Thread prefixes​

Turn "Thread prefixes" into a powerful content management tool for XenForo 2.3​


Most of us know Thread Prefixes as pretty little color labels in front of the title, for example: [Discussion], [Q&A]. But if you just stop there, you are missing out on 90% of the power of this tool. When used strategically, prefixes are not only decorative, but also an extremely effective content classification, filtering, and management system for both administrators and members.

This article will guide you through advanced techniques to turn simple labels into an indispensable content management tool for your forum.

  1. Step 1: Rethink Prefixes - Build a logical system

    Before creating, make a plan. Don't make prefixes spontaneously. Let's group them according to their intended use.
    • Groups by Status: Very useful for support categories and error reports. For example: [Pending], [Under review], [Resolved], [Refuse].
    • Groups by Content Type: Helps classify articles in a large category. For example: [Instructions], [News], [Reviews], [Free Discussion].
    • Group by Level: Suitable for knowledge sharing forums. For example: [Basic], [Advanced], [Advanced].

  2. Step 2: Configure Prefix in AdminCP

    Now, go to AdminCP to realize your plan.

  3. Create a Prefix group

    1. Access AdminCP > Forums > Thread prefixes.
    2. Click + Add prefix group.
    3. Name the group, for example, "Error Statement" or "Article Classification". Creating groups helps you manage relevant prefixes easily.

  4. Create Prefixes and Customize CSS

    1. In the group you just created, click + Add prefix.
    2. Title: Enter a prefix name, for example: Resolved.
    3. Display styling: This is where you make a difference. Instead of choosing available classes, choose Other, using custom CSS class name.
    4. CSS class name: Give a name that is easy to remember, for example prefix--solved.
    5. Repeat for other prefixes.

  5. Customize colors for Prefixes

    1. Access AdminCP > Appearance > Style you are using > Templates and open the template extra.less.
    2. Add the following CSS code at the end of the file to define colors for the classes you created:
      CSS:
      Expand Collapse Copy 
      .prefix.prefix--solved {
    color: white;
    background-color: #4caf50; // Xanh lá cây
    border-color: #388e3c;
}

.prefix.prefix--unsolved {
    color: white;
    background-color: #f44336; // Đỏ
    border-color: #d32f2f;
}
    3. Save. Now your prefixes have distinct and striking colors.

Step 3: Apply Prefix to Forum and Required Requirements


This is the step of turning the prefix into a true management tool.
  1. Access AdminCP > Forums > Nodes and select the category you want to apply to (for example, "Error & Support Report").
  2. In section Available prefixes, select the prefixes or groups of prefixes you want to allow use in this category.
  3. Important: Tick the box Require users to select a prefix.
  4. Save.
Now, when members create new topics in this category, they will obligatory a prefix must be selected before a post can be made. This ensures 100% of topics are classified from the beginning.

Step 4: Instruct Members to use the Prefix Filter


The feature is here, now you need to show users how to exploit it. XenForo's interface already has a powerful filter built in.
  1. While viewing a category, at the top of the topic list, there is a button named Filters.
  2. When clicked, a menu will drop down. In item Prefix, users can tick one or more prefixes they want to see.
  3. For example, a support member may simply filter for prefixed topics [Pending] to quickly find problems that need to be handled.
You can write a short tutorial or create a Notice to show members about this useful feature.

Conclusion

Thread Prefixes are more than just colored labels. By building a logical system, customizing the interface to stand out, and applying mandatory rules, you've turned them into a powerful tool for organizing forums. Not only does this make it easier for the admin team to track work, but it also gives members a much more effective content browsing and searching experience. Start "upgrading" your prefix system today.