Change category description

Product Support

AI-generated summary

In a Support category discussion titled “Change category description,” tmc1 asks how to change or reset a category description after deleting its associated topic. not-ethan clarifies that the topic cannot be deleted but can be edited. Stephen explains that the topic itself stores the description and suggests alternatives like unlisting it or setting its timestamp back to bury it. tmc1 expresses a desire to hide the topic from users since it’s only used for the description. Stephen recommends unlisting the topic and even shares a screenshot to illustrate the option. not-ethan adds that unlisting hides it from view but doesn’t restrict access via direct link. Finally, tmc1 confirms that unlisting solved the issue perfectly — the description remains intact while the topic is hidden from users. They thank both responders for their quick help, noting they’re new to Discourse and appreciate the guidance. The discussion highlights Discourse’s flexible tools for managing category descriptions without destructive actions like deletion.

1

Hey guys!

I know this:

But, what happens if I delete that topic and want to set a different description? Not sure how to do that.

Thanks

2

You are unable to. Theres no option to delete it. If you want to change it you can edit that post

3

Where? That topic is where the topic description is stored.

4

@Stephen I’d like to hide that for users, as that topic is not being used for anything else than just the description of the category…

5

So why not unlist it?

Screenshot 2023-06-16 at 12.24.06 PM
Screenshot 2023-06-16 at 12.24.06 PM602Ă—986 39 KB

You can also set the timestamp on the topic back a year or two and close it so that it’s way below any other category activity.

Discourse gives you heaps of tools to tweak this kind of stuff, destructive acts are rarely the way forward :grin:

6

You are able to unlist it with that topic admin wrench. Though it will still be accessible to everybody that have the link.

7

The unlist did the job exactly as I wanted, the description is still there but the topic is hidden for users.

I’m very, very new to Discourse, sorry for the dumb question. And thanks A LOT for the super fast reply to both!!