In today’s digital-first business environment, flexibility and personalization are crucial for operational success. Enterprises are no longer content with off-the-shelf software that requires them to mold processes around rigid tools. Instead, businesses expect the software they adopt to adapt to their workflows, branding, and evolving requirements. Dolibarr ERP & CRM, with its modular and open-source architecture, stands out as one of the most customizable business management platforms available today.

Dolibarr offers advanced customization capabilities through themes and plugins (also known as external modules or extensions). These tools empower organizations to personalize everything from the user interface to deeply embedded business logic — allowing small businesses, medium enterprises, and large-scale service providers to use Dolibarr in a way that reflects their identity and meets their operational needs.

This comprehensive article explores the possibilities for advanced customization in Dolibarr using exclusive themes and plugins. We'll examine how the platform supports customization, the differences between internal and external modules, how to create or implement your own themes, and how to choose or build powerful plugins that enhance functionality without compromising system stability. Real-world examples and best practices will also be shared to demonstrate how you can push Dolibarr far beyond its default configuration.

Why Customize Dolibarr?

Dolibarr is used by a wide variety of organizations — from freelancers and NGOs to multinational logistics companies. These users often need unique workflows, specific layouts, or industry-specific capabilities. Customizing Dolibarr allows you to:

• Match the ERP to your branding (colors, logos, themes)

• Improve usability for different departments or roles

• Add or remove features based on usage

• Integrate sector-specific tools or metrics

• Create a more intuitive and modern interface

• Comply with regional regulations and language preferences

Dolibarr’s open-source foundation provides complete freedom to modify, extend, and redesign without vendor lock-in.

Themes in Dolibarr: Redesigning the Look and Feel

A theme in Dolibarr determines how the user interface looks. This includes color schemes, fonts, layout spacing, icon styling, and even certain dynamic behaviors.

Key Aspects of Themes:

• Located in the /theme/ directory of your Dolibarr installation

• Composed of CSS files, template overrides, and sometimes JavaScript

• Include header and footer files, along with templates for menus and dashboard widgets

Default vs. Custom Themes:

Dolibarr ships with several built-in themes (e.g., eldy, md, and Material). While functional, these can be limiting for companies seeking a unique identity. A custom theme allows you to:

• Align ERP visuals with your corporate brand

• Enhance accessibility (larger fonts, contrast improvements)

• Improve navigation and user experience

Creating a Custom Theme:

1. Duplicate an existing theme folder as a base

2. Rename the folder and define your theme in theme_vars.inc.php

3. Customize CSS (Bootstrap-based), fonts, icons, and menu layout

4. Test thoroughly on different screen sizes

5. Activate your theme via Dolibarr’s admin panel

Plugins such as DoliThemeBuilder or community-developed packages can assist in theme development and deployment.

Plugins and External Modules: Supercharging Functionality

While themes modify the appearance, plugins — also called external modules — modify functionality. These are packaged additions that you can activate, deactivate, and update independently.

Types of Dolibarr Plugins:

• UI Extensions: Add tabs, buttons, menu items

• Data Extensions: Create new tables, fields, or object types

• Process Automation: Introduce workflows, notifications, or cron jobs

• Reporting Tools: Add dashboards, graphs, or analytics

• Integrations: Connect with external APIs (e.g., payment gateways, third-party logistics, or e-commerce)

Installing Plugins:

1. Upload the plugin zip to the /custom/ directory or install directly from the DoliStore

2. Extract and activate via the Dolibarr module admin area

3. Configure settings from the plugin’s admin page

Plugins can be commercial or open source. High-quality modules are often maintained on GitHub or purchased from the DoliStore marketplace.

Exclusive Plugins That Transform Dolibarr

Here are some standout plugins that significantly enhance Dolibarr:

• MultiCurrency – Adds support for multiple currencies with dynamic exchange rates

• Advanced Manufacturing – Enables routing, work orders, and complex BOM (Bill of Materials) logic

• Custom PDF Templates – Offers drag-and-drop invoice and proposal design

• HRM Extended – Adds payroll, recruitment, and attendance systems

• DoliPOS – Integrates Point of Sale interface with inventory

• Gantt Project View – Turns the basic project module into a full visual project manager

These modules bring Dolibarr closer to a full-featured enterprise suite, competing with much more expensive proprietary systems.

Building Your Own Plugin

If your business has unique requirements, building a custom plugin may be the ideal route.

Steps to create your own module:

1. Use the Dolibarr Module Builder (online or offline)

2. Define your module’s name, tables, permissions, and UI elements

3. Use PHP and SQL to code your business logic

4. Include appropriate language files for i18n support

5. Test across different user profiles

Advanced modules can include:

• AJAX calls for dynamic UI

• REST API endpoints

• Automated email generation

• Barcode or RFID integrations

• Custom accounting rules or tax calculations

Advanced UI Customization Techniques

Some businesses require UI elements far beyond the capabilities of standard themes. You can:

• Replace standard menu layouts with vertical navigation

• Use tabs within object cards (e.g., invoice view)

• Inject real-time metrics (e.g., stock alerts) in dashboards

• Incorporate animations or tooltips for onboarding

This level of customization may require editing core templates (tpl.php) or building a module that overrides default behaviors.

Managing Customizations Across Updates

A key concern for any customization is sustainability through upgrades. Dolibarr makes this easier by:

• Encouraging use of the /custom/ directory for non-core changes

• Supporting hook functions to avoid core file edits

• Allowing child themes or template inheritance

Best practices include:

• Keeping a changelog of modifications

• Testing each new Dolibarr version on a staging environment

• Using Git or other version control for plugins and themes

Real-World Use Cases

1. Non-Profit Organization with Custom Grant Tracker

A global NGO developed a plugin to track grants, milestones, and donor reports with custom fields, user roles, and timelines.

2. Manufacturer Using Custom Theme for Shop Floor Interface

A mid-sized factory designed a touchscreen-optimized theme for warehouse and shop floor users, with barcode scanning integration.

3. Legal Firm with Document Automation

A law office added a plugin to generate case summaries and legal templates, pulling data from CRM and document modules.

Resources for Learning and Collaboration

• DoliStore – Official marketplace for modules and themes

• GitHub – Explore open-source Dolibarr modules

• Dolibarr Forums – Ask questions and share best practices

• YouTube & Blogs – Tutorials from community developers

• Module Builder – Tools to scaffold plugins quickly

Conclusion

Dolibarr is not just an ERP/CRM — it is a customizable framework for managing your entire business. With the right themes and plugins, you can mold it to reflect your workflows, branding, and goals. Whether you choose to enhance visuals with a new theme, automate logic with powerful plugins, or build your own modules from scratch, Dolibarr gives you the tools and freedom to create a truly tailored solution.

As the platform and community continue to grow, so do the opportunities for innovation. With advanced customization, you can make Dolibarr not only work for your business — but evolve with it.