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Thread Prefixes — What they are, why they help, and how to use them
Prefixes are short labels (like [Help], [Solved], [HowTo]) that appear before a topic title.
They help readers instantly understand your post and help helpers find the right threads fast.
Why use prefixes? (What you get)
How to add a prefix
Which prefix should I choose?
Use the one that best describes your post. If you’re unsure, pick [Help].
Good title examples
FAQ
I don’t see the prefix dropdown.
I picked the wrong prefix — how do I change it?
Is the template required?
Quick ask
Please use a prefix when you post and switch to [Solved] when your issue is fixed.
It helps you get answers faster and keeps the forum easy to navigate. Thanks! 🙌
Prefixes are short labels (like [Help], [Solved], [HowTo]) that appear before a topic title.
They help readers instantly understand your post and help helpers find the right threads fast.
Why use prefixes? (What you get)
- Faster help — Helpers scan for [Help] threads first.
- Better search — You (and others) can filter by prefix to find similar posts later.
- Clear expectations — [HowTo]/[Guide] means “reference”, [Lab] means “hands-on”.
- Closes the loop — Switch to [Solved] when fixed so others can learn from it.
- Keeps things tidy — Makes busy forums easier to browse for everyone.
How to add a prefix
- Desktop: Click Post New Topic → choose a Prefix from the dropdown next to/above the title → write your title and post.
- Mobile: Tap More Options / Full Editor if you don’t see the Prefix dropdown.
- After posting: Open your thread → Thread Tools → Edit Title (or Go Advanced) → change the Prefix.
- When your issue is fixed: please change the prefix to [Solved].
Which prefix should I choose?
Use the one that best describes your post. If you’re unsure, pick [Help].
- General & Troubleshooting: [Help], [Solved], [HowTo], [Guide], [Config], [Design]
- Labs & Simulators: [Lab], [PacketTracer], [GNS3], [EVE-NG]
- Tools: [Wireshark], [Nmap], [tcpdump], [iperf]
- Network Security: [Firewall], [VPN], [IDS], [BestPractice]
- OS & Infra: [Linux], [Windows], [DNS], [DHCP]
- Home Lab & Hardware: [Hardware], [Switch], [Router], [Cabling]
- Cert Study: [CCNA], [Network+], [Exam], [Study]
- Announcements & Feedback: [Bug], [Suggestion], [Question], [Policy], [Outage]
- Staff-only: [Official]
Good title examples
- [Help] OSPF neighbors not forming between R2–R3 (Packet Tracer)
- [Solved] Inter-VLAN routing on L3 switch — SVI fix
- [HowTo] Wireshark: follow TCP stream + basic filters
- [Lab] GNS3: 3-switch VLAN + Inter-VLAN routing (files attached)
FAQ
I don’t see the prefix dropdown.
- You might be in a forum that doesn’t use prefixes yet. If it should, tell us in Site Feedback.
- Try the Full/Advanced Editor or refresh the page.
- Your usergroup may not be allowed to use certain prefixes (e.g., [Official] is staff-only).
I picked the wrong prefix — how do I change it?
- Open your thread → Thread Tools → Edit Title (or Go Advanced) → choose a new Prefix → save.
Is the template required?
- No. Templates in this forum are optional; prefixes are just a quick label to help everyone.
Quick ask
Please use a prefix when you post and switch to [Solved] when your issue is fixed.
It helps you get answers faster and keeps the forum easy to navigate. Thanks! 🙌