# Setting up the database (Oracle)

> Set up the Cascade CMS database on Oracle: create a tablespace and import the supplied database.

URL: https://www.hannonhill.com/cascadecms/latest/articles/cascade-administration/installation-and-upgrades/database/oracle.html
category: Cascade Administration
article-type: how-to
content-kind: article
release-availability: all
tags: installation, database
updated: 2026-10-06

## Step 1: Download the Cascade CMS database

Download the [ Cascade CMS database](http://github.com/hannonhill/Cascade-Server-Default-Database/raw/master/cascade_database_oracle.zip).

We strongly recommend using an existing database with a UTF-8 enabled character set. This is necessary to take advantage of Cascade CMS's multi-lingual support.

Also, we recommend creating a separate tablespace for the Cascade CMS database. See below for more information on creating the tablespace.

## Step 2: Create a new Tablespace

Using Oracle Enterprise Manager:

-  Go to **Administration -> Tablespaces**, then click **Create**.
-  For the **Name** field, enter `CASCADE_DEFAULT`
-  Under **Datafiles**, click **Add** (As an alternative, one can avoid adding a datafile by checking the **Use bigfile tablespace** check box. However, creating a separate file is highly recommended)
-  At the **Add** Datafile screen, type `CASCADE_DEFAULT.DBF` in the **File Name** field
-  Point the **File Directory** field to the desired location
-  For the **File Size** field, type `30 MB`
-  Under **Storage**, check the option to "*Automatically extend datafile when full (AUTOEXTEND)"*
-  For the **Increment** field, type `2 MB` . Click **Continue**
-  Click **OK** to create the tablespace. The generated SQL should look like this:

```xml
CREATE SMALLFILE TABLESPACE "CASCADE_DEFAULT" DATAFILE'/u01/app/oracle/oracle/product/12.1.0.2/db_1/oradata/orcl/CASCADE_DEFAULT.DBF'SIZE 30M AUTOEXTEND ON NEXT 2M MAXSIZE UNLIMITEDLOGGING EXTENT MANAGEMENT LOCAL SEGMENT SPACEMANAGEMENT AUTO
```

## Step 3: Import the Cascade CMS database

Using Oracle Enterprise Manager:

-  Click **Maintenance -> Import from Export Files**
-  For the **Directory Object** field, select the directory where the Cascade CMS import script resides. For the **File Name** field, type `CASCADE_DEFAULT.DMP`
-  Under **Import Type** select **Entire Files**
-  Under **Host Credentials** fill in the OS Username and Password for the Oracle account, then click **Continue**
-  On the next screen (Import: Re-Mapping) - unless a tablespace and/or user other than CASCADE_DEFAULT has been created, simply click **Next**
-  Under **Import: Options** it is recommended to create a log file of the import. Select a **Directory Object** and under **Log File** type the name of the file (e.g. CASCADE_DEFAULT.LOG) and click **Next**
-  For the **Job Name** field, type the desired name (e.g. cascade_import - note that the name has to be unique). Type an optional description in the **Description** field and click **Next**
-  Under **Import: Review**, review the import information and verify that everything is correct. Click **Submit Job**

Your Oracle database is now configured and ready to be used by Cascade CMS.

> **Note**
>
> Support for default Cascade CMS databases has ended. To upgrade to **Cascade CMS 2026.1** or newer, an intermediate step is required. You must first start **Cascade 2025.2.2** against the imported database and ensure the login screen loads without errors. Only after this verification should you proceed with the upgrade to version 2026.1 or later.