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Why: Preview Mode allows you to see your app as a member would, helping you ensure that content restrictions and access levels are functioning correctly before you publish changes.
Navigate: App Station > Preview
Quick Start
Go to the Preview section in App Station.
Select the type of preview: Guest or a specific Access Level.
If choosing an access level, select the desired level from the dropdown.
Click Start Preview to enter preview mode.
Review your app as a member would see it.
Understanding Preview Mode
Preview Mode is a powerful feature that allows you to temporarily view your app as if you were a member or guest. This lets you verify that everything looks and works as intended, ensuring a smooth experience for your subscribers.
How Preview Mode Works
When you enter Preview Mode, your admin session is switched to a preview user session. This means you can see the app exactly as a member would, without needing to log out of your admin account.
Preview Users: These are system-generated users that represent different access levels in your app. For example, if you have a "Premium" access level, a corresponding preview user is created automatically.
Session Switching: Your session is temporarily replaced with that of a preview user, allowing you to navigate the app as they would.
Automatic Expiry: Preview Mode lasts for 15 minutes or until you navigate to another part of App Station.
Benefits of Using Preview Mode
Realistic Testing: You can see how content restrictions are applied and confirm that access levels are functioning as expected.
No Additional Setup: There’s no need for complex configurations; just select the preview type and start testing.
Security: All actions that could modify content are blocked while in preview mode, ensuring that your app remains unchanged during testing.
Using Preview Mode
Starting Preview Mode
Navigate to the Preview section in App Station.
Choose whether you want to preview as a Guest or select a specific Access Level.
If you select an access level, pick the desired one from the dropdown menu.
Click the Start Preview button.
While in Preview Mode
Once you are in Preview Mode, a banner will appear at the bottom of your screen. This banner shows:
The current access level you are previewing.
A countdown timer indicating how much time is left in preview mode.
A quick-toggle dropdown to switch between different access levels.
An exit button to return to your admin session.
Exiting Preview Mode
To exit Preview Mode, simply click the exit button on the banner. You will be redirected back to your App Station dashboard.
Important Considerations
Time Limit: Remember that Preview Mode automatically expires after 15 minutes. If you navigate to any App Station route, it will also end your preview session.
No Modifications: While in Preview Mode, you cannot make any changes to the content or settings. This ensures that your testing does not affect live content.