Free Mod Floating “Start a New Topic” Button for vBulletin 6.1.5+

[glennrocksvb]

The new vBulletin 6.1.5 release introduced a great feature called the Start a Topic Module. This module adds a “Start a New Topic” button that allows users to easily create new discussions in any available forum channel. Because it’s a module, you can place it anywhere on your pages — even site-wide — by adding it to a global section.

This modification takes this new feature a step further:

• It places the Start a New Topic button in a global section near the footer.
• The button is sticky (floating), so it stays visible as users scroll.
• The button label has been simplified to a clean “+” icon for a modern, minimal look.

Here’s an example of how it appears:



To do this, simply drag and drop a Start a Topic module into a global section in Sitebuilder and then copy and paste the below custom CSS in css_additional.css template in each of the active themes your forum is using:

.js-start-new-topic-wrapper {
    position: fixed;
    bottom: 20px; /* adjust the position as needed */
    right: 20px; /* adjust the position as needed */
    z-index: 99; /* adjust value as needed */
}

.js-start-new-topic {
    font-size: 0 !important;
    border-radius: 50%;
    width: 65px; /* adjust the size as needed */
    height: 65px; /* adjust the size as needed */
}

.js-start-new-topic::before {
    content: '+';
    font-size: 4rem;  /* adjust the font size as needed */
    display: inline-block;
    width: 100%;
    font-weight: normal;
}

.js-start-new-topic .fa-plus {
    display: none;
}

.js-start-new-topic .fa-plus::before {
    text-align: center;
}

You may adjust some values according to your preferences.

If you find this free mod helpful, please consider supporting it with a donation.

[Ltvscout]

Thank you, Glenn!

[Mrs.T]

Thanks Glenn

[desmomax]

Great thanks Glenn

[flohse]

Nice little mod. Thanks Glenn.

You should add z-index: 99; in .js-start-new-topic-wrapper, otherwise module titles can be drawn over the floating new topic button like this:

...
.js-start-new-topic-wrapper {
    position: fixed;
    bottom: 20px; /* adjust the position as needed */
    right: 20px; /* adjust the position as needed */
    z-index: 99;
}
....
​

Hope this helps one or another.

[glennrocksvb]

Yeah you may need it if you have a custom style where module headers also have z-index.

By default, the Default Style and other vB6 themes have no module headers with z-index. But if you have a custom CSS that adds z-index to module headers, then you need to also add a z-index to the js-start-new-topic-wrapper with a higher value than that of the module header z-index.

[glennrocksvb]

Did you know that I planned to develop a Sticky Plus Button mod 9 years ago? I just wasn't able to finish it.

https://vbmods.rocks/forum/vbulletin-5-modifications/vbulletin-5-products-and-extensions/527-sticky-plus-button-that-rocks

It's not just for starting a new topic but also for sending a PM, updating status, starting a new search and for jumping to any page.

[glennrocksvb]

I found 2 instances where the + button shows behind some controls in Default Style.




So it's definitely needed to add a z-index to the + button wrapper. I have updated the CSS code in the first post. Please update your code if you have previously installed this mod.

[flohse]

There seems to be a problem on mobile devices (at least in Safari on iPhone with iOS 26.1), see screenshot.



The left floating button is from my cookie consent management addon. On desktop everything is fine.

[glennrocksvb]

flohse, I can't reproduce the issue on my end. I would have to see it on your site to be able to inspect and see what's going on.

[flohse]

The problem seems to occur only in Safari. It does not matter whether on a mobile iOS device or under macOS 26.1.

The issue does not occur in Chrome on Android.

[desmomax]

great . .. installed...

glenn.. what about a mod that include the possibility to share a post.. something like other platform do.. when i click the share icon i can choose if copy the linlk.. whatsapp.. email or other...




i think this is something that miss in vbulletin.. and people are used to have..

what you think glenn?

[Mitch]

There seems to be a problem on mobile devices (at least in Safari on iPhone with iOS 26.1), see screenshot.



The left floating button is from my cookie consent management addon. On desktop everything is fine.

I’m seeing that too



For me it is very distracting to have it there floating on the page, but that is just my opinion. I like the stock VB version up top on the global module

[glennrocksvb]

I have updated the CSS code in the first post to make it work in Safari.

I basically replaced text-indent: -99999px with font-size: 0 !important;

It seems like Safari doesn't like negative text-indent.

[flohse]

This does the trick!

Thanks Glenn.