QCLF Section and Category Limits by Plan
QCLF 1.1.27 limits the number of real Sections and Categories that can be created at lower tiers. Max and All Access remove those numeric structure limits.
The usage calculation deliberately excludes rows marked as sample data, so sample/demo structure does not consume the commercial Section or Category allowance.
Current Limits
| Effective tier | Section limit | Category limit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1 Section | 3 Categories |
| Pro | 2 Sections | 6 Categories |
| Max | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| All Access | Unlimited | Unlimited |
What Counts
The source counts rows in the QCLF Sections and Categories tables where sample_data = 0. A zero configured limit means unlimited.
These are product-wide counts, not per-Section Category limits. For example, Pro allows up to six real Categories total across up to two real Sections.
When a Limit Is Enforced
QCLF checks the current Effective tier and current real-structure usage when an administrator attempts to add structure. Publishing state does not convert a real Section or Category into free capacity; the row still exists and counts unless it is sample data.
After a Downgrade
A downgrade is preservation-first: QCLF should not erase existing Sections/Categories merely because the new tier’s creation limit is lower. The lower Effective tier can prevent additional structure from being created until usage is back within the allowance or entitlement is upgraded.
Do not delete forum structure reflexively just to make the Status screen look smaller. First decide whether the preserved structure is still needed and whether the site will return to the higher tier.
Plan a Clean Structure
- Use Sections for major top-level divisions, not for every subject.
- Use Categories for the working permission/feature boundaries inside those Sections.
- On Basic, design deliberately around one Section and three real Categories.
- On Pro, remember the six-Category allowance is total across both Sections.
- Before changing entitlement, record current structure usage and identify any premium configuration you expect to remain preserved.
Community Discussion
Want to compare forum workflows, share practical QCLF tips, or discuss how other Joomla site owners use this feature? Visit the QC Live Forum Community. For private support, bug reports, account-specific entitlement problems, or feature requests, use the QuantaCade support system.