Overview
The Campaign Builder is where campaigns are built, designed, and tested. When you create a new campaign, you’ll be taken directly to the Builder after selecting a template.
Getting There
To open an existing campaign in the Campaign Builder, click on the campaign name from the Home Page or the Campaigns Manager.
Features of the Campaign Builder
Builder Panels
The Campaign Builder consists of four key panels:
1. Add Widgets Panel
The Add Widgets Panel contains all available widgets. Add a widget by clicking its icon or dragging it into the campaign preview area or the Edit Widgets Panel.
2. Edit Widgets Panel
This area displays all widgets added to your campaign. You can rearrange widgets by dragging them up or down. Copy and paste widgets by using your keyboard shortcuts or by using the copy/paste icons at the bottom of the panel. You can undo/redo actions such as rearranging widgets by clicking the arrows at the bottom left of the panel. Lastly, this is the main area you will use to access individual widget settings.
Learn more about the Edit Widgets Panel.
3. Style Panel
Customize the design of your widgets, including background colors, button styling, and fonts.
Learn more about Customizing Your Campaign With the Style Panel.
4. Publications Panel
By default, this panel is hidden; open it by clicking the blue banner or Publish Campaign button at the top of the Builder. This area contains campaign URL(s) and publication settings for landing pages and embedded campaigns.
Customizing Your Layout
The Campaign Builder’s layout can be adjusted to fit your preferences.
Toolbar Settings (Far Left)
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Auto Layout: Automatically positions all panels for optimal placement.
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Add Widgets Panel: Toggle the visibility of the Add Widgets Panel.
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Edit Widgets Panel: Toggle the visibility of the Edit Widgets Panel.
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Style Panel: Toggle the visibility of the Style Panel.
Note: With Auto Layout disabled, you can move panels anywhere on the page. Click and drag the top of a panel to reposition it.
The Builder Toolbar
The top toolbar contains several important controls. In order from left to right you will find the following.
Navigation
Access other ShortStack pages by clicking the three-line "hamburger" icon.
Campaign Name
Click the dropdown to:
- View campaign analytics.
- Duplicate the campaign.
- Create a template.
- Access recent campaigns.
- Start a new campaign.
Campaign Settings
Access additional campaign options via the gear icon.
Learn more in the Campaign Settings help doc.
Widget Editing Controls (Edit On/Edit Off)
Toggle widget editing settings. When editing is off, widgets cannot be edited in the preview area and must be edited via the Edit Widgets Panel. Additionally, you can interact with the campaign in the preview area when the edit mode is off.
Live/Test Entries
Determines the type of entries submitted when testing the form in the Campaign Builder. This does not affect publications, only when submitting entries in the Builder, for example. This can be used when pre-populating entries in the Entry Display Widget or manually submitting entries for a participant.
Mobile Preview
Hover over this icon to generate a QR code to preview your campaign on a mobile device. Keep the page open on your mobile device, and any edits or state changes in the campaign will be automatically reflected. Important: This QR code links to the Builder version of the campaign and is not for promotional use.
Refresh Builder
Reset the campaign to its initial state, similar to refreshing a web browser.
Preview
Hide all panels to view your campaign in preview mode. This is where you will test the campaign as if you were a participant.
Publish Campaign
Click this blue button to make your campaign live. Opens the Publications Panel, which includes publishing settings.
Help
Access the Campaign Builder tutorial, help documentation, help videos, or the support desk.
Manage Your Account
Access your account settings and profile via your profile picture. The dropdown also includes options for Light and Dark Builder modes to adjust the background colors of the Builder interface.
FAQs
How do I save while building my campaign?
The Campaign Builder saves automatically. If you make any changes to the campaign styling, you will need to click the blue save button at the bottom right of the Style Panel.