LayerBB
A lightweight, easy-to-moderate PHP forum, built for small communities and support forums.
What is LayerBB?
LayerBB is an application for building forums and online communities, built in PHP with a MySQL or MariaDB database to store users, topics, posts and configuration. It's lightweight software designed to get a community up and running easily, though its requirements are geared towards a classic LAMP environment.
What is LayerBB for?
- A small or medium community with few active users.
- A support forum to accompany a product or service.
- A discussion area added to an existing website.
Main benefits of LayerBB
Simple installation and administration, with a gentle learning curve.
Its own panel for managing users, categories and topics.
Low resource usage for forums with moderate traffic.
Who should use LayerBB?
Small communities or support forums with moderate traffic that want a simple forum to administer.
Is LayerBB the right choice for you?
It's a great fit if…
- You want a lightweight, easy-to-moderate forum for a small community.
- You need a simple discussion area alongside your main site.
- You've checked that your PHP version is compatible with the LayerBB version you're installing.
It might not be for you if…
- You need a platform with very active development and support for modern extensions — consider phpBB or MyBB.
- Your hosting only allows modern PHP with no way to check MCrypt compatibility.
How to install LayerBB 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 LayerBB
Files are uploaded via FTP or the file manager, and "applications/config.php.new" is renamed to "applications/config.php" before running the web installer, which asks for the details of the MySQL/MariaDB database created beforehand.
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 LayerBB 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 LayerBB.
Install LayerBB today
Choose the professional hosting plan that best fits your LayerBB 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 LayerBB
Does LayerBB work on shared hosting?
Yes, if the server meets the PHP, database, Apache and extension requirements. The trickiest point is usually MCrypt compatibility on modern PHP versions.
What PHP version does LayerBB need?
LayerBB 1.1.4's documentation states PHP 5.5 or higher, though MCrypt isn't natively available on modern PHP, so it's worth checking compatibility before installing.
Is it safe to use LayerBB?
It can be, if you install a reviewed, up-to-date version and pay attention to known security patches in older releases.
Launch your project with LayerBB today
Professional hosting with Softaculous, real technical support and a 60-day money-back guarantee.