To change your Wix preview, simply access Preview Mode from the Wix Editor and utilize its tools to view your site across various screen sizes and orientations before publishing.
Understanding Wix Preview Mode
Wix Preview Mode is an essential feature that allows you to see how your website will appear to visitors on different devices without actually publishing your changes. This is crucial for ensuring a polished, responsive design across all screen sizes, from desktop computers to mobile phones. It helps you catch any layout issues, text overlaps, or design inconsistencies before they go live.
Why Previewing is Crucial
- Visual Accuracy: See exactly how your elements, images, and text align.
- Responsiveness: Ensure your site adapts gracefully to different screen dimensions.
- User Experience (UX): Test the navigation, button functionality, and overall flow from a visitor's perspective.
- Error Prevention: Identify and fix design flaws before they affect your live site.
Accessing and Navigating Preview Mode
Accessing and maneuvering within Wix's Preview Mode is straightforward.
How to Enter Preview Mode
To enter Preview Mode, click the "Preview" button located at the top right of the Editor. This instantly switches your view from the design interface to a simulation of your live website.
Exiting Preview Mode
To return to the Editor and continue making changes, simply click the "Back to Editor" button, typically found at the top left of the preview screen.
Adjusting Screen Sizes and Devices
Once in Preview Mode, Wix provides intuitive tools to test your site's appearance on different devices.
Changing Device Views
To view your site in various screen sizes, follow these steps:
- Click the drop-down menu at the top of the preview screen. This menu allows you to select a specific device type, such as Desktop, Tablet, or Mobile.
- After selecting a device, you can drag the handles that appear on the sides of the preview window to manually increase or decrease the width. This allows for precise testing of how your site adapts to custom screen dimensions beyond standard presets.
This functionality is vital for ensuring your design elements remain consistent and user-friendly, regardless of how your visitors access your site.
Key Actions in Wix Preview Mode
Here's a quick overview of the main actions you can perform:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Enter Preview Mode | Click the "Preview" button at the top right of the Wix Editor to switch from editing to a simulated live view of your website. |
| Switch Device View | Use the device drop-down menu (e.g., Desktop, Tablet, Mobile) at the top of the preview screen to see how your site looks on different screen types. |
| Adjust Custom Width | Drag the sizing handles on the sides of the preview window to simulate specific or custom screen resolutions. |
| Exit Preview Mode | Click "Back to Editor" to return to the design interface and make further modifications. |
What to Check in Preview Mode
When previewing your Wix site, pay close attention to the following aspects:
- Layout and Alignment: Ensure all elements are positioned correctly and don't overlap.
- Text Readability: Check font sizes, line spacing, and color contrast on different backgrounds.
- Image and Video Display: Confirm media loads correctly and scales appropriately.
- Interactive Elements: Test buttons, links, forms, and menus to ensure they are clickable and lead to the correct destinations.
- Responsiveness: Observe how elements rearrange or resize when switching between desktop, tablet, and mobile views, especially ensuring content is easily accessible without excessive scrolling.
- Page Transitions: If you have animations or transitions, make sure they work smoothly.
Best Practices for Previewing
- Test All Pages: Don't just preview your homepage; navigate through every page of your site.
- Check Different Orientations: For mobile and tablet views, consider how your site looks in both portrait and landscape modes (if your design allows).
- Simulate Interactions: Click on all interactive elements to ensure they function as intended.
- Compare to Live Site (if applicable): If you're updating an existing site, compare the preview to your current live site to ensure changes are accurate.
- Get Feedback: If possible, have someone else review your site in preview mode for a fresh perspective.
By thoroughly utilizing Wix's Preview Mode, you can confidently publish a professional and responsive website. For more detailed guidance, refer to the official Wix Support Center on previewing your site.
