DNN (DotNetNuke) is a fast, enterprise-scale.NET platform-based content management system. It’s renowned for being modular in design, where the core functions can be augmented through installable modules by adminstrators as well as developers. Whether one wants to host a corporate web site, online store, or internal portal, years of coding can be shaved through preconfigures solutions delivered through DNN modules.
Here in this article, we discuss some of the most useful free and paid DNN modules that provide functionality to the usability, look and feel, SEO, e-commerce capabilities, and so on, of your site. Whether you are just starting out with DNN or require adding functionality to your site, these modules are well worth looking at.
Top Free DNN Modules
1. DNNSharp Action Form (Free Version)
This contact form builder is a favorite among DNN users. It features a drag-and-drop interface, and it’s easy to create contact forms, surveys, lead capture forms, and so much more without coding. The free version comes with a solid set of features for most small- to mid-sized needs.
Best For: Contact forms, user feedback, surveys
Why It’s Great: No coding necessary, easy-to-use design, customizable with add-ons that cost money
2. Christoc’s DNN Module Development Template
The ultimate developer buddy, this Visual Studio template helps you quickly scaffold out a new module. It supports Web Forms and MVC patterns and significantly speeds up the development process.
Best For: Developers building custom solutions
Why It’s Great: Saves setup time, ideal for prototyping and production use
3. DNNConnect RazorBlade
This utility module provides helpful methods for developers using Razor views, including HTML encoding, string manipulation, and sanitizing content. It is particularly useful in settings where clean output and efficiency are crucial.
Best For: Clean Razor scripting, content rendering
Why It’s Great: Lightweight, improves productivity for view customization
4. Mandeeps Live HTML (Free Version)
An upgrade from DNN’s own HTML module, Live HTML is more advanced in terms of editing capability with enhanced styling and responsiveness. It supports content editors to create richer layouts without requiring high-level technical skills.
Best For: Dynamic areas of content
Why It’s Great: Uncluttered WYSIWYG editor, mobile-friendly design support
5. DNN Feedback Module
This module makes it easy to collect user and site visitor feedback. It includes moderation, email notification, spam management, and field customization. Perfect for inserting contact or suggestion boxes on the fly.
Best For: Visitor comments, contact requests
Why It’s Great: Simple installation, built-in spam protection, email notifications
Top Paid DNN Modules
1. EasyDNN News
This is a complete content publishing system for press releases, articles, blogs, and news. It includes multimedia support, social media share, SEO controls, and advanced layouts.
Best For: News sites, corporate blogs, content-heavy websites
Why It’s Great: Flexible layouts, SEO-optimized, content scheduling
2. Mandeeps Live Forms
A professional UI, advanced logic enterprise-level form builder with features like multi-page forms, file uploads, conditional fields, workflow automation, and email marketing integration.
Best For: Business contact forms, lead capture, application workflows
Why It’s Great: Business-class features, integrates with CRM/marketing solutions
3. EasyDNN Gallery
The module supports various media types and has multiple gallery views such as sliders, masonry, and lightbox popups. It’s responsive and easy to use.
Best For: Media galleries, photo portfolios, product presentations
Why It’s Great: Simple UI, multiple layouts, supports video and audio
4. Revindex Storefront
A highly functional e-commerce module for DNN, supporting physical and virtual products. Features include support for multiple languages, customizable product options, tax/shipping conditions, promotions, and payment gateways.
Best For: Digital product sales, online shopping
Why It’s Great: Extremely scalable, extremely configurable, highly supported
5. Live Tabs by Mandeeps
Helps organize content into tabbed designs, with the aim of enhancing page usability. It supports drag-and-drop tab construction, responsive design, and dynamic loading of content.
Best For: FAQs, service deconstruction, product descriptions
Why It’s Great: Usable interface, reusable styles, enhances UX
How to Choose the Ideal DNN Modules
Choosing the ideal DNN modules for your project is more than a case of browsing a list. Here are several important points to bear in mind:
1. Compatibility
Check that the module is compatible with your DNN version. Modules are not always backward or forward compatible, especially after a significant DNN upgrade.
2. Support and Updates
Free modules tend to be badly supported. Paid modules typically offer good support, regular updates, and documentation. Security and maintenance in the long term rely on this.
3. Features and Flexibility
Look for modules with customization and integration with other systems. Your needs may vary, and flexible modules will keep pace with your project.
4. Community and Reviews
There is a rich developer and user community for DNN. Look for user feedback, community forums, and recommendations to observe actual usage and reliability in real-world scenarios.
5. Licensing and Pricing
Some paid modules carry one-time fees, while others are subscription-driven. Make sure the pricing model aligns with your project cost and scope.
Conclusion
DNN’s modularity is perhaps its strongest feature. With third-party modules of high quality—free or paid—you can significantly enhance the performance, user experience, and productivity of your website.
For small projects or developing new functionality, free modules are ideal. Professional features and support come with paid modules, however, that are perfect for expanding businesses, business applications, and high-traffic sites.
By intelligently choosing the finest set of modules, you are able to expand your DNN site beyond its default capabilities at very little cost and time.
