In this session, we will explore how to make the most out of Open Journal Systems (OJS) by using its built-in configuration options and plugins. You’ll learn practical tips and tricks to enhance the appearance and usability of your journal, choose and customize themes to match your preferred style, and make the system truly your own. While the default settings in OJS are a solid starting point, we believe that “default is good, but customized is better.” We will also discuss how different versions of OJS may behave slightly differently, but many aspects can still be tailored to fit your needs. The session will highlight recommended plugins, best practices for setting up your journal, and how to configure OJS for smooth workflow and optimal performance.