XenForo BB Code Demystified

XenForo gives people many options to make text look different. BB code helps users format their words with colors, sizes, and special styles. Anyone can add bold letters by typing [b] before and [/b] after any text. This works like the HTML system seen on websites.

Members can use BB code to do more than just change how words appear. They can quote messages from others, hide spoilers, or display computer code. These codes accept extra details when needed. Adding [font="Helvetica"] lets people write using that specific text style.

XenForo comes with standard BB codes ready to use. The system lets administrators create new codes for their communities. Managers can see all custom codes on one screen. They can turn codes on or off as needed and delete unwanted codes with simple clicks.

The platform makes sharing BB codes easy between different sites. Admins export or import groups of codes through buttons at the top of their management page. Each code appears with its current status. Creating fresh codes happens inside the editor section.

Let's look at making a code that puts text inside colored boxes. We'll name it BOX and make it work with colors. When someone types [BOX="red"] followed by text and [/BOX]They see their words against a red background. The system changes this into HTML that browsers understand.

Setting up custom codes requires several steps. First, enter the trigger word, like BOX. Next, give it a name such as Colored Box. Choose how it transforms text. Most people use simple replacement rather than complicated PHP code methods. Mark whether users must include extra information.

The important part comes when writing the HTML replacement. This tells XenForo how to change BB code into proper web code. Use {option} where user choices belong and {text} where their message goes. For boxes, we write HTML that creates a div with a background color from {option}.

Administrators decide how members access these codes. They add buttons with icons to the message editor. Each button helps people insert complex BB codes without memorizing tags. The button manager arranges these controls exactly where needed across the editor interface.

Every custom code needs examples showing how it works. People learn faster when they see input examples next to output results. Some codes might look bad in signatures, so XenForo lets admins block those from signature areas by unchecking a permission box.

Advanced settings give more control over custom BB codes. Admins limit what values work through regular expressions. They decide if smilies, links, line breaks, or other BB codes function inside their custom tags. These choices prevent formatting problems in the final display.

Some BB codes need different versions for emails or plain text. XenForo handles this through separate replacement fields. Administrators create alternative versions using the same {option} and {text} markers. This ensures messages look right in every format people might read them.