12 free XenForo add-ons and what each one does
The twelve free XenForo add-ons we make and maintain, grouped by the job they do, with the XenForo versions each one needs.
On this page
These are the twelve free XenForo add-ons we make and maintain, grouped by the job they do. Each one says which XenForo version it needs, and you can download any of them from its page without an account. Pick the ones that solve a problem you have today, and leave the rest.
Every add-on here installs the same way as any other XenForo add-on. If you have not done that before, how to install a XenForo add-on walks through it in a few minutes.
All 12 free XenForo add-ons at a glance
Most of them run on XenForo 2.2 and 2.3. Three need XenForo 2.3, and two of those still offer an older build for 2.2 forums.
| Add-on | What it does | Needs XenForo |
|---|---|---|
| Widgets | Adds new thread and random thread widgets, a Facebook page widget and thread promotion. | 2.2 or newer |
| Widgets Importer | Exports widgets to an XML file and imports them again. | 2.2 or newer |
| Forum Statistics | Shows tabbed lists of top threads, members, resources and media. | 2.2 or newer |
| Custom Node Icon | Gives any forum on the forum list its own icon. | 2.2 or newer |
| Thumbnail | Adds a small picture to each thread in thread lists. | 2.3 or newer |
| Thread Icon | Lets members pick an icon that shows next to their thread title. | 2.3 or newer |
| More Threads | Lists related threads at the bottom of each thread. | 2.2 or newer |
| Advanced Download | Sends downloads through a download page with room for ads. | 2.2 or newer |
| Attachment View | Lets guests open images and other file types you choose. | 2.2 or newer |
| Link Proxy | Shows a warning page before visitors follow an outside link. | 2.2 or newer |
| Login As User | Lets trusted staff see the forum exactly as a member does. | 2.3 or newer |
| Unique Field | Stops two members or threads from using the same custom field value. | 2.2 or newer |
Each product page also has a compatibility tab. Choose the XenForo version your forum runs, and it shows which release fits.
For the forum list and sidebars
XenForo's own widgets cover the basics. These add-ons fill the gaps many forum owners notice after a few months.
Widgets
Widgets adds three widgets: New Threads, Random Threads and a Facebook Fanpage box. New Threads can sort by post date, last reply, reactions, replies, views or promote date. Both thread widgets can show only threads with certain tags. The add-on adds thread promotion too, so staff can feature a thread in a widget now or on a schedule. The picture layouts take their images from Thumbnail, and the Facebook widget needs a Facebook App ID.
Widgets Importer
Widgets Importer exports the widgets you pick to an XML file and imports them from one. It can also delete every widget with one click, so use that button with care. It is handy when you build a layout on a test copy and want the same widgets on the live forum. It is still a beta release.
Forum Statistics
Forum Statistics shows what is happening on your forum in one tabbed block. There are tabs for threads, members, resources, resource authors, media and albums. That adds up to 28 ways to sort, such as trending, most viewed or unanswered. The resource tabs need XenForo Resource Manager, and the media tabs need Media Gallery. Only the open tab loads its data, and each tab is cached, so it stays light on busy boards. You can place it as a widget or use its own page at /forum-stats/.
Custom Node Icon
Custom Node Icon lets you give any forum on your forum list its own icon instead of the default one. It is a small change, but it helps members find their favorite sections faster.
For thread lists and thread pages
Thread lists are where readers decide what to open next. These three make that choice easier.
Thumbnail
Thumbnail adds a small picture to each thread in thread lists, widgets and search results. It picks the first usable image from the thread's first post. That can be an attachment, an image from another site, a YouTube, Vimeo or Dailymotion preview, or a poster from a custom BB code. The same picture becomes the image shown when the thread is shared on social media. Members with permission can choose or upload their own. The current release needs XenForo 2.3, and 2.2 forums can use the last 2.2 build, 1.0.5 Patch Level 6.
Thread Icon
Thread Icon lets members pick a Font Awesome icon for their thread. It shows next to the title in thread lists, on the thread and in search results. You choose which forums allow icons, whether they sit before or after the title, and which groups can use them. Version 1.0.3 needs XenForo 2.3, and it no longer needs any other add-on. Forums on 2.2 can use version 1.0.1 Patch Level 1.
More Threads
More Threads adds a list of related threads at the bottom of each thread. Readers who finish one thread get an easy next step instead of leaving. It builds on Thumbnail, so install Thumbnail first. Add-ons that need another add-on explains the order.
For attachments, downloads and links
These three change what happens when someone opens a file or clicks a link in a post.
Advanced Download
Advanced Download sends downloads through a separate download page. It works for attachments and for internal and external resources. The page has two ad spots, and it stops accidental clicks from starting a download. If you want a download timer per user group, or groups that skip the page, that is Advanced Download Pro. Pro is a paid upgrade and needs the free Advanced Download installed.
Attachment View
Attachment View lets guests open full-size attachments of the file types you choose. By default that means common image types. Other files, such as zip or PDF, stay behind your normal permissions. It is a middle ground for forums that hide attachments from guests but still want threads to look good.
Link Proxy
Link Proxy sends outside links through a short warning page. The page shows where the link goes, then continues after a few seconds or waits for a click. You can list domains that skip it. It covers posts, profile posts, resource updates and Media Gallery albums and media. Links to your own forum never go through it.
For staff and member data
The last two help the people who run the forum.
Login As User
Login As User lets trusted staff see the forum exactly as a member sees it. That is often the fastest way to answer "why can't I see this?" Nobody can use it until you grant the permission, and every session is logged. Staff confirm their own password first, sessions end on their own after 30 minutes by default, and administrators can never be logged in as. It needs XenForo 2.3.
Unique Field
Unique Field stops two members, or two threads, from using the same value in a custom field. Think of a game character name, a membership number or a product serial. It works with custom user fields and custom thread fields, with no extra options page to learn.
How to choose and install them
Start with the problem, not the list. If readers leave after one thread, look at Thumbnail and More Threads. If your sidebar feels empty, look at Widgets or Forum Statistics. If members report problems you can't see, try Login As User.
- Check your XenForo version. The table above and each product page's compatibility tab show what fits.
- Back up your forum before you install anything new.
- Install the add-on it needs first, such as Thumbnail before More Threads.
- Grant its permissions. Most add-ons start switched off for every group.
- Place its widget, if it has one.
Most of these have a setup guide in the Knowledge Base. Each guide lists the permissions and options to check first.
Questions people ask about free XenForo add-ons
Do I need an account to download them?
No. Free add-ons download straight from their product page, with no account needed.
Do they still get updates?
Yes. New releases appear on each product page and on our changelog, with the XenForo version each one needs.
Can I ask for help with a free add-on?
Yes. Check the add-on's setup guide first, if it has one. If that doesn't solve it, open a support ticket with your XenForo version and what you see.
What to do next
Pick one or two free XenForo add-ons from the list and install them on your forum this week. Give each one a few days before you judge it. Then come back for the next.