Thread prefixes

Thread prefixes#

Thread prefixes allow you to apply pre-defined options to individual threads which is displayed before the thread title. This text can be styled in various ways to allow users to easily identify groups of threads based on their prefix.

Thread prefixes can be setup in the control panel under Forums > Thread prefixes.

When viewing a forum, users can filter based on individual prefixes. This makes them very powerful and able to fulfill many roles. For example, on the XenForo community, we use prefixes for:

• Allowing users to select the version their question relates to.
• Tracking the status of bug reports and suggestions.
• Allowing users to select the type of resource they're looking for (add-on, style, etc.).

The prefix is essentially part of the thread title. It will be displayed with the title in virtually all contexts and will be indexed by search engines.

Prefix descriptions#

From XenForo 2.2 onwards, thread prefixes may have descriptions. These are used as helpers for users to understand their use.

Two description fields are available: Description and Usage help.

Description#

This field will be displayed underneath the title of a thread that uses the current prefix. Its purpose is to add clarity for readers to the way in which the prefix has been applied. For example, a Sold prefix might have a description such as This item has been sold and is no longer available to purchase.

Usage help#

This field is intended to help the thread creator when selecting a prefix for their new thread, so that the meaning of each prefix can be explained prior to saving the thread with the prefix attached.

Availability#

When configuring a thread prefix, you can control who can use it and where it can be used.

• If you select specific groups in the Usable by user groups option, only a user who is a member of any of the selected groups will be able to create a thread with this prefix.
• A prefix will only be usable within the forums chosen in the Applicable forums option.