Turn any forum into a private, branded community with invitations.
Where: forum settings at /forums/{slug}/settings (if you own or moderate the forum).
Visibility modes:
- Public — anyone sees and posts. Default.
- Listed Private — forum name, cover, and description visible; content and thread list require membership. Non-members see a "Request to Join" preview.
- Hidden — invisible to non-members entirely. Invite-only.
Community presentation (is_community=1):
- Cover banner (3:1 aspect) with upload + crop editor
- Icon (1:1) with upload + crop editor
- Brand color picker
- Member count, tabs for Members / Pending Requests / Settings / Invite
Membership: moderators can invite, approve join requests, or direct-add. Members can leave anytime.
Default branding: if you don't upload a cover/icon, the site generates a letter-avatar on a color derived from the forum slug — so new forums look good on day one.
