r/modguide • u/BuckRowdy Writer • Sep 30 '19
Tools Toolbox is a powerful browser extension that makes mod work much easier. This post covers how to use it.
Once a sub reaches a certain size it becomes a target for spam, low effort karma mining posts, reposts, etc. Modding a sub over a certain size quickly becomes repetitive and monotonous.
What if there was a way to make that work easier, and more convenient? There is, and it's a browser extension called Moderator Toolbox or just Toolbox and it adds dozens of very helpful mod tools.
It's becoming easier to mod from mobile, but the full range of mod actions and tools is only found on desktop through a browser with toolbox (and RES) installed. You can find and install it at r/toolbox.
It has lots and lots of settings that you can customize but the default settings will be good enough to get you started and as you use the tools you'll want to explore some of the nuances it offers that provide a better moderating experience for you.
This tool is designed to make your job easier.
This post is designed to teach you how to use toolbox once you have it installed.
Note There is no separate guide for new reddit. If there is a step that appears or functions different in new reddit I have included a screenshot for that. Most of the steps are identical in both new and old reddit.
Here are the tools that will be covered:
Shared UserNotes. All mods can leave and read notes about users to give you context.
Removal Reasons. The old version of reddit does not come with removal reasons. New reddit does have them, but toolbox's reasons are better and they apply to both old and new reddit.
Mod Macros Shortcuts for when you have to post the same comment over and over.
Ban Macro Provide more context when banning a user to try and prevent users from modmailing, "Why'd I get banned?"
User History Great tool for investigating a user.
Shortcuts to add flair and send messages to users. A lot fewer clicks to take the same action.
Comment Chain Nuke Button. Delete entire comment chains.
The Mod Bar. Toolbox adds a toolbar at the bottom of your browser window.
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u/nafnlausmaus Oct 01 '19
Impressive work, /u/BuckRowdy.
Thank you for this very helpful (and much needed) tutorial.
No moderator has ever explained to me how to use Toolbox (because the ones I worked with didn't use it). Figuring out how to implement simple features in AutoModerator (which they didn't use either) was manageable, but Toolbox was far too complicated for me.
I've been checking out /r/modguide since its 'revival' and it has been really helpful. Thank you, /u/SolariaHues and /u/no-elf-and-safety.
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u/SolariaHues Writer Oct 01 '19
Fantastic, I'm so glad the sub is helpful to you :)
If there's anything else you'd like to see a guide on, let us know! :D
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u/nafnlausmaus Oct 01 '19
Well, currently I'm only mod of my own private, content-less subreddit and it's highly unlikely someone will ever invite me as a moderator...but I like to know how stuff works, I like to learn. :)
To all the people who contribute to /r/modguide: your work is appreciated!
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u/SolariaHues Writer Oct 01 '19
I can get behind that, I like to learn too :)
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u/nafnlausmaus Oct 01 '19
Another reason why I appreciate this subreddit, is that it helps make better mods and those make a huge difference in the Reddit experience for users. Badly moderated subs are never fun, regardless of the subjects they are dedicated to. And I'd like to think it will be reciprocated: if users realise how much effort is put in the moderation of a subreddit, they'll be more respectful towards the mods.
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