Backstretch
Background Image Animation Extension for Joomla.
- Joomla 4, 5 & 6Tested and supported on Joomla 4, 5 and 6.
- 5.0See the reviews
- v2.4.0· Updated 2 months ago
- 3.3K+downloads
- PHP 8.1+
- Instant accessReady to install right after checkout
- One-click updatesNew releases install from the Joomla administrator
- Lifetime optionPay once and keep future releases
- 30-day guaranteeFull refund if it is not the right fit
Features
What can Backstretch do for you?
Seven feature areas, one install package for Joomla 4, 5 and 6.
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Fade · Atmosphere · Impact
Full-Bleed Backgrounds
- Fill the viewportStretch photos edge to edge behind your content for an immersive first impression.
- Smooth crossfadesControl fade and hold times so the slideshow feels cinematic, not abrupt.
- No template surgeryPublish a module or enable the plugin. Backstretch handles the background layer.
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Your Image Workflow
Folder or Slides
- Folder modePoint to images/backstretch/ and every JPG, PNG, GIF, or WebP is included.
- Slide pickerChoose individual media manager images when you want a curated set.
- Path listThe system plugin also accepts a comma-separated list of relative paths.
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Page · Site · Both Available
Module or Plugin
- Site moduleAssign Backstretch to selected menu items for landing pages and campaigns.
- System pluginEnable once for a shared background across the whole site.
- One packageInstall pkg_backstretch_2.4.0.zip and choose the workflow that fits.
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body · .class · #id
Flexible Targets
- Whole pageTarget body for a classic full-site backdrop.
- Scoped containersAim at #wrapper, .hero, or a menu item class when only one section should animate.
- Safe selectorsVersion 2.4 sanitises targets before they reach the front end.
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Sequence · Random · Fade
Order and Timing
- Sort your wayPlay A-Z, Z-A, or shuffle for a fresh look on every visit.
- Millisecond controlTune Fade Duration and Slide Duration to match brand pacing.
- Campaign readySwap the folder or slide list when the season changes.
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Services · Namespaces · WAM
Modern Joomla Stack
- Joomla 4 / 5 / 6 architectureService providers, namespaced helpers, and Web Asset Manager scripts.
- Cleaner loadingUses Joomla jQuery and versioned Backstretch assets instead of ad-hoc head injection.
- Language readyEnglish strings ship with the module, plugin, and package.
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Portfolio · Agency · Landing
Built for Real Sites
- Photography portfoliosLet the work fill the background while menus and copy stay readable.
- Agency landing pagesAssign the module to a single campaign menu item.
- Brand ambienceKeep a soft rotating backdrop behind long-form content.
Changelog
What's new
10 releases since version 1.5. Updates install from the Joomla admin with a valid licence.
- Fixed front-end init for Joomla 5 script options
- Added English language files for the module, plugin, and package
- Released as Backstretch 2.4 for Joomla 4, 5, and 6
- Rebuilt module and system plugin with service providers, namespaces, and Web Asset Manager assets
- Switched image URLs to root-relative paths for http and https
- Safer image folder and CSS selector handling
- Updated branding to JoomlaX and refreshed package installer
- Enhanced Performance & Security
- Fixed folder path handling (auto-adds trailing slash)
- Full Joomla 4, 5 & 6 Compatibility
- Modern WebAssetManager Support
- Navigation Controls with SVG Icons
- Pause on Hover Functionality
- Improved Type Safety
- Better Error Handling
- Modern Code Standards
- Enhanced Accessibility
- Backward Compatible with Joomla 4
- Optimized PHP code with modern practices
- Improved path validation with modern PHP functions
- Better JavaScript initialization with IIFE pattern
- Enhanced security with path validation and input sanitization
- Better CSS selectors sanitization for security
- Added debug mode for development and troubleshooting
- Full Joomla 5 compatibility with modern coding standards
- Modern PHP code with type hints and PSR-12 standards
- Improved helper class with modern directory iteration
- Better error handling and graceful fallbacks
- Modern JavaScript implementation with error handling
- Enhanced parameter validation and sanitization
- Improved image file validation with support for WebP and SVG
- Enhanced template with modern standards
- Better asset loading and initialization
- Improved accessibility and user experience
- Production-ready code with no debugging artifacts
- Enhanced configuration options and flexibility
- Support Joomla 5 without Backward Compatiblity Plugin
- Code Optimization
- Uses single package installation for both Module and Plugin.
- Uses Joomla Native Updater to add license code.
- Option to add individual images using slide for module
- Remove jQuery load in body
Show 4 older releases
- Supports Joomala 4
- Supports PHP version 7.8
- Modification to Module backend
- Use of updated Joomla functionalities
- Joomla System Updater Integrated
- Option to define Backstretch to a particular HTML element, class or an ID.
Docs & setup
Get up and running fast
Written guides for installing and configuring Backstretch, from first setup to the options that matter.
- Installation stepsOne install zip for Joomla 4, 5 and 6, installed from System, Install, Extensions.
- Configuration optionsThe settings in the guide, from first setup to the options that matter.
- Practical usage tipsShort examples you can adapt to your site.
Pricing
Choose the plan that fits
Save more as you scale — longer access means a bigger discount.
$9
30-day money-back guarantee
$19
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$29
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$49
30-day money-back guarantee
Reviews
What our users say
Average from 6 reviews on the Joomla Extension Directory
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What an excellent support service. My issue was fixed within minutes. Absolute professional!
Manfred Schönrock Joomla Extension Directory
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Looked cool on my site with the demo template. Initially didn’t work with a new Artisteer template but was quickly fixed by the support team. Great experience!
Rens Verschuur Joomla Extension Directory
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One word for this extension... WOW! Excellent support. I had a jQuery problem and they fixed it within a few hours. Highly recommend!
wudry wudryson Joomla Extension Directory
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Installed Backstretch to create a fullscreen background and it worked flawlessly. Clean, lightweight, and extremely easy to configure. A must-have for minimalistic designs!
Sarah Lindstrom JoomlaX
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Exactly what I needed for my photography portfolio. The transition effects are smooth and the setup took less than 10 minutes. Great extension!
Akira Tanaka JoomlaX
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Simple yet powerful! Backstretch gives a polished look to my homepage without any performance issues. Support answered a small query within a day. Highly recommended!
Linda Romero JoomlaX
Why buy here
Why JoomlaX
- Built, maintained and supported by one team Every product sold on JoomlaX is developed, maintained and supported by Infyways, building Joomla solutions since 2010.
- Ready for Joomla 4, 5 and 6 118 extensions support Joomla 5 and 6, and 114 support Joomla 4. Each product page lists the versions it works with.
- One-click Joomla updates Regular updates and feature improvements for licensed customers, delivered straight to your Joomla admin.
- Support from the developers Tickets go straight to the developers. First replies within 24 business hours.
All-access bundle
Unlock every JoomlaX extension in one plan
Get all 125 extensions, new releases, ongoing updates and full-time support. Bought one by one, a year of updates for every extension costs over $4,700.
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Basic
Ideal for small projects and personal sites
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Save 91% · $2,900+ value
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- Unlimited downloads and domain activations
- Full-time expert technical support
30-day money-back guarantee
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Most popular
Premium
Best for growing businesses and web agencies
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Save 92% · $4,700+ value
- Access to 125 extensions
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- 5 websites license
- 1 year support and updates
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- Priority full-time technical support
30-day money-back guarantee
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Developer
For professional developers and multi-client agencies
$749/ one-time
Pay once · keep forever
- Access to 125 extensions
- Access to all future new extensions
- Unlimited websites license
- Lifetime support and updates
- Unlimited downloads and domain activations
- VIP priority full-time technical support
30-day money-back guarantee
FAQ
Questions about Backstretch
Still unsure? Our support team is one ticket away.
Which Joomla versions does Backstretch support?
Backstretch 2.4 supports Joomla 4, 5, and 6. PHP 8.1 or later is recommended.
What is Backstretch?
It creates full-bleed fading background slideshows from a folder of images or selected slides, applied to the page body or custom CSS targets.
Do I need both the module and the plugin?
No. Use the module for page-specific backgrounds. Enable the system plugin when you want a shared background across the site.
How do I choose images?
Select From Folder and enter a path such as images/backstretch/, or choose Slides / Individual Image Paths and pick files from the media manager or a comma-separated list.
Can I target a specific container?
Yes. Set Target Elements to body, a class such as .hero, an ID such as #wrapper, or a comma-separated mix.
Can I control fade speed?
Yes. Fade Duration sets the crossfade in milliseconds. Slide Duration sets how long each image stays visible.
Can images play in random order?
Yes. The module offers Sequence A-Z, Sequence Z-A, and Random. The plugin offers Sequence or Random with ascending or descending sort.
Who is Backstretch for?
Photography sites, agencies, landing pages, and any Joomla project that wants a cinematic full-bleed background without editing the template.
Where can I get support?
Visit support.joomlax.com.
Help from the people who built it
- Documentation Installation, configuration and usage guides for this extension. Read the docs →
- Support portal Open a ticket with the developers. We reply to your first request within 24 business hours. Open a ticket →
- Live demos Try this extension on a live demo before you buy. Open this demo →
- Support policy What support covers, response times and how to get the fastest answer. Read the policy →