> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uselayers.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Previewing rules

> Preview merchandising rules on your live storefront before saving or publishing to verify pins, expressions, and targeting settings render correctly.

You can preview a merchandising rule on your live storefront before saving or publishing it. The preview shows exactly how your pins, expressions, and settings will look to shoppers — without affecting production traffic.

## How preview works

When you click **Preview** from the overflow menu on a merchandising rule (during creation or editing), the platform:

1. Takes a snapshot of your current unsaved form state — pins, expressions, scheduling, and all other settings
2. Creates a temporary, hidden copy of the rule that is only accessible via a special preview URL
3. Opens your storefront collection page in a new browser tab with the preview applied

The preview URL includes a `preview_id` parameter that tells the Browse API to load the temporary rule instead of any active production rule. Only someone with the preview URL can see the previewed merchandising — all other visitors continue to see your live merchandising.

## Preview duration

Preview rules expire **one hour** after creation. After that, the preview URL stops working and the temporary rule is automatically cleaned up. If you need to preview again, click **Preview** to generate a fresh preview.

## What to know about preview

* **No save required.** Preview captures your current form state, including unsaved changes. You don't need to save first.
* **No impact on live traffic.** Preview rules are hidden from production. Other visitors see your existing merchandising.
* **Analytics are not recorded.** Browse requests made through a preview URL are excluded from analytics and reporting.
* **Contextual conditions are bypassed.** The preview always shows the rule regardless of any contextual conditions you've configured, so you can verify the merchandising layout from any location or device.
* **One preview at a time.** Creating a new preview for the same collection and sort order replaces any previous preview.

## When to use preview

* **Before publishing a new rule** — Confirm your pins and expressions look right on the actual storefront before going live.
* **While editing an existing rule** — Test changes to pins or expressions without disrupting the current live merchandising.
* **Validating expression logic** — Check that automated groupings produce the product order you expect.
* **Stakeholder review** — Share the preview URL with team members so they can review merchandising changes before you publish.

<Note>
  The preview URL is shareable. Anyone with the link can see the previewed merchandising within the one-hour window, but the preview has no effect on other visitors browsing the same collection.
</Note>

## See also

* [Merchandising Rules](/platform/merchandising)
* [Expressions & Automation](/platform/merchandising/expressions)
* [Pins & Media Overrides](/platform/merchandising/pins)