Issue: How can I indent paragraphs or make empty spaces in my posts using BB codes?

Method: Use the word filters to create custom BB tags to make text "invisible" so that the illusion of empty spacing is made. If a user highlights or quotes the text, they will see the characters used, but not when viewing the post itself. Because of that little bug in this system, I find that using a series of periods as the text works best.

Use these tags to:

1. indent paragraphs
2. make columns in your post
3. as a "spoiler" technique (user highlights to reveal hidden text)
4. spacing between images in posts
5. create empty spaces anywhere you want them

Here's what I use:

ACP > Administration > Manage Word Filters > Add a new filter:
Word filter (set on Loose). The first symbol ( [- ]) will be your BB code. Put it in the "before" box. It deposits the color tag. Put the actual BB code color tag in the "after box. You will be making two new word filters.

Before - After

You can also make a third one just for paragraph indents:

Colors in the codes above are for the default skin....you can adjust for your own post1/post2 colors by changing the hex number.

• Type in first filter BB code: [- ]
• Type as many characters as you need between the tags to create the empty space.
• Type in second filter BB code: [= ]

Note: once you submit the post, the actuall BB tags will appear. You will have to refresh for the BB tags to kick in and the space to display, but then they function automatically after that.

Alternate javascript method: You might like to use this method if you already have a code to add options to the color drop-down menu. Add the hex color code for your posting background color to the color options in your drop-down menu. Call it something like: "Transparent" or "Invisible". Then just use the BB tag color button and select that to hide your spacing characters. (Be sure to close the color tag at the end of your spacing characters.)