How to Create a Custom Hook in PrestaShop?

Replied by Michael Anderson 30 Jan 2026 Likes 1 Views thumb_up thumb_down report
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Hello Mark,

To add a custom section in PrestaShop, creating a custom hook is usually the recommended and upgrade-safe approach.

1. Creating a custom hook
You can create a hook either from the database or programmatically.
The simplest way is to register it in your module using:

 
$this->registerHook('displayCustomAdminSection');

If the hook does not exist, PrestaShop will automatically create it.

2. Calling the hook in a controller or TPL
Once the hook is registered, you can call it inside a .tpl file using:

 
{hook h='displayCustomAdminSection'}

If you need it in a controller, assign the hook output to Smarty using:

 
$this->context->smarty->assign( 'custom_section', Hook::exec('displayCustomAdminSection') );

3. Hook vs Override
For your use case (adding a section between KPI and list), a hook is better than an override:

  • Hooks are safer during PrestaShop upgrades

  • Overrides can break when core files change

  • Hooks allow better modular and reusable code

Overrides should only be used when no hook is available for the required position.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need a small example module or file structure.

Best regards,