Use the QCLF Unread List

The signed-in Unread list is a database-backed view of accessible Topics whose stored read state has not caught up with their current permanent reply state.

It is permission-aware: inaccessible, deleted, unapproved, or non-published/non-archived Topics are excluded before pagination.

Open Unread

  1. Sign in to the frontend forum.
  2. Open Unread from the Browse tabs.
  3. Open a Topic you want to catch up on.
  4. Return to Unread and confirm the Topic disappears only after your saved read state reaches its current permanent history.

How QCLF Decides a Topic Is Unread

A Topic is unread when no read-state row exists yet, or—when the Topic has permanent replies—when the stored last_read_reply_id does not match the Topic’s current last_reply_id.

A Topic with no permanent replies is considered read after QCLF has stored that you opened it.

How Opening a Topic Advances Read State

When a signed-in member renders a Topic page, QCLF updates last_opened_at and advances the saved last-read permanent reply to the highest reply shown on that page. It never moves the saved reply position backward.

Long Topics are paginated 20 replies per page. If newer permanent replies remain on a later page, the Topic can legitimately remain in Unread until the saved position catches up.

Archived Live History Fits the Same Model

Live-session read state can be mapped into permanent reply read state during archive conversion. Once live Messages have become permanent replies, the normal last_reply_id/last_read_reply_id comparison drives Unread.

Temporary active-live activity is not treated as a permanent reply until archive conversion creates the durable Message history.

Ordering and Privacy

Unread is paginated 20 Topics at a time and orders pinned Topics first, then latest activity, then Topic ID. Only Categories the current user can actually view are included.

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.