What Does XenForo Branding Removal Actually Mean? Is It Full White-Label?

[redofyt]

I'm a bit confused and would appreciate some clarification. From what I understand, the XenForo Branding Removal option just removes the visible "XenForo" copyright notice from the footer of your forum. But is that all it does?

If it's not a full white-label solution (removing all mentions of XenForo from source code, admin panel, etc.), then paying $350 just to remove a footer link feels questionable especially when each third-party add-on may still have its own branding unless you purchase separate branding removal for those too.

Also, technically, anyone could just hide the footer using CSS so, what's the real benefit of the branding removal license?

I'm currently considering moving from vBulletin to XenForo and want to understand whether this is worth it or just a cosmetic change with no real functional value.

Can someone explain this in detail?

 

[Chris D]

But is that all it does?

Yes.

If it's not a full white-label solution (removing all mentions of XenForo from source code, admin panel, etc.), then paying $350 just to remove a footer link feels questionable especially when each third-party add-on may still have its own branding unless you purchase separate branding removal for those too.

A white-label solution would likely cost tens of thousands of dollars. And, yes, third party developers may have their own branding.

Also, technically, anyone could just hide the footer using CSS so, what's the real benefit of the branding removal license?

That is against the License agreement terms.

 

[redofyt]

Yes.


A white-label solution would likely cost tens of thousands of dollars. And, yes, third party developers may have their own branding.


That is against the License agreement terms.

I think I should take a closer look at the XenForo License Agreement before moving forward with anything. I want to make sure I fully understand the limitations and what's officially allowed, especially when it comes to branding removal and third-party add-ons.

Appreciate the helpful replies!

 

[Digital Doctor]

Appreciate the helpful replies!

Software companies worth billions of dollars don't pay for branding removal.
If you want to make it look like, to the casual observer that you may have made the software, then rebranding could be a good idea.

 

[Ricsca]

switch easily from vb to xf which is light years better and don't worry about the writing at the bottom.

 

[Mr Lucky]

then paying $350 just to remove a footer link feels questionable especially

The question being do you want branding removal or not? It isn't compulsory.

 

[redofyt]

The question being do you want branding removal or not? It isn't compulsory.

When I buy software like XenForo, of course I have a bunch of things I need it to do but a lot of that doesn’t come built-in. I usually need some custom development to fit my specific needs, which totally depends on how I want to use it. But then I saw in the license agreement that if you break the terms, XenForo can cancel your license and you have to stop using the software. That’s why I’m asking.

 

[redofyt]

switch easily from vb to xf which is light years better and don't worry about the writing at the bottom.

Yeah, that’s true, but my current site has a lot going on—like S3 storage set up through Hetzner, some custom development, and over 132K members. So jumping into a switch without a solid plan or compatibility check isn’t really ideal.

 

[redofyt]

Software companies worth billions of dollars don't pay for branding removal.
If you want to make it look like, to the casual observer that you may have made the software, then rebranding could be a good idea.

Yeah, I get that but paying $350 just to remove a small copyright link doesn’t really feel like a great deal, especially when the XenForo license itself is $195, Enhanced Search is $60, and Resource Manager is $70 that’s $325 total. I could get all of that for less than the branding removal alone.

That’s why I asked I just wanted to understand clearly what actual functionality the Branding Removal offers, beyond just hiding the footer text.

 

[zappaDPJ]

That’s why I asked I just wanted to understand clearly what actual functionality the Branding Removal offers, beyond just hiding the footer text.

Ultimately it's what allows you to buy the software for $195.

Branding is advertising. It's what helps keep the product at an affordable price. Remove the branding and you may reduce the likelihood of further sales which in turn could result in an increase in the product price.

 

[Ricsca]

If you're currently on VB, you might just find Xenforo easier.
Both you as an admin and, more importantly, your forum users will find it easier.

 

[CedricV]

When I buy software like XenForo, of course I have a bunch of things I need it to do but a lot of that doesn’t come built-in. I usually need some custom development to fit my specific needs, which totally depends on how I want to use it. But then I saw in the license agreement that if you break the terms, XenForo can cancel your license and you have to stop using the software. That’s why I’m asking.

I have recently migrated to Invision, but aside from that.. I can say that XF doesn't easily cancel a license. If you're coming from VB, XenForo will be a much better experience. The copyright removal isn't worth it. Put those funds in custom development, there's plenty of developers here that will assist you in your needs.

 

[Dragonfruit]

When I buy software like XenForo, of course I have a bunch of things I need it to do but a lot of that doesn’t come built-in. I usually need some custom development to fit my specific needs, which totally depends on how I want to use it. But then I saw in the license agreement that if you break the terms, XenForo can cancel your license and you have to stop using the software. That’s why I’m asking.

We have a fair amount of custom developments, and we've never breached Xenforo's terms & conditions. Every software has their own terms & conditions you have to agree to, this isn't any different.

Even specific Xenforo owners who were banned from the forums here for their behavior didn't have their licenses revoked. You should of course review it, but I'm fairly confident as long as your board isn't conducting illegal activity in any way, shape, or form, and you leave their branding there, you'll be fine.

I've encountered many Xenforo boards with the copyright removed, but it's easy to tell they're using Xenforo.

 

[Digital Doctor]

Enhanced Search is $60,

you probably should go without it to start. easily added later.
It doesn't really do much TBH. - IMO.

 

[Dragonfruit]

you probably should go without it to start. easily added later.
It doesn't really do much TBH. - IMO.

Agreed with this. I've been using XF for years without enhanced search, it works just fine.