OJS Optimization: Tweaking config.inc.php for Better Performance

Open Journal Systems (OJS) is a powerful platform used by academic journals worldwide. While its default settings offer convenience, optimizing OJS—especially the config.inc.php file—can significantly improve site performance, speed, security, and search engine visibility.

In this article, we’ll explore key tips for OJS optimization through the configuration file config.inc.php, which is located in the root directory of your OJS installation. Although this article may straight forward, some may be missing to configure to improve OJS performance and optimization.

Why config.inc.php Matters in OJS Optimization

The config.inc.php file in OJS controls many core settings: database connections, session handling, file storage, security, caching, and more. Fine-tuning these values allows your OJS installation to operate efficiently, especially under heavy load or limited hosting resources.

Please note that the optimization of OJS will cover all journal not single journal.

Key config.inc.php Settings to Optimize your OJS

Here are several important settings that directly impact OJS native performance and stability:

1. Set Up Base URL Properly

base_url = "https://yourjournal.org"

By setting up the proper protocol (https) including the path of URL of your journal or OJS, you will help browser and server communication more efficient without checking or redirecting from http to https. However, you need to make sure that the SSL already configured and optimized for your journal.

2. Installation

installed = On

Prevent the system can be installed again that can potentially reset the data and configuration in the OJS.

3. Force security or HTTPS

force_ssl = On

make any request consistently using https protocol rather than unsecure http. Critical for protecting author and reviewer data and improving trust signals for Google. HTTPS is important things for communication encryption between browser and server. For detail about HTTPS you can read : What is HTTPS ?

4 .Set File Base Path and URLs Correctly

files_dir = /path/to/files

This OJS config.inc.php parameter for the files_dir location should be outside the web root to protect uploaded manuscripts and documents from direct access.

5. Email Configuration (For Reliable Communication)

Ensure your SMTP settings are correct:

smtp = On
smtp_server = smtp.yourmail.com
smtp_port = 587
smtp_auth = PLAIN
smtp_username = your@email.com
smtp_password = yourpassword

Poor email delivery can disrupt submission notifications, peer review processes, and editorial decisions.

6. Optimize Session Settings

session_lifetime = 3600
session_check_ip = Off

Lower session lifetime helps reduce stale sessions. Disabling IP checks avoids session issues with mobile users or dynamic IPs.

7. Disable OJS upgrade warning

Although it is recommended to use OJS version with the most secured version, it is recommended to disable the often check to the server of PKP for newer OJS version. This may lead to slower access to the site, because int the back end, the system of your OJS will silently try to reach another connection to the PKP server that is located in Canada region.

We need to optimized this by disable the warning.

; Display a message on the site admin and journal manager user home pages if there is an upgrade available
show_upgrade_warning = Off

if you need completely to stop the OJS to frequent connection to PKP that make your OJS slow, you can read here : Tips for optimize OJS in the section of Additional Improvement

Conclusion

Effective OJS optimization starts with the foundational configuration in config.inc.php. These settings impact your journal’s load time, stability, and even its SEO friendliness. While OJS is robust out of the box, fine-tuning your config.inc.php file can significantly improve user experience and system performance—making your journal more appealing to readers, authors, and search engines alike.

For more detailed about OJS optimization (required in depth technical expertise) can be read : 7 ways to optimize OJS

If you want tailored optimization support or managed hosting, consider partnering with us, a team experienced in OJS performance tuning.

Muhammad Hendra

Project Manager

Hendra here, I love writing about OJS and share knowledge about OJS. My passion is about OJS, OMP platform and doing some research on creating innovated products for that platform to help publisher to improve their publication.