Custom Node Fields

[Craig]

In 5.7.2, we have added a new feature - Custom Node fields.

This new feature allows Administrators to define text and text area fields that are assigned to channels (eg forums).
When a user creates a new topic, defined custom node fields will be available.

1. The Administrator will create Field Categories in the AdminCP. Each category is assigned to one or more channels.
2. Within each category, the Administrator can create one or more fields that will get assigned to individual nodes.
3. When the End-User creates a new topic in that channel, the fields are available above the standard editor.
4. When the user saves their post, each field with a value will be shown above the post text in a key-index table.
   • When saved, the field values are attached to the node. So if the node is moved to another channel, the field values will travel with it.
   • These fields only appear on the starter post.
   • The system will not show any field without a value assigned in the post.

Below is how it works in practice.

You can also watch the video at the top of this article for an overview

Step 1

Go to AdminCP > Custom Node Fields > Custom Node Field Manager



Step 2

Click Add Category to be be taken to the Add Category screen



Step 3

Give the category a Name and a Title.
The name can only have letters, numbers and underscores, whereas the title is the "Display Name" users will see.

Then select the channel(s) you want this category of node fields to appear in (CTRL + Click to select more than one)
Then click Save




Step 4

Now, alongside your new category, click "Add Node Field"


Step 5

Choose whether you want a single line text box, or a multiple line text box (textarea).
Enter a name and title for your node - again the "name" can only have letters, numbers and underscores, whereas the "title" is the display name that users will see.
Then click Save



Step 6

Repeat Step 5 for all the fields you would like to use.
You can also edit the display order as you go, or afterwards from the main screen




Step 7

Now, go to your forum front end and create a new topic in the channel you specified in Step 3.
You should see your new node fields available to use.



Step 8

Complete the fields, enter some text for the topic as normal, and submit your topic.
You will now see your custom node fields appear in the post.



That's it!

If you have any questions, please post in the Support forum and we will assist.

[Craig]

Is there a way to make the answers to the node field question to be visible only to select users groups while allowing allowing select user groups to make submissions?

Furthermore is it possible to have the submission question and answer emailed to the person submitting?

For instance if admins want to allow users to contact them via the custom node fields can it be for only admins and the person submitting to see the answers?

[Wayne Luke]

You can make entire threads only visible to the author and staff by using the "Can View Other's Topics" permission. You cannot make individual fields visible via permissions. Maybe in the future that is a new layer of permissions that we might want to add.

[MasterOfNone]

This is an interesting feature that has my mind thinking about a few ideas on how I could use this. Thanks for making the video, that was helpful to see.