First Steps in xenForo

Here is an article shared by Morgain at xenforo.com.

XF is exciting and creative but the downside of that is all these great addons can be bewildering. New XF users often ask advice on what to do once they have a brand new XF install. So rather than repeating myself in many attempts to help I'm making this info into a tutorial.​

This tutorial is for those who want to add, edit, and customise their XF.​

In the RECOMMENDED ADDONS section I have listed stuff I personally couldn't run a board without. Not everything I use is there but what I think a board really needs to make it A1 comfy. I have also only chosen addons by authors I personally know to be helpful and reliable so I can recommend them to newcomer XF admins. (There are in some cases authors just as good, but I don't know them.)​

KEEP A RECORD First before making any changes to your XF start a site diary, or log.​

This can be simple: a document where you keep notes.​

It is useful to add newest alterations to the top of the list. That way it's faster and easier to add stuff and you'll be less likely to be put off keeping your record up to date!​

Not keen? If something goes wrong - and it will eventually - this log can save a three day headache or meltdown, making it a quick half hour - or 3 mins! - fix instead. You have been warned.​

THE XF MANUAL Yes there is one! but too often overlooked because it sits outside the forum here. Yes I know it's kind of uncool to actually use the manual, but you save the mods copying chunks into a post for you if you'd just go and check it out Link is on the name here XF MANUAL​

MY TOP RECOMMENDED ADDONS​

Morgain: HOW TO INSTALL AN ADDON. [FREE] Tutorial. Step by step guide on how to get an addon into your XF. Keep this open on one page while you follow its instructions on another.​

Waindigo: Login As User [FREE] One of the most useful addons ever. This means you can switch to any user's view without logging out,find their passwo0rd, logging in - just click, put their name. Excellent for checking permissions.​

You do need to give Admins usergroup this permission though! Go to Admincp - Usergroups - Administrative. Go down to the "General Moderator Permissions" section to find the two permissions - Login as different user: // and Post as different user: Back on the frontend (public view) Refresh the page and you'll see "Login as user" right at the top above the logo.​

Jake Bunce: Nodes As Tabs [FREE] Make new navigation tabs on top toolbar, plus secondary links. With Link Forums (really links to whatever) this is often called the most powerful addon. It does take a bit of thinking to understand but wow! power tool forever.​

(Cedric) Cclaerhout: ToggleMe [FREE] Collapses categories/ forums on the node tree display according to admin selection. User can open, close. Addon retains their last set of prefs. Mega useful for all except the tiniest sites unless you use lots of sub-levels.​

Syndol: Conversation Manager. [FREE] Adds the name of recipient. Batch process as Read/ Unread/ Leave. (Also a high level paid version with a lot more features £25.)​

Waindigo: Admin Home. [FREE] Move the navigation links that you use most often to your Admin Control Panel Home page.​

Morgain: Admin Navbar Tab with Dropdown Links. [FREE] Tutorial Make a personal admin tab on the frontend navigation bar, with links to the most used admin pages. This Tutorial uses Jake's Nodes As Tabs so you need to get that installed first. However this isalso a good guide on how to use that pearl of an addon.​

I don't think the two above admin supports conflict. Use both! Then wherever you are you can reach your admin resources FAST.​

Morgain: Tweak Baby. [FREE] Tutorial. How to safely alter small bits of code (tweaking).​

VincentU: Stay Logged In - [FREE] TWEAK default ticks that pesky little box so we don't get so frequently disconnected.​

AND POSSIBLY​

Shelley: Add What's New to Breadcrumbs. [FREE] TWEAK I found this very useful as lots of members just log in and click What's New. Placing this on the end of the breadcrumbs bar makes it easy to see on every page just as they want it. (I also coloour it red on white) Of course it's there top and bottom, but Shelley's tweak also shows you how to make it top only if you prefer.​

borbole: Add Create Unlimited Custom Sidebars. [FREE] Add/create unlimited custom sidebar blocks on your forum on the frontend. 6 Euros.​

I also have step by step instructions on doing this with simple template edits, copy paste a snippet, make my own template page to fill it. Could combine the two I think ie make my own template to fill the sidebars on this addon.​

Syndol: Bookmarks. Your members can Bookmark thread posts and profile posts for future reference. (£19).​

Waindigo: Library - [FREE] means I can have information Articles as guides, or creative content (1 or more pages). I can make some users editors. We can compose our pages without html. Uses the same editor as forum posts, so easily handles links, pictures, videos. Articles can paginate multiple pages, have snippet previews. A Library holding Articles is a node so it integrates with the node tree. (Waiting for What's New integration.)​

Also see Cory Booth WYSWYG Page Editor [FREE] WYSIWYG Page Editor for non-admin users and without entering AdminCP.​

Waindigo: Custom Fields. [FREE] Add custom fields to your threads and articles, and make your custom user fields work harder. A power addon.​

guiltar: Template Modification System. Looks fantastic -those that have used it say it is - me I haven't got around it yet. Definitely on my list.​

Jake Bunce Tribute. Design Categories colours, icons. It's all Jake's skill, I just collected the bits together.​