SMF
A free, professional forum with a comprehensive template system and a package manager for modifications.
About SMF
What is SMF?
Simple Machines Forum (SMF) is free, professional message board software that lets you build online communities, with user management, advanced permissions, content search and a customizable template system.
Use cases
What is SMF for?
- A community that needs a highly customizable template system.
- A forum with simultaneous multi-language support for several communities in one.
- A project that wants to install modifications via a package manager.
Benefits
Main benefits of SMF
A comprehensive, customizable template system.
Advanced user and permission management.
Simultaneous multi-language support.
A package manager for easily installing modifications.
Is it for you?
Who should use SMF?
Communities that want to deeply customize the forum's appearance and extend functionality via the package manager.
Is SMF right for you?
Is SMF the right choice for you?
It's a great fit if…
- You want a highly customizable template system for the forum's design.
- You need to install modifications easily via a package manager.
- You're after simultaneous multi-language support.
It might not be for you if…
- You need compatibility with databases other than MySQL (consider phpBB).
- You want direct WordPress integration (consider bbPress).
Installation
How to install SMF on your hosting
Open your hosting panel
Log into your miHosting professional hosting panel and open Softaculous, the application installer included with every plan.
Find SMF
One-click install via Softaculous from the hosting panel.
Configure and go live
Choose the domain, language and admin details. Softaculous creates the database automatically and your install is ready in minutes.
Recommended hosting
Why install SMF on miHosting
miHosting's professional shared hosting includes Softaculous, PHP and databases already configured, NVMe storage with no artificial limits, free SSL and real technical support if you need help during installation or maintenance of SMF.
Choose your plan
Install SMF today
Choose the professional hosting plan that best fits your SMF project, or try it risk-free with the free plan.
Emprendedor
50% OFF118 $/yr 59 $/yr — free domain included
- ✓3 websites
- ✓1 free domain for the first year
- ✓Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
- ✓Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
- ✓Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
- ✓Free migration included
- ✓Real 24/7 technical support
Plus
50% OFF170 $/yr 85 $/yr — free domain included
- ✓15 websites
- ✓1 free domain for the first year
- ✓Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
- ✓Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
- ✓Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
- ✓Free migration included
- ✓Real 24/7 technical support
Webmaster
50% OFF198 $/yr 99 $/yr — free domain included
- ✓100 websites
- ✓1 free domain for the first year
- ✓Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
- ✓Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
- ✓Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
- ✓Free migration included
- ✓Real 24/7 technical support
Not sure which to choose?
For 1–3 of your own websites, the Emprendedor plan is more than enough. To manage client sites or multiple projects, the Webmaster plan is the go-to choice for agencies and freelancers.
Talk to a technician on WhatsApp →Not ready to commit yet?
Try it with the same NVMe infrastructure as the paid plans, no credit card and no fine print. When you're ready, upgrade to a professional plan with a 50% discount.
- ✓ No credit card required
- ✓ Softaculous included
- ✓ Upgrade whenever you want
Frequently asked questions about SMF
Can SMF install third-party modifications easily?
Yes, it includes a package manager specifically built to install modifications without having to edit files by hand.
Does SMF support several languages on the same forum?
Yes, it offers simultaneous multi-language support, useful for communities with users from different countries.
Launch your project with SMF today
Professional hosting with Softaculous, real technical support and a 60-day money-back guarantee.