Create categories and subcategories
Where: Admin → Content → Forum structure → Forum Categories
Before you start
Create the category before writing topics into it. Category visibility is the fallback when no group access rules have been set.
Step by step
- Choose New category and enter its name and description.
- Choose a colour and icon, or provide the category image through the offered control.
- Choose Parent category to nest it, or leave it at the top level. Set Position; lower values appear first.
- Choose public/private visibility and the roles that may view a private category.
- Set any default prefix/suffix and category trust/rate restrictions, then Create category. Use the edit control for later changes.
Settings and behaviour
Create the category before writing topics into it. Category visibility is the fallback when no group access rules have been set.
| Control | Effect |
|---|---|
| Name / description | Heading and explanation visitors see. |
| Colour / icon / image | The category’s visual marker; an uploaded image replaces the glyph where supported. |
| Parent category | Places this category under another; it cannot be its own parent. |
| Position | Lower numbers sort earlier on the index. |
| Who can view | Public/private role visibility when group rules do not override it. |
| Default prefix/suffix | Preselects a topic label; writers can use the available choices. |
| Minimum trust to start | Requires an earned rung before opening topics; staff pass. |
| Replies required first | Participation floor; zero disables this floor. |
| Posts per hour here | Tightens the board rate cap; zero uses the board rule. |
| Links need trust level | Can raise the board’s link requirement, not lower it. |
Then configure group-specific access on Groups & permissions. Assigning one group a category level changes the access model: unlisted groups no longer inherit public access.
Check the result
Test the category as a guest, registered member and member of a restricted group. Verify both reading and direct posting.
Common questions and troubleshooting
Why can staff post when a member cannot? Staff bypass several member gates. Use a non-staff test account. Why did a public category disappear? Review its explicit group-level access rules.