- Ensure an existing parent board.
- Hover over the parent board’s name to access the 'More options' menu (three dots).
- Click the '+ icon' labeled "Sub Board."
- In the popup, choose your creation method:
- Create Blank Board: Name the sub-board, specify client info, dates, and description.
- Use Templates: Select options like Project Management, HR, Sales, etc.
- Note: Sub-boards inherit parent access permissions by default; this cannot be changed.
- Navigate to your workspace and open the main board.
- Use the 'Add Sub-board' option, usually in the board's menu or settings.
- Name your sub-board, add descriptions, and customize view settings.
- Manage hierarchy with expand/collapse features.
- Download sub-boards as part of the entire package.
- From your dashboard, go to your forum categories.
- Click the 'Show More' icon next to a category.
- Select 'Subcategory' to nest it.
- Drag categories/subcategories for reorganization.
- Click '(+) button' to create a new board.
- Name and describe your board.
- During creation, select to add a sub-board, which functions as a folder.
- Manage hierarchies via the dashboard.
- Have appropriate permissions.
- Sub-boards inherit permissions unless altered.
- Use clear, descriptive names; add explanations.
- Use hierarchical views for ease of management.
- Beam.gg
- [Facebook Community - Trade Secrets]
- phpBB
- Higher Logic
- In SMF, assign permission profiles to boards/sub-boards. Manage who can view, post, or moderate. Create custom profiles, assign membergroups, and adjust permissions at the sub-board level—such as restricting access to moderators or specific groups.
- In monday.com, customize view and permission levels—view-only, edit, comment—for users or groups. Adjust column visibility, filters, and styling to match needs.
- SMF allows theme application at global or board level, modifying colors, fonts, and layouts.
- monday.com supports visual customization via interface settings and views.
- An admin set a support sub-board with restricted access and a distinct theme.
- A project team customized sub-boards for different departments, assigning editing rights and color schemes to enhance clarity.
- Topic Segmentation: Separate forums for different subjects or themes—such as product lines or research topics—facilitate targeted conversations.
- Project Management: Break down projects into smaller units—content creation, design, distribution—for focused task management.
- Delegated Discussions: Smaller groups or breakout teams within larger communities encourage participation and specialization.
- Role-specific Areas: Dedicated spaces for instructors, support staff, or departments streamline communication.
- Content Review: Assign review tasks via subtasks or sub-boards, reducing bias and increasing focus.
- Communities of Practice: Manage regional or thematic groups within a larger community, maintaining coherence.
- Event Planning: Divide event logistics, marketing, and coordination into sub-boards for clarity.
- A UNDP community using email-based groups with subtasks to streamline collaboration.
- An internal team employing subtasks for review stages and approvals, enhancing workflow.
What Is a Subboard and How Does It Differ from a Regular Board?
A subboard, also called a sub-panel or secondary breaker box, functions alongside the main electrical panel but is installed separately to serve specific areas or purposes within a building. Its primary role involves distributing electrical power to zones such as garages, basements, or additions without overloading the main panel. Unlike a regular or main board, which connects directly to utility supply and manages the entire electrical system, a subboard depends on the main panel for its power. It features its own set of circuit breakers that protect the circuits it serves.
The key distinction lies in their connection and capacity: the main board acts as the central hub linked directly to the utility, overseeing the entire load. In contrast, a subboard serves as an auxiliary distribution point, offering expanded circuit capacity, better organization, and localized control. Examples include installing a subpanel in a detached garage for high-demand circuits or in a basement to prevent overloads. According to electrical standards and practical use, subboards are vital for managing complex or large electrical systems safely and efficiently. They provide flexibility and safety by isolating circuits when necessary.
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How to Create and Set Up a Subboard on Your Platform
Setting up a subboard varies depending on the platform. Here are detailed steps for different platforms:
1. Anywhere App
Example: Create a parent board called “Product Launch” with sub-boards for “Market Research,” “Design Phase,” and “Marketing Strategy.”
Source: Creating sub-boards - Anywhere Support
2. Air Platform
Example: In asset management, create a main board “Campaign Assets” with sub-boards like “Social Media Content,” “Email Templates,” and “Banner Ads.”
Source: Explore Boards + Sub-Boards - Air Help Center
3. Wix Forum (Creating a Subcategory)
Example: Main category “Support” with subcategories “Technical Issues” and “Billing Questions.”
Source: Wix Forum: Creating a Subcategory
4. Playbook Platform
Example: Main board “Marketing Campaigns” with sub-boards like “Q1 Campaign,” “Q2 Campaign,” and “Event Promotions.”
Source: Creating a new board - Playbook
General Tips
If your platform differs, specify for tailored guidance.
Benefits of Using a Subboard for Your Community or Organization
Implementing subboards enhances engagement, organization, and management. They enable targeted discussions by categorizing topics, allowing members to find relevant content quickly. For example, Beam.gg recommends subforums like "Introductions," "Resource Library," and "Support" to streamline conversations and reduce clutter.
Subboards also foster deeper connections by recognizing diverse interests. Communities such as Sugar Mama Strong use subgroups to celebrate milestones, building emotional bonds. Micro-interest groups—such as niche sports or professional sectors—keep discussions relevant and engaging.
They help maintain harmony by isolating sensitive or specific topics, reducing conflicts in main groups. For instance, Gay Fathers use subgroups for issues like parenting with disabilities or transitions, minimizing disputes and simplifying moderation.
From an administrative view, subboards improve content management. Moderators assign permissions, monitor activity efficiently, and align the community with its goals. Platforms like phpBB support hierarchical forums with unlimited subforums, enhancing structure and user experience.
Additionally, subboards support growth by offering exclusive spaces. Communities can create VIP sections with special content, incentivizing memberships and boosting loyalty.
Case studies, such as the Discovery Educator Network, show how sub-components empower leaders and streamline communication, strengthening bonds.
In summary, subboards improve content organization, encourage tailored discussions, include diverse interests, ease moderation, and promote community growth.
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Customizing Appearance and Permissions of a Subboard
Yes, platforms allow customization of appearance and permissions; the scope depends on the platform.
Permissions
Platforms like SMF and monday.com offer detailed control:
Appearance
Themes, layouts, and styles customize visual elements:
Examples
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Managing and Moderating Subboards Effectively
Effective subboard moderation involves:
1. Establish Clear Rules
Create straightforward guidelines—cover acceptable behavior, content standards, and moderation policies. Use tools like Watch Words to flag inappropriate language. Keep rules concise and accessible, such as a pinned post or footer link.
2. Implement Tiered Moderation
Assign roles based on community size—Chat Moderators, Bot Managers, Event Coordinators. Larger communities benefit from subdividing responsibilities for efficiency.
3. Develop an Escalation Process
Use a structured approach: warn first, then escalate to suspension. Track infractions systematically. Respond publicly, citing rules and linking to policies. Consistency builds trust.
4. Ensure Fairness
Apply rules evenly, automate flagging, and review moderation actions regularly. Fair treatment sustains community trust and prevents bias.
5. Lead by Example
Moderators demonstrate professionalism—respectful communication, clear explanations. Foster a welcoming atmosphere. Promote self-moderation by highlighting positive contributions.
6. Recruit Volunteer Moderators
Identify active, fair-minded members. Provide training on rules and tools. Recognize their efforts to encourage ongoing participation.
7. Communicate Openly
Address community concerns transparently. Use feedback to refine policies. Conduct reviews and surveys to assess health and moderation effectiveness.
8. Use Automation Tools
Leverage platform features like keyword filters, auto-flagging, role-based permissions. Automate routine tasks to focus on complex issues.
9. Review Policies Regularly
Update rules as community evolves. Communicate changes clearly via announcements or newsletters.
10. Promote a Positive Culture
Encourage good behavior with recognition. Empower community champions to lead example. This approach reduces moderation workload and boosts ownership.
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Organizing Multiple Subboards Within a Main Board: Best Practices
Effective organization involves nesting boards and clear navigation:
1. Nest Boards Hierarchically
Create a main or parent board that contains linked sub-boards for specific sections or phases. For example, a “Product Launch” main board with nested “Market Research,” “Design,” and “Marketing” sub-boards. This structure keeps related information grouped and accessible.
2. Use Navigation Aids
Implement breadcrumbs or navigation tools to show the path through nested boards. Platforms like Milanote display breadcrumbs, enabling users to move easily between parent and sub-boards.
3. Manage Permissions Carefully
Set permissions at the parent level—sharing the main board often grants access to sub-boards. This simplifies access control and ensures consistency.
4. Maintain Consistent Naming
Use standardized labeling and naming conventions across all sub-boards. For example, “In Progress,” “Completed,” or “Pending” status labels help users recognize project states quickly.
5. Automate and Link
Create automations to link cards across boards or notify users of changes. This reduces manual effort and maintains synchronization.
6. Regularly Review and Archive
Periodically clean up by archiving outdated or completed sub-boards. This keeps the workspace organized and focused.
Case Study
A marketing agency manages multiple campaigns with a main dashboard and nested sub-boards for each phase. They use consistent labels, automate notifications, and archive completed projects, boosting clarity and collaboration.
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Common Use Cases for Subboards in Online Forums or Collaboration Tools
Subboards serve to organize discussions, tasks, and content effectively:
Examples include:
Overall, subboards modularize information, foster focused collaboration, and increase transparency—making them invaluable in educational and organizational settings.
Sources:
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