How to Use BBCode

Last Updated: July 18, 2022

BBCode is an extremely simple version of formatting, which many forums and browser-based games allow. While the amount that is usable is always going to be limited, we'll go over a majority of the codes and their effects here. Using this How-to, you'll be an "expert" in BBCode in no time.

1

Make text bold.

Surround text with [b] [/b] to make it bold. Any text between the [b] and [/b] will appear in strong bold letters once you post your message.
- For example, typing [b]wikiHow[/b] will make the word wikiHow bold.

2

Use italics for emphasis or titles.

Surround text with [i] [/i] italicize the selection. Again, make sure you place [i] at the beginning of the text, and [/i] at the end.

3

Underline text to make it stand out.

Use [u] [/u] to underline any string of text. All text between these two tags will have a single underline.

4

Cross out text with the strikethrough tag.

Place text between [s] and [/s] to cross it out. This puts a single line through the text, generally used to suggest that something is no longer applicable.

5

Use the color and size tags to customize the font.

The "color" and "size" tags work a little differently. With these bb codes, you'll specify a color or font size to customize the text between the tags.
- The color tag takes both color names and hex codes. You'll use it like this: color="red"]this text will be red[/color].
  - In the citations, there are links which have lists of colors.
- [size="number"] text here will be the 3 points [/size]

6

Add images to your posts.

The image tag follows the format [img=http://www.LinkGoesHere.com/images/example.jpg] Just replace the sample link with the location of the photo on the web. This displays the image within your post.
- Get an image's location on a site by right-clicking and selecting Properties, then copying the "Image Location". Depending on the browser, the same function can be done by right-clicking and selecting "Copy Image URL".

7

Include a hyperlink to any website.

You'll use the [url] tag to create a hyperlink to a site on the web. For example, [url=http://www.google.com]my own link text[/url] would create a link to Google. When a reader clicks my own link text, they'll go to Google.com.

8

Quote another post in your response.

Surround the text you want to quote with [quote] [/quote] tags. All text within the quote tags will appear in your message in italics.
- Most forums have a Quote button hat you can click to instantly quote another user. You'll rarely have to enter this code yourself.

Community Q&A

Question

How to add two pictures (left and right) in 1 layer?

Nukesh Aravind

Community Answer

Very simple just edit it with MS paint. Just Copy the picture and past it in plain MS office and copy the next picture then past it in the same paint window. You can edit the background in the same way and then you can merge the both in the one single image. You can also try Photoshop if you need it with more effects.
Question

Do you have to download a app before BBCode can work on your system?

Jackson Ferguson

Community Answer

You shouldn't. All modern operating systems support BBCode. If it's not showing, try updating your system.
Question

How to make dropshadows using BBCode?

Bommasani Nagendra

Community Answer

To make a dropshadow using BBCode: Start by placing the text or image in a container (like [div], [span], [p], or [table]). Next, add CSS code for the drop shadow using the [style] tag. The code is: "text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px #000000;". Add this code to the container. Adjust position, blur radius, color, and add more shadows as needed. Add "inset" to create an inset shadow effect. Keep in mind that not all forums support BBCode or CSS, so check first.

Warnings

Don't overuse BBCode. The sites that do allow it generally have some rules controlling the use of it. Read these before attempting to use it.

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Avoid nauseous colors like "vivid orange" and "neon green" when posting, if BBCode is enabled and color is allowed. It's considered spam by some forums, and frowned upon.

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