stripe - Go to Super Admin > Platform Settings > Stripe tab. Connect your Stripe account for payment processing.
- Create Plans - Go to Super Admin > Plans. Define subscription plans for your tenants.
- Configure SMTP - Go to Super Admin > Platform Settings > Email tab. Set up email delivery.
- Set Registration Mode - Go to Super Admin > Platform Settings > General. Choose how new tenants can sign up.
- Customize Landing Page - Configure your public-facing landing page content.
- Set Up Branding - Add your logo, colors, and brand identity.
- Customize Email Templates - Go to Super Admin > Email Templates. Personalize transactional emails.
- Configure Hosting - Go to Super Admin > Domains > Settings. Set up hosting integration if you skipped it during installation.
- Set Up Cron Job - Required for background tasks. See Cron Jobs for setup instructions.
- Test the Flow - Create a test tenant, subscribe to a plan, and verify everything works end-to-end.