XenForo allows administrators to collect extra information from members through custom user fields. These values appear in messages or profiles, serve as internal data, or modify XenForo behaviors via template changes. Administrators can display this information anywhere they want or use it behind the scenes for site functionality. Setting up these fields requires several decisions about how users will interact with them.
Every custom user field needs an ID containing only alphanumeric characters. This ID cannot change after creation because the system references it internally. Administrators must know these IDs when implementing advanced features with custom fields. The system offers numerous configuration options regarding who can edit fields, where they appear, and what validation rules apply to them.
Text fields let members type whatever they want into the space provided. Administrators can choose between single-line inputs, multi-line text areas, or rich text editors with formatting tools. Various validation rules help control what information goes into these fields. Choice fields work differently by presenting members with predetermined options to select from instead of free typing.
Advanced users can access field data in templates by using specific code like
Every custom user field needs an ID containing only alphanumeric characters. This ID cannot change after creation because the system references it internally. Administrators must know these IDs when implementing advanced features with custom fields. The system offers numerous configuration options regarding who can edit fields, where they appear, and what validation rules apply to them.
Text fields let members type whatever they want into the space provided. Administrators can choose between single-line inputs, multi-line text areas, or rich text editors with formatting tools. Various validation rules help control what information goes into these fields. Choice fields work differently by presenting members with predetermined options to select from instead of free typing.
Advanced users can access field data in templates by using specific code like
{$xf.visitor.Profile.custom_fields.fieldId}. This technique enables the conditional display of content based on what values members have in their custom fields. Template conditionals combined with field values create dynamic experiences where content changes depending on member characteristics. Different variables might access field values from other users beyond just the current visitor.
