Custom User Statuses

Wiki Users

AI-generated summary

This post provides a guide on using Custom User Statuses in Discourse. A Custom User Status allows users to display a custom message and emoji next to their avatar, useful for indicating availability or mood. To access the feature, users click their profile photo, select the User icon, and choose “Set Custom Status.” The menu allows users to set an emoji, status text, duration, and optionally pause notifications. Changes must be saved, and the status can be removed by clearing it. The feature is disabled by default and requires administrator enablement. Only users who can view the profile can see the status. HamMan2118 also links to the official Discourse documentation for further details.

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Summary

This document covers:

  • What a Custom User Status Is
  • How to add, modify, and remove a custom user status.

Custom User Status Description

A Custom User Status is a feature where users can set a custom status and icon to appear in their profile and next to their avatar at posts. This can be used, as a member, to let the community know if you are unavailable, on vacation, or want to share how you are feeling.

A custom user status appears like this in a post:

Username "andrei" with a palm tree emoji next to it, showing "Oh, I'm vacation" and "Until: Oct 9"
Username "andrei" with a palm tree emoji next to it, showing "Oh, I'm vacation" and "Until: Oct 9"454×234 25.7 KB

Opening the Custom User Status menu

Follow these steps to open the Custom User Status menu. An image is attached to each step.

1.) Click on your profile photo found on the top right corner of the site.

The image highlights the avatar in the header of a Discourse forum
The image highlights the avatar in the header of a Discourse forum1423×557 42.7 KB

2.) Press the User icon in the menu.

The image highlights the user icon in the avatar menu
The image highlights the user icon in the avatar menu374×362 6.25 KB

3.) Select the Set Custom Status button.

There is a red box with the words "Set custom status" in a dropdown menu. (Captioned by AI)
There is a red box with the words "Set custom status" in a dropdown menu. (Captioned by AI)357×367 6.74 KB

:information_source: This feature is disabled by default. If you cannot find it, contact your administrator.

Adding a Custom User Status

Under the Custom User Status menu, you are prompted with the option to set an emoji, status, and length of the custom status. In addition, you may also select to pause all notifications during the length of your custom status.

Modal for setting up the custom status, where you can choose the emoji and the status, as well as whether you want to pause notifications and set when the status should be removed
Modal for setting up the custom status, where you can choose the emoji and the status, as well as whether you want to pause notifications and set when the status should be removed594×550 17.5 KB

Modifying a Custom User Status

To modify your custom status, open up the Custom User Status panel and modify the relevant information there.

:warning: It is necessary to click “Save” for all changes to take effect.

Removing a Custom User Status

To remove your custom status, open the Custom User Status panel and clear it by clicking the icon.

FAQ

Q.) Who can see my custom status?
A.) Anyone who can view your posts/profile can see your custom status.

Additional resources

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Users Index
Managing & Understanding User Preferences
Documentation contribution opportunities
Documentation contribution opportunities
Documentation contribution opportunities