Simple Machines Forum

Self-Hosted

Open-source forum software for building online communities

Overview

Simple Machines Forum (SMF) is a lightweight, open-source forum platform for creating and managing online communities. It offers threaded discussions with rich text editing, user groups with customizable permissions, private messaging, and robust moderation tools (reports, bans, and content filtering). Deployment is straightforward—runs on PHP/MySQL, supports most hosting providers, and includes a web-based setup wizard. It also features a plugin ecosystem for extending functionality and custom themes, with active community support for troubleshooting and updates.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  simple_machines_forum:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: simple-machines-forum
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Threaded discussions with rich text support
Customizable themes and plugin ecosystem
Robust moderation tools (reports, user permissions)
Private messaging and user profile management
Multilingual support for global communities

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Simple Machines Forum hard to install?

No, it has a user-friendly web-based installation wizard that guides you through database setup and admin account creation. It works on most shared hosting with PHP and MySQL support, and detailed documentation is available to assist beginners.

? Is it a good alternative to vBulletin?

Yes, SMF offers core forum features like threaded discussions, moderation tools, and customization options similar to vBulletin but is completely free and open-source, making it a cost-effective choice for small to medium communities.

? Is it completely free?

Yes, Simple Machines Forum is released under the BSD license, meaning it’s fully free to use, modify, and distribute without any licensing fees or hidden costs.

Top Alternatives

vBulletin Search Google

XenForo Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Completely free and open-source (BSD license)
⊕ Lightweight and fast performance
⊕ Easy web-based installation wizard
⊕ Active community and extensive documentation

Cons

⊖ Requires PHP/MySQL hosting (basic technical setup)
⊖ Default themes lack modern design aesthetics
⊖ Less advanced features than Discourse or XenForo