This is the complete beginner guide to start using the addon: copy it to your Odoo server, update the Apps list, install it, and give the right users access to the menu.
Overview (What you are going to do)
You will complete these actions in order:
- Get the addon folder (download/unzip).
- Copy it into your Odoo addons path (addons or custom_addons).
- Restart Odoo so it can see the new addon.
- Enable Developer Mode (to update the Apps list).
- Update the Apps list, then install the addon from Apps.
- Check demo data (if the module includes it).
- Give user access rights, then refresh Odoo and confirm the menu appears.
Who can access (Permissions)
After you install the module, access is controlled by Odoo user roles / groups. In many databases, this type of tool is restricted to System Administrators for safety.
Important : This tool can create and update lots of records quickly. Only give access to trained users, and test on a copy/staging database when possible.
Before you start (Quick checks)
Important words (simple meaning)
- Addon / module = a folder that contains a feature for Odoo.
- Apps list = Odoo’s catalog of available modules (it must be refreshed after adding new code).
- Developer Mode = advanced settings mode that unlocks technical options like “Update Apps List”.
You need the right access To install modules and update the Apps list, you normally need to be an Administrator. If you don’t have access to Settings/Apps, ask your Admin to do this page for you.
Step-by-step (Beginner friendly)
1. Download the latest addon
Download the addon from your vendor/team. If it is a ZIP file, extract it first. You should end up with a single folder (the addon folder).
How to confirm : the addon folder should contain files like __manifest__.py (or __openerp__.py in older modules) and subfolders like models, views, etc.
2. Upload/copy the addon folder into your Odoo addons path
Copy the entire addon folder into one of these locations (depending on how your Odoo server is set up):
- Odoo default addons folder, or
- a custom_addons folder (recommended for custom modules).
Tip: Keep the folder name clean (no extra “-main”, “(1)”, or nested folders). Odoo must see the addon folder directly inside the addons path.
3. Restart the Odoo service
Restart your Odoo server/service. This step is required because Odoo reads available addons at startup.
If you are not sure how : ask your server admin/IT to restart Odoo (or your hosting provider if it’s managed).
4. Enable Developer Mode
In Odoo, go to Settings and enable Developer Mode.
Common ways to enable it:
- Settings page (activate Developer Mode), or
- use the Developer Mode option in the user menu (top-right).
5. Update the Apps list
Go to Apps, then click Update Apps List (this button becomes available in Developer Mode).
Why this matters : if you do not update the Apps list, Odoo may not show the new addon in Apps search.
6. Search the addon in Apps and install it
In Apps, remove the “Apps” filter if needed, then search by the module name. Click Install.
If you cannot find it:
- confirm the folder is in the correct addons path,
- confirm you restarted Odoo,
- confirm you updated the Apps list.
7. If the addon includes demo data, check it (optional)
Some modules include demo data (sample records). If demo data is enabled in your database, the module may automatically load those sample records during installation.
Note: In many companies, demo data is disabled on live/production databases. That is normal.
8. Give permission to users (access rights)
After installation, menus may appear only for certain user roles/groups.
Go to Settings → Users & Companies → Users, open the user, and assign the required access (for example, Administrator/System settings if the app is restricted to Admins). Save the user.
9. Refresh Odoo and confirm the menu
Ask the user to refresh the browser (or log out and log in again). Then check the main menu to confirm the new app/menu is visible and can be opened.
Common problems (and quick fixes)
Problem: The module is not visible in Apps search
Check these in order: (1) addon folder is in the correct addons path, (2) Odoo service restarted, (3) Developer Mode enabled, (4) Apps list updated, (5) remove “Apps” filter and search again.
Problem: Module installed, but user cannot see the menu
This is usually an access rights issue. Update the user’s permissions/groups, save, then refresh the browser.
Quick Test (Confirm Everything Works)
Use this quick check after installation to confirm the setup is correct.
- Confirm the module is installed : Go to Apps and search the module name. You should see it marked as Installed (or you should see an Uninstall button).
- Confirm the menu is visible for an Admin : Log in as an Administrator and open the main menu. You should see the module’s menus.
For this guide/module, the common menu location is: Odoo All import → All Imports. - Open the screen and confirm it loads : Click the menu and confirm the screen opens without errors. If you see an “Access Error”, it means the user does not have the required permission/group.
- Test with a normal user (permission check) : If other users must use this module, update their access in Settings → Users & Companies → Users, then ask them to refresh Odoo.
Expected result: users with permission can see the menu; users without permission cannot.
Setup is complete If the module is installed, the menu opens for the right users, and you can load the main screen without errors, then your setup is correct.
Tips (recommended)
- Start small: test with a small file (5–20 rows) before large imports.
- Use a test database when possible for first-time setup and training.
- Keep a backup before bulk updates.
- Grant access carefully: only users who understand Create vs Update should use it.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Installing the folder inside another folder
Odoo must see the addon folder directly inside the addons path. Avoid nested folders like custom_addons/addon/addon.
Mistake: Not restarting Odoo and not updating Apps list
If you add new code but skip restart/update apps list, the module often won’t appear in Apps search.
Mistake: User cannot see the menu
That usually means missing permissions. Update the user’s access rights/groups, save, then refresh the browser.
Next step
After setup is complete, continue with the import workflow pages to start your first import.