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Embedding a forum into your DNN website

DNN (formerly DotNetNuke) is a long-standing .NET content management system used by organizations to build powerful, customizable websites and intranets. It's a flexible platform, but like most CMS solutions it doesn't come with a built-in community forum or discussion feature.

That's where Website Toolbox comes in. You can embed a fully featured discussion forum directly into any DNN page using its HTML module, or simply link to your forum from your site's navigation. Either way, you get user accounts, moderation tools, and real-time conversations.

This works really well for:

  • SaaS product communities
  • Corporate and intranet forums
  • Association and member sites
  • Customer support forums
  • Feedback and feature request boards
  • Online course discussions
  • Private member groups

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process.

Step-by-Step: Add Your Forum

Option A: Embed the Forum

  1. Log in to your DNN website as a superuser or a user with permission to edit the page where you want to add the forum.
  2. Navigate to the page where you want the forum to appear, then click the Edit (pencil) icon to enter Edit mode.
  3. Get your Website Toolbox embed code:
    1. Log in to your Website Toolbox account or create a new forum if you don't already have one.
    2. Go to Integrate Embed → Embed your forum and copy the embed code.
  4. In the DNN Control Bar, open the Modules drop-down menu and click Add New Module. Select the HTML module and drag it into the pane (for example, ContentPane) where you want the forum to appear.
  5. In the HTML module, click the Edit (pencil) icon to open the editor. Switch to the source view by clicking the </> or View Source button so DNN does not reformat your code.
  6. Paste your Website Toolbox embed code into the HTML source, then click Save.
  7. Click the X (or Exit Edit) to save and publish your page.
  8. Copy the URL of your published Forum page.
  9. Go back to the Website Toolbox Integrate → Embed → Embed Your Forum section and paste your DNN Forum page URL into the Where is the forum embedded? field.

Option B: Link to the Forum

  1. Log in to your DNN website as a superuser or a user with permission to edit the page where you want to add the forum link.
  2. Navigate to the page where you want the link, then click the Edit (pencil) icon to enter Edit mode.
  3. Get your Website Toolbox forum URL:
    1. Log in to your Website Toolbox account or create a new forum if you don't already have one.
    2. Copy your forum URL.
  4. Add an HTML module to the page (or use an existing one) and paste a link to your forum, or add the link to your site's navigation menu.
  5. Click the X (or Exit Edit) to save and publish your page.

Single Sign On

Website Toolbox offers a custom SSO integration service starting at $199.

How to purchase custom SSO integration:

  1. Log in to your Website Toolbox account.
  2. Go to Integrate → Single Sign On.
  3. Under Your Website Builder, select Other from the dropdown.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete your purchase.

What Your Members Can Do

Once your forum is connected, your members get a full-featured community experience. Website Toolbox includes many more features beyond what's listed here. Visit the Features Tour to see everything that's available.

💬 For Members

  • Create and reply to discussion threads
  • Like posts
  • Upload images and files
  • Receive email notifications
  • Customize their profile

🛡️ For Admins

  • Moderate posts and comments
  • Ban users
  • Create categories and pin topics
  • Customize the forum's appearance
  • Manage member permissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DNN have a built-in forum feature?

No, DNN does not include a native forum module in its core platform. However, you can easily add a forum to your site using Website Toolbox, either by embedding it directly into a page with the HTML module or by linking to it from your navigation.

Should I embed the forum or link to it?

Both work well. Embedding keeps users on your DNN site and integrates the forum seamlessly into your page layout. Linking is simpler to set up and opens the forum in its own page, which can be a better experience on mobile devices. Choose whichever fits your workflow.

Can I customize the look of my embedded forum?

Yes. Website Toolbox provides a theme editor with a variety of themes you can choose from to match your DNN site's design. You can customize colors, fonts, layout settings, and more to create a seamless look.

Can I make the forum private or members-only?

Absolutely. You can restrict forum access to logged-in users, create invite-only communities, or charge for access with subscription plans. Combined with the SSO integration, you can connect your DNN site's user system with the forum.

Do I need to know how to code?

No. DNN uses a drag-and-drop module system, so you add the HTML module the same way you add any other module. You simply paste the embed code or URL into the module and save. No programming skills required.

Will the forum work on mobile devices?

Yes. Website Toolbox forums are fully responsive and work great on phones, tablets, and desktops. If you embed the forum, the iframe adapts to the container size automatically. Website Toolbox also offers a mobile app so your members can participate from their phones.



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