How to enforce a required tag for topic creation in a specific category via theme JS (Blackout theme)?

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AI-generated summary

S.AAKASH_MUTHIAH seeks to enforce a required tag for topic creation in a specific category using the Blackout theme’s JavaScript. chapoi suggests using built-in tools by creating a tag group and selecting it in the category settings. However, S.AAKASH_MUTHIAH reports that this method isn’t working as expected, allowing topics to be created without the required tag. chapoi confirms this might be a bug and pings the relevant team. Later, chapoi clarifies that the restriction doesn’t apply to admins, which Kartoon agrees with, stating that admins should be able to override such constraints. tobiaseigen confirms that the suggested method works for non-admin users and reminds that admins are not subject to these restrictions.

1

Hi everyone,

I want to enforce a rule in my Discourse forum where, for a specific category only, users must attach a particular tag when creating a topic. Users can attach any number of tags, but one specific tag must be present; otherwise, the topic creation should be blocked with an error message.

I’m using the Blackout theme (or custom theme), and I want to add this validation client-side with JavaScript.

Is there a way to add such a condition in the theme’s JavaScript (e.g., in the Blackout theme’s custom code) to:

  • Check if the topic being created belongs to the specific category,

  • Check if the required tag is attached,

  • Show an error and prevent topic creation if the required tag is missing?

If yes, could someone please share an example or the best approach to do this?

Thanks in advance!

2

I’m fairly sure you can do this with built-in tools.

In the category settings, look at:

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So you just need to make a tag-group, add the tag you want, and then select that group in the category you want it to be required.

3

Hi,
I followed the steps.
I created a Tag Group and added a single tag to it.

  1. In the category settings, under Tags > Required tag group, I selected this tag group.

  2. My expectation is: when creating a new topic in this category, at least one tag from the required tag group should be mandatory.

However, the system is allowing topics to be created without any tag from the required tag group, which defeats the purpose of this setting.

I’ve attached screenshots showing:

Can you please help investigate if this is a bug, or if I might be missing something?

4

I think you’re right and you have uncovered a bug. I’m pinging the relevant team!

5

@S.AAKASH_MUTHIAH

Okay so it turns out this restriction does not apply to admins…

So at least it’s working as expected for normal users, I’ve tested it and can confirm.

We’re discussing internally how we will improve this further, either by applying it globally or making this behaviour at least clear.

6

I personally would rather it not apply globally, the point of Admins is supposed to be you can override anything and this would make it impossible to override this specific thing. Unless you add a way to get around that, which just seems like a lot more work than leaving it as is.

I mean Admins can post in closed topics just like they’re normal topics, and that’s obviously intended. It’s completely normal behavior for them not to be constrained by anything they put on the site IMO

8

@S.AAKASH_MUTHIAH were you able to resolve your issue? I think @chapoi’s advice works for your use case. You just have to remember that you as admin are not impacted by it, as you are not impacted by other restrictions for non-admins.