MODX is an open-source content management system written in PHP. It's a flexible, developer-friendly CMS that gives you complete control over your website's markup, templates, and content. But like most CMS platforms, MODX doesn't include 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 your MODX site, 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
- Online course discussions
- Coaching and membership sites
- Customer support forums
- Feedback and feature request boards
- Creator and hobby communities
- Private member groups
This step-by-step guide walks you through the process:
Step-by-Step: Add Your Forum
Option A: Embed the Forum
- Log in to your MODX Manager (the admin area of your MODX site).
- In the left-hand Resources tree, create a new Resource (page) or open the existing page where you want to add the forum. Click New Resource or double-click an existing resource.
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Get your Website Toolbox embed code:
- Log in to your Website Toolbox account or create a new forum if you don't already have one.
- Go to Integrate Embed → Embed your forum and copy the embed code.
- In the Resource's Content field, switch the editor to source/HTML mode (the </> icon) and paste the Website Toolbox embed code into the content area where you want the forum to appear.
- Click Save to publish the resource to your site.
- Copy the URL of your published forum page from your site.
- Go back to the Website Toolbox Integrate → Embed → Embed Your Forum section and paste your MODX page URL into the Where is the forum embedded? field.
Option B: Link to the Forum
- Log in to your MODX Manager (the admin area of your MODX site).
- In the left-hand Resources tree, create a new Resource (page) or open the existing page where you want to add the link.
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Get your Website Toolbox forum URL:
- Log in to your Website Toolbox account or create a new forum if you don't already have one.
- Copy your forum URL.
- Add a link to your forum URL in your MODX site's navigation menu or within a page's content. In the content editor, select the text you want to link and insert the URL.
- Click Save to publish your changes.
Single Sign On
Website Toolbox offers a custom SSO integration service starting at $199.
How to purchase custom SSO integration:
- Log in to your Website Toolbox account.
- Go to Integrate → Single Sign On.
- Under Your Website Builder, select Other from the dropdown.
- 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 MODX have a built-in forum feature?
No, MODX does not include a native forum feature out of the box. However, you can easily add a forum to your site using Website Toolbox, either by embedding it directly into a resource page 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 MODX 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 MODX 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 seamlessly connect your MODX site's user system with the forum.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. MODX lets you add the forum by pasting the embed code directly into a resource's content in HTML mode, or by adding a simple link. Website Toolbox handles all the forum logic, so you don't need to write any custom code.
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.