---
title: "General backend structure"
manual: "Getting Started"
version: "main"
permalink: "https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3start:general-backend-structure@main"
source: "Concepts/Backend/GeneralBackendStructure/Index.rst"
rendered: "2026-09-20T09:47:06+00:00"
---

# General backend structure {#general-backend-structure}

Here is a complete overview of the backend interface and its structure.

![Screenshot of the TYPO3 Backend after login, with annotated parts](../../../Images/ManualScreenshots/Backend/BackendAreasOverviewShort.png)

Situated in the center left of page is the
*page tree* and to its right the (main) *content area*.

-   **[Top bar](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3start:top-bar@main) (1)**

    This gives you access to your user settings, logout, search
    etc.

-   **Module menu (2)**

    This is the main menu of the TYPO3 CMS backend. It is divided
    into main modules (**Content**, **Media**, etc.) and
    their sub-modules.

-   **[Page tree](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3start:page-tree@main) (3)**

    This can be used to browse through and select pages.

-   **Docheader (4) and Content area (5)**

    The content in these areas depends on which backend module is currently
    opened.

-   [The top bar](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3start:the-top-bar@main)
-   [Page tree](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3start:page-tree-1@main)
-   [The context menus](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3start:the-context-menus@main)