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Embedding a forum into your HTMLy website

HTMLy is an open source, databaseless PHP blogging platform and flat-file CMS. It lets you build a fast, lightweight website or blog where your content lives in simple text files instead of a heavy database. While HTMLy is great for publishing, it does not include a native community forum or discussion feature.

That's where Website Toolbox comes in. You can embed a fully featured discussion forum directly into your HTMLy website, 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:

  • Blog reader communities
  • Newsletter subscriber communities
  • Creator and hobby communities
  • 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 HTMLy dashboard at htmly.com. After installing HTMLy, the dashboard is at your site's /login address.
  2. Create a new page or post where you want the forum to appear. In the dashboard, choose New Post or create a static page, give it a title such as Forum, and open the content editor.
  3. You'll need 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. Paste your Website Toolbox embed code into the content editor of the page or post. HTMLy stores content as plain text files that accept raw HTML, so the forum iframe renders directly on your page.
  5. Save and publish the page or post to make the forum live on your site.
  6. Copy the URL of your published Forum page. You can find it by visiting your site and navigating to the Forum page.
  7. Go back to the Website Toolbox Integrate → Embed → Embed Your Forum section and paste your HTMLy Forum page URL into the Where is the forum embedded? field.

Option B: Link to the Forum

  1. Log in to your HTMLy dashboard at htmly.com. After installing HTMLy, the dashboard is at your site's /login address.
  2. Open the menu editor or the content editor for the page where you want the forum link to appear.
  3. You'll need 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 a navigation menu item or an in-page link to your Website Toolbox forum URL, and label it Forum.
  5. Save and publish your changes. Visitors can now click through to your forum.

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 HTMLy have a built-in forum feature?

No, HTMLy does not include a native community forum or discussion feature. However, you can easily add a forum to your site using Website Toolbox, either by embedding it directly into a page or post 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 HTMLy 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 HTMLy 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 HTMLy users with the forum for a single sign-in experience.

Do I need to know how to code?

No. HTMLy stores your content in simple text files that accept raw HTML, and Website Toolbox provides the embed code you paste into a page or post. No custom development is required. If you prefer, you can simply link to your forum from your navigation instead.

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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