SMF
A free, professional forum with a comprehensive template system and a package manager for modifications.
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.
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.
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.
Who should use SMF?
Communities that want to deeply customize the forum's appearance and extend functionality via the package manager.
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).
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.
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.
Install SMF today
Choose the professional hosting plan that best fits your SMF project, or try it risk-free with the free plan.
Emprendedor
— free domain included*
- ✓3 websites
- ✓1 free domain* the first year (annual billing)
- ✓Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
- ✓Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
- —Node.js, Python and Ruby are not available with Emprendedor.
- ✓Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
- ✓Free migration included
- ✓Real 24/7 technical support
Plus
— free domain included*
- ✓15 websites
- ✓1 free domain* the first year (annual billing)
- ✓Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
- ✓Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
- ✓Node.js, Python and Ruby access
- ✓Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
- ✓Free migration included
- ✓Real 24/7 technical support
Webmaster
— free domain included*
- ✓100 websites
- ✓1 free domain* the first year (annual billing)
- ✓Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
- ✓Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
- ✓Node.js, Python and Ruby access
- ✓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.
Node.js, Python and Ruby are included with Plus and Webmaster; they are not available with Emprendedor.
* The first-year free domain is included with the annual price. From the second year onward, it renews at the standard price. Prices in USD. VAT excluded.
Not ready to commit yet?
Try it with the same NVMe infrastructure as the paid plans for 6 months, without a credit card. Your domain is purchased separately and free hosting does not include direct support. Upgrade within those 6 months for 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.