How to convert Database to UTF-8 in SMF

If you do not know, SMF stands for Simple Machines Forum. It is built for machines having low resources. However, it provides all the essential features that you can use to save time. It also supports the installation of multiple languages which makes it easier to create a forum for regional interests.

However, to support multiple languages, you must convert your database to UTF-8 type. It is because UTF-8 is an international character set that covers almost all the languages in the world. So, in this tutorial, we will learn how to update the database to UTF-8 in SMF.

To perform this action, you need administrator access. If you have admin access to SMF, login to your admin account and click on the Admin option given in the main navigation bar just like the following image.

On there, you will see a sub-menu below the main navigation bar. In that menu, hover over the Main option to see a drop-down. In that drop-down menu, click on the Administration center option. To make it easier to understand, refer to the screenshot given below.

In the Administration Center, click on the option labeled with text Forum Maintenance.

In the Forum Maintenance section, you will find a menu with few options. From that menu, click on the Database option.

In the Database section, at the bottom of the page, you will find a section dedicated to converting your database to UTF-8. For reference, see the screenshot given below.

Finally, click on the Run task now button to convert your database and data to UTF-8. After performing this action, your forum will be able to support multiple languages with ease.

You can follow our guide if you want to add language in SMF. If you have any questions or queries regarding this tutorial, please let us know in the comment section. If you are an existing InterServer customer, you can contact our support department for help!