Miscellaneous Hacks - Force Style for Selected Users or Groups

Hack Support

This hack is now discontinued - this means that while it will remain available for download and use, there will be no further updates, nor will support be provided as the thread is no longer monitored. But not to worry, you can now check out the new 3.8.x version of this hack which will work with v3.7.x, as well as with v3.6.12 (and maybe even earlier versions).

Please click Mark as Installed if you are using this hack.


vBulletin Version Compatibility

This hack can be used with both vBulletin v3.6.x and v3.7.x


What Does This Hack Do?

This hack allows you to force a style to certain usergroup(s), secondary usergroup(s), and/or certain user(s) or any combination of the three. It is a port/update of my v3.5.x hack available here, apart from the fact that settings are now controlled from the AdminCP.

Scenario

The setup on my forums is that I use the default style as the parent to all my other styles which makes modifying the templates easy for me, I just edit my default style and the child styles inherit the changes.

I wanted to use a child style as the standard style for visitors and members, but not have them have a choice of the default template at all, but as soon as you logged out you were presented with the default template that you did not want guests to see.

This hack rectifies that. It also allows you to let others use the Default Style while forcing the usergroup(s)/member(s) to the one style you selected.

Note: There is no upgrade path from my v3.5.x version, you have to uninstall that one first before installing this one.


Installation Instructions

1. Import the product-jd_20070403.xml into vB using the AdminCP Product Manager. If upgrading from an earlier version, then set Allow Overwrite to Yes.
2. In vBulletin Options > Force Styles for Selected Users or Groups, change Force Styles for Selected Users or Groups - Enable to Yes to turn it on.
3. In the other boxes, select the usergroup(s), member(s) and the style id you want to force on those usergroups or members

What if you need custom style permissions as well?

This question has been asked a few times: What if you need custom style permissions so that you can control which usergroups see/select what styles? The hack I use is Andreas's Restrict Style to Usergroup hack which he released for v3.5.x. It is because of that hack that this one exists, and I have tested it on v3.5.x, v3.6.x and v3.7.x, and it works for three versions and works fine with my hacks as well.

For instance on my forum I need to use both hacks, as the style I force on my guests and normal members is not selectable nor do I allow them permission to use it, and is also not my default style (all my other styles are child styles of my default one), so without Andreas's hack I would not be able to do this.

But just to let you know that Andreas's hack is unsupported and is not likely to ever be supported (unless it is a proven bug), so if you have problems with it, you are on your own.


Version History

v1.01 - Wednesday 11th April 2007
-- Final Release
-- Added: AdminCP option

v1.00 - Tuesday 3rd April 2007
-- Initial Release


Show Your Appreciation

Although not required, if you have enjoyed the benefits of this hack, and would like show your appreciation for my efforts, then please feel free to click on the Support Developer link and donate any amount you feel is appropriate.

[Barakat]

install thanks .

[Hornstar]

Hey cool, i also do the same thing with having all the child templates taking hold from the default template, makes it so much easier in editing templates.

I'm sure ill find a use for this hack in the near future. thanks.

[Mosh]

Originally Posted by hornstar1337

Hey cool, i also do the same thing with having all the child templates taking hold from the default template, makes it so much easier in editing templates.

I'm sure ill find a use for this hack in the near future. thanks.

Cool

But don't forget that if you do use it, remember to click on Mark as Installed please.

[kall]

I wanted to use a child style as the standard style for visitors and members, but not have them have a choice of the default template at all, but as soon as you logged out you were presented with the default template that you did not want guests to see.

This modification rectifies that.

... as would taking the tick out of the Default Style and clicking Save Display Order.

[Mosh]

Originally Posted by kall

... as would taking the tick out of the Default Style and clicking Save Display Order.

Ah, yes, but then you would not be able to have certain groups apart from admins being able to use the Default Style, which is one of the reasons this exists.

For instance, on my own forum, guests and normal members get the same child style, but members who have been promoted to another group, have a selection of styles including the Default Style and your method would not work in this situation.

[kall]

Well, you didn't say that, now did you.

In that case, this mod is perfect.

[Mosh]

Originally Posted by kall

Well, you didn't say that, now did you.

In that case, this mod is perfect.

Thanks mate

I better put this in the original post to clarify

[Cyricx]

O the pain you can put a banned or restricted user through with a mod like this is just delicious!

[AMG021]

excellent hack