---
title: "Contexts"
manual: "TYPO3 Explained"
version: "11.5"
permalink: "https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:typoscript-syntax-typoscript-contexts@11.5"
source: "Configuration/TypoScriptSyntax/Syntax/Contexts.rst"
rendered: "2026-10-21T15:30:00+00:00"
---

> [!WARNING]
> **Attention**
>
> TYPO3 v11 has reached end-of-life as of October 31th 2024 and
> is no longer being maintained. Use the version switcher on the top
> left of this page to select documentation for a supported version of TYPO3.
>
> Need more time before upgrading?
> You can purchase Extended Long Term Support (ELTS) for TYPO3 v11 here:
> [TYPO3 ELTS](https://typo3.com/services/extended-support-elts).

# Contexts {#typoscript-syntax-typoscript-contexts}

There are two contexts where TypoScript is used: templates, where
TypoScript is used to actually define what will appear in the TYPO3
frontend, and TSconfig, where it is used to configure settings of the
TYPO3 backend. TSconfig is further subdivided into **user TSconfig**
(defined for backend users or user groups) and **page TSconfig** (defined
for pages in the page tree).

Page TSconfig is used for customizing the TYPO3 backend according
to where users will be working along the page tree. User TSconfig
is used to customize what elements are visible for users and groups
or change the behavior of some elements.

Some parts of TypoScript are available in both contexts, some only in
one or the other. Any difference is mentioned at the relevant place.

Each context has its own chapter in this manual. It also has its own
reference in a separate manual (see [TypoScript syntax](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:typoscript-syntax-next-steps@11.5) at the end of
this manual).

> [!NOTE]
> TYPO3 provides a [TypoScript parser](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:typoscript-syntax-typoscript-parser-api@11.5)
> whose API can be used by any developer. In theory this means that new
> contexts of TypoScript usage can be created by TYPO3 extensions.