# Using Discourse **URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/c/documentation/using-discourse/126.md [Latest](https://meta.discourse.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://meta.discourse.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://meta.discourse.org/tags.md) --- ## [Using Discourse Index](https://meta.discourse.org/t/using-discourse-index/308031)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2024, 6:02am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/using-discourse-index/308031 "2024-05-15T06:02:25Z")
Topics showing how to use Discourse by reading and writing content, and navigating Discourse sites. General Usage New user guide: Understanding Discourse for new users Activity summary emails: Managing Activity Summary… --- ## [Creating and managing polls](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-and-managing-polls/77548)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 6:02am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-and-managing-polls/77548 "2026-09-22T06:02:19Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to create polls in Discourse to gather votes from users on any topic. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users :information\_source: By default, polls are enabled in Di… --- ## [Creating and managing calendars](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-and-managing-calendars/283773)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-and-managing-calendars/283773 "2026-08-14T20:52:44Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to create and manage calendars in Discourse using the Calendar (and Event) plugin. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Calendars are a powerful feature in Discourse… --- ## [Discourse Trust Levels: A Detailed Explanation](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-trust-levels-a-detailed-explanation/396792)
**Author:** [@chapoi](https://meta.discourse.org/u/chapoi)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2026, 3:54pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-trust-levels-a-detailed-explanation/396792 "2026-06-26T15:54:58Z")
This topic explains how the Discourse trust level system works behind the scenes. It provides an overview of how each level is calculated and describes in more detail what requirements need to be met to progress. While m… --- ## [Finding Discourse RSS feeds](https://meta.discourse.org/t/finding-discourse-rss-feeds/264134)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2025, 1:18pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/finding-discourse-rss-feeds/264134 "2025-01-18T13:18:10Z")
:bookmark: A comprehensive reference guide to all available RSS feeds in Discourse, including URL structures, authentication requirements, and best practices for feed readers. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level:… --- ## [Creating and managing events](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-and-managing-events/149964)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-and-managing-events/149964 "2026-02-12T21:02:17Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to create and manage events using the Calendar and Event plugin in Discourse. It covers how to create events, set event options, interact with events, and view the upcoming events cale… --- ## [Trust Level Permissions Reference](https://meta.discourse.org/t/trust-level-permissions-reference/224824)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/trust-level-permissions-reference/224824 "2025-08-27T19:17:11Z")
:bookmark: This reference aims to be a comprehensive list of Discourse features, marked by Trust Level, and including the relevant admin settings which influence them. Trust level names TL0: New (newuser) TL1: Basic … --- ## [Filtering topic lists in Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/t/filtering-topic-lists-in-discourse/375558)
**Author:** [@sam](https://meta.discourse.org/u/sam)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2026, 9:08am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/filtering-topic-lists-in-discourse/375558 "2026-04-03T09:08:14Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains Discourse’s advanced topic filtering system, including the complete query language syntax, filter options, and how to use the /filter route effectively. :person\_raising\_hand: Required use… --- ## [Flagging a post for moderator attention](https://meta.discourse.org/t/flagging-a-post-for-moderator-attention/32783)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 8:57pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/flagging-a-post-for-moderator-attention/32783 "2024-08-01T20:57:31Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to flag a post for moderator attention in Discourse, when you should use this feature, and what happens after a post is flagged. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: Trust Level… --- ## [Creating pre-filled personal message links](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-pre-filled-personal-message-links/35984)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2025, 2:03pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-pre-filled-personal-message-links/35984 "2025-04-28T14:03:34Z")
:bookmark: This guide describes how to create a link to start a new personal message with pre-filled information, including best practices. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Discourse allows you to… --- ## [Understanding the notifications menu in Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-the-notifications-menu-in-discourse/3059)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2013, 7:37am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-the-notifications-menu-in-discourse/3059 "2013-02-14T07:37:50Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how the notifications menu works in Discourse, including the different types of notifications and where they appear in the interface. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users … --- ## [Using browser tab content indicators](https://meta.discourse.org/t/using-browser-tab-content-indicators/33508)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2015, 12:49am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/using-browser-tab-content-indicators/33508 "2015-09-21T00:49:27Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how Discourse displays new content indicators in your browser tab, helping you quickly identify new topics and posts without actively checking the site. :person\_raising\_hand: Required use… --- ## [Selecting the programming language used in code blocks](https://meta.discourse.org/t/selecting-the-programming-language-used-in-code-blocks/19247)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2014, 6:25am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/selecting-the-programming-language-used-in-code-blocks/19247 "2014-08-25T06:25:53Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to select the programming language used in code blocks within Discourse posts, along with how to suppress syntax highlighting. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users W… --- ## [Creating a link to start a new topic with pre-filled information](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-a-link-to-start-a-new-topic-with-pre-filled-information/28074)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2024, 4:40pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-a-link-to-start-a-new-topic-with-pre-filled-information/28074 "2024-10-16T16:40:30Z")
:bookmark: This documentation explains how to create a link that starts a new topic in Discourse with pre-filled information. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Sometimes you may want to provide use… --- ## [Understanding Likes in Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-likes-in-discourse/30803)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 3:25pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-likes-in-discourse/30803 "2015-07-05T15:25:14Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains the concept of “Likes” in Discourse, their functionality, and their significance in the Discourse ecosystem. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users The :heart: “Like butto… --- ## [Understanding post flags in Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-post-flags-in-discourse/275)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 7:17pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-post-flags-in-discourse/275 "2026-01-17T19:17:08Z")
:bookmark: This guide describes what happens when a post is flagged in a Discourse forum. It covers various flag scenarios, including single and multiple flags, along with their impacts on posts and users. This informat… --- ## [Creating and using invites](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-and-using-invites/263314)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-and-using-invites/263314 "2026-03-03T20:52:03Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to enable and utilize invitations in your Discourse community to enhance user engagement by bringing new members. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: Trust Level 2 (default) or… --- ## [Understanding suggested topics logic](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-suggested-topics-logic/252936)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2024, 11:59pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-suggested-topics-logic/252936 "2024-04-25T23:59:55Z")
:bookmark: This is a guide that explains the logic Discourse uses to determine which suggested topics appear at the bottom of the topic you are currently reading. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: Any Sugges… --- ## [Formatting posts using markdown, BBCode, and HTML](https://meta.discourse.org/t/formatting-posts-using-markdown-bbcode-and-html/239348)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 6:47pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/formatting-posts-using-markdown-bbcode-and-html/239348 "2026-01-26T18:47:37Z")
:bookmark: This reference guide details all the formatting options available in Discourse posts, including markdown, BBCode, and HTML. It specifies what is supported and provides resources where you can see examples. … --- ## [Printing a topic as a PDF](https://meta.discourse.org/t/printing-a-topic-as-a-pdf/160061)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2025, 5:41am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/printing-a-topic-as-a-pdf/160061 "2025-12-16T05:41:21Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to print/download any Discourse topic to PDF. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Discourse allows you to generate a PDF of a topic by using the Print topic keyboar… --- ## [Linking to a heading within a post or topic](https://meta.discourse.org/t/linking-to-a-heading-within-a-post-or-topic/47552)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2025, 2:55am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/linking-to-a-heading-within-a-post-or-topic/47552 "2025-11-23T02:55:04Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to link directly to a heading within a Discourse post or topic, enabling users to navigate long posts efficiently. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Adding headin… --- ## [Editing and creating wiki posts](https://meta.discourse.org/t/editing-and-creating-wiki-posts/30801)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2025, 12:02am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/editing-and-creating-wiki-posts/30801 "2025-11-21T00:02:54Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to create and edit wiki posts, including their purpose, permissions, and best practices. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users (with specific permissions based on group… --- ## [Using the Discourse sidebar](https://meta.discourse.org/t/using-the-discourse-sidebar/258478)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2025, 4:28pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/using-the-discourse-sidebar/258478 "2025-09-23T16:28:43Z")
:bookmark: This is a comprehensive guide explaining the various features and functionalities of the Discourse sidebar, including how to customize it for your needs. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users … --- ## [Understanding Discourse for new users](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-discourse-for-new-users/96331)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 2:49am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-discourse-for-new-users/96331 "2025-09-18T02:49:13Z")
:bookmark: This guide covers the fundamental features and basic usage of Discourse for new users, explaining key terms, how to navigate, participate in conversations, and configure notifications. :person\_raising\_hand: … --- ## [Using user cards to quickly view information about others](https://meta.discourse.org/t/using-user-cards-to-quickly-view-information-about-others/44093)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2025, 1:51pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/using-user-cards-to-quickly-view-information-about-others/44093 "2025-08-07T13:51:41Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains what user cards are, how they work, and what information they display in Discourse. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users User cards in Discourse provide a quick and conv… --- ## [Calculating "Top" topics in Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/t/calculating-top-topics-in-discourse/240928)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2025, 3:13pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/calculating-top-topics-in-discourse/240928 "2025-07-08T15:13:53Z")
:bookmark: This is a reference guide explaining how topics filtered by “Top” are determined to be “Top Topics” in Discourse. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Discourse sites have a feature that al… --- ## [Posting code or preformatted text](https://meta.discourse.org/t/posting-code-or-preformatted-text/188910)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2024, 9:26am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/posting-code-or-preformatted-text/188910 "2024-11-11T09:26:14Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to post code or preformatted text in Discourse using Markdown, BBCode, and HTML formats. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Have a line of code you need to share? … --- ## [Adding a table to your post using markdown](https://meta.discourse.org/t/adding-a-table-to-your-post-using-markdown/66544)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2025, 7:09pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/adding-a-table-to-your-post-using-markdown/66544 "2025-06-09T19:09:30Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to add tables to your Discourse posts using Markdown. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Adding tables to your posts can help present data in a structured and easy… --- ## [Understanding user interface elements in Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-user-interface-elements-in-discourse/103351)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2024, 11:40am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-user-interface-elements-in-discourse/103351 "2024-05-11T11:40:38Z")
:bookmark: This resource covers the names for each element of the Discourse user interface. :person\_raising\_hand: Required user level: All users Here’s what Discourse’s interface looks like most of the time. Themes, … --- ## [Creating quick access links to Discourse preference pages](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-quick-access-links-to-discourse-preference-pages/276375)
**Author:** [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2025, 8:54pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/creating-quick-access-links-to-discourse-preference-pages/276375 "2025-01-15T20:54:26Z")
:bookmark: This guide explains how to create easy-to-use links that direct users to specific sections of their Discourse preferences. These links work for any user on your Discourse instance. :person\_raising\_hand: Requ… [Next page](https://meta.discourse.org/c/documentation/using-discourse/126.md?page=1)